The Orchestra

The String family

Recap of last week

The main stringed instruments of the orchestra

These stringed instruments can be all played using a bow

Bow is drawn across the strings to produce sound

Arco

The bow is made from wood and horse hair

Stringed instruments can also be plucked to produce sound

Pizzicato Arco

The Violin

Smallest of the string family

Highest sound

Most plentiful in orchestra

4 strings

First and second violins

Fits under chin while being played

Cora Venus Lunny, Nigel Kennedy and Vanessa Mae

Parts of the Violin

The Viola

Bigger, longer than violin

4 strings

Strings thicker and longer

Deeper and lower – warm tone

Fits under chin while being played

Brian Lee, Casimer Ney, Lionel Tertis

Parts of the Viola

The Cello

Large instrument

4 strings

Longer, thicker strings

Played with a shorter, thicker bow

Sit to play cello – rest against knees

Propped by up on floor by a spike

Aisling Drury-Byrne and Julian Lloyd Webber

Parts of the Cello

Double Bass

Largest of the family

Player usually stands or sits on a high stool

4 strings

Very long and thick strings

Very deep sound – rich and full

Often plucked – pizzicato

Rarely gets a solo

Parts of the Double Bass

Next week…..The woodwind family…..