a large ensemble that is central to the Western Classical Tradition, consisting of strings, woodwind, brass and percussion instruments

instruments with strings that are normally played with a bow, including the violin, viola, cello and double bass

instruments that produce sound through blown air, including the flute, clarinet, oboe and bassoon

metal instruments with valves or slides that produce sound with air, including the trumpet, trombone, French horn and tuba

instruments that produce sound by being struck or hit, including drums, cymbals, xylophones and many others

Arco

British English CC

Pizzicato

Piccolo

Bass clarinet

Oboe

Cor anglais

Trombone

French horn

The orchestra

Music

An introduction to the Western Classical tradition

Music for small ensembles

The voice in Western classical music

Harmony and tonality in Western classical music

This unit introduces pupils to the Western Classical Tradition. It explores chamber, orchestral and vocal ensembles, musical features and key composers from the Baroque, Classical and Romantic periods, and takes a broad look at tonality and harmony across these periods.

The Western Classical Tradition (1600-1910)

very large, with many brass and percussion

mostly strings, with a few woodwind or brass, plus harpsichord

Which best describes the Baroque orchestra?

larger, with more woodwind, brass, percussion, but no harpsichord

Which best describes the Classical orchestra?

huge, with large woodwind, brass, percussion sections and dramatic variety

Which best describes the Romantic orchestra?

larger, more woodwind, brass, percussion, no harpsichord

huge, dramatic, wide variety of instruments

Which instrument family took on more important roles as the orchestra grew?

Which is the correct order of the three periods?

a large ensemble of strings, woodwind, brass, and percussion

Which family of instruments includes violin, viola, cello, and double bass?

Which family of instruments produces sound by blown air, such as flute, clarinet, oboe, and bassoon?

Which instrument family includes trumpet, trombone, French horn, and tuba?

Which instrument family includes drums, cymbals, and xylophones?

Which instrument was central to the Baroque orchestra but disappeared in the Classical period?

Starter Quiz

What is an orchestra?