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The string section is the basis of the orchestra and the one consistent component of orchestras down the ages. The range of expression available and the great stamina of strings makes them a powerful tool. The typical orchestra has 16 First Violins, 14 Second Violins, 12 Violas, 10 Cellos and 8 Double Basses, but of course numbers vary depending on the requirements of a particular piece or venue or conductor. The Principal of the First Violin section is also the Leader of the orchestra. The highest instrument in the string section, and also the most numerous the violin is the key to the string section sound with its ability to play melodies of all types and also create accompanying textures. Not simply a big violin, the viola has its own distinct qualities and serves an essential function in orchestral music. Its tone is thicker and darker than the violin which makes it perfect for providing resonant solo passages in the middle of the orchestral range
The cello is the tenor voice in the string section and can play an octave lower than the viola. Perhaps more than any instrument the cello sound can create a melancholy mood, but it is far more than a bass line instrument as its wide range means one minute it can be playing a bass line and the next a melody that is high enough for the rest of the orchestra to move underneath The double bass is the largest string instrument in the orchestra and with its warm, deep tones it is often thought of as supporting the rest of the orchestra |
Click here to Jump to the following sections: Find out how the string section sits! Click here to vist the sound sample section and listen to string sounds Click here to read an interview with violinist Gil Shaham in Backstage Click here to listen to orchestral examples of the string section |
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Our new string technique section will focus on areas that apply to all string instruments. |
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The
Violin
The
viola
The
cello
David
Watkin discusses cello techniques complete with musical examples, tips
for cellists and insights into the history of the instrument.