Related links
History of the Orchestra
A chamber orchestra usually includes 40-50 musicians.
A symphony orchestra is much larger, involving 80-100 musicians.
The Baroque Period (1600-1750)
The earliest orchestras were smaller than the ones we see today. Composers like Handel and Bach wrote music for stringed instruments, with a harpsichord or bassoon. The only woodwind instrument that was commonly used was the oboe and there were no flutes or clarinets. Brass instruments were only played at military or special occasions.
The Classical Period (1750-1820)
The orchestra grew bigger and composers like Mozart and Haydn wrote for flutes, clarinets and trumpets. They decided they didn't really like the harpsichord and so it was abandoned.
The Romantic Period (1820-1900)
All of the sections of the orchestra were bigger and new instruments were used such as the bass clarinet and contra-bassoon. Pianos, percussion and harps made their debuts into the orchestra.
The 20th Century
Experimentation became very important and sometimes very strange instruments were added to the orchestra, such as wind machine, milk bottles and vacuum cleaners! Percussion became even more important and the string and woodwind sections were divided into more parts for added excitement.
