Introduction
Use the menu on the left to explore each of the main sections of the orchestra: woodwind, brass, percussion and strings. To illustrate each section there are numerous clips from Philharmonia Orchestra CDs, showing some of the many ways in which composers write for the sections of the orchestra.
Find Out Where The Sections Sit
Where do the sections of the orchestra sit? This page uses a diagram and an animated photo taken from above the orchestra to show you how the sections are usually set out. The layout has evolved over centuries to create a balanced stereo effect, but it still varies from one concert to the next, because different pieces have different numbers of instruments and most conductors will have their own idea of how they want the sounds of each section to balance....[more]