instruments
String family
Violin
The Violin is the smallest and highest-sounding instrument in the string family. The violins are divided into two groups called first violins and second violins. The leader of the orchestra plays in the first readings. The violin fits under the chin and played with a bow, it can also be played by plucking the strings with your finger called pizzicato. The strings are stretched over a bridge. A well known violinist is Alan Smale.
Viola
The Viola is a little larger than the violin. It has a lower and warmer tone. It is pitched a fifth lower than the violin. The viola also fits under the chin while played. As the viola is a fifth lower than the violin it plays best extra legger lines. As these notes are difficult to read and take up too much space on musical paper, new clef was designed MIDDLE C.
Cello
The cello is a large instrument with long, thick strings creating a low deep sound. The player sits to play the instruments, which rests against his or her knees propped up on the floor by a spike. It has a beautiful warm sound, that suites slow melodies. Famous cellist is Julian Lloyd Webber.
Double Bass
The double bass is the largest of the string instrument. The player usually stands or sits on a high stool. The strings of the double bass are very long and very thick, giving it a very deep sound. The player often plucks the strings and this makes it sound rich and full.
The double bass rarely gets a solo to play, but it does have a long solo ''The Elephant'' .
The double bass rarely gets a solo to play, but it does have a long solo ''The Elephant'' .
Woodwind family
Flute
The flute does not have a reed, but is held sideways and the player blows across an opening at one end. The flute has a dear, pure sound. A famous Irish flutist is James Galway.
Oboe
The oboe has a range of nearly three octaves. The oboe has a double reed. as the player blows, the two reeds vibrate against each other. This gives the sound a nasal or reedy quality. A famous oboist is David Agnew.
Clarinet
The clarinet has a single reed which vibrates against the mouthpiece. It is one of the most versatile orchestra instruments. It is as agile as the flute and can play very fast passages with ease. It has the largest range of all the woodwinds and has a very expressive tone. John Finucane is a well-known Irish clarinet player.
Bassoon
The bassoon is the largest of the woodwind instruments and makes the lowest sound. Like the oboe it has a double reed which is fitted into the end of the mouthpiece or a 'crook'. The bassoon used to create humorous effects.
brass family
Trumpet
The trumpet is the smallest of the brass instruments and can play the highest pitch. It has valves that change the length of tubing, which in combination with air speed and lip buzzing, produce different pitches.
The trumpet makes a very bright sound. It is often used for military and ceremonial occasions. Sounds can be softened or changed by using a muter that is placed in the bell. A famous trumpeter is Niklas Eklund.
The trumpet makes a very bright sound. It is often used for military and ceremonial occasions. Sounds can be softened or changed by using a muter that is placed in the bell. A famous trumpeter is Niklas Eklund.
Horn
The horn was first used in hunts. It is like a long piece of brass pipe which is coiled around in a circle. The sound of the horn is smooth and rounded and is particularly good for playing slow, romantic melodies.