B.

ASSIGNMENT

 Make a research about an orchestra.

An orchestra is a group of musicians
that includes string, brass, woodwind, and
percussion sections. The term orchestra comes
from the Greek word orchestra, which refers
to the semicircular area in front of the ancient
Greek stage dedicated for the chorus in
theatrical performances. Small instrumental
ensembles were sometimes referred to as
bands in fifteenth-century Europe, and they
could consist of as few as four or five players.
From 1600 until 1900, the orchestra
developed through accretion, although it has
remained relatively unchanged throughout the twentieth century.
 What are its characteristics?
The orchestra is a huge instrumental ensemble that represents one of Western
music's most traditional genres. Woodwinds, brass, percussion, strings, and keyboards
are the five sections of a typical orchestra. The strings section is usually the largest
and carries the melody most of the time.
 How many members are there?
A modern full-scale symphony orchestra has about one hundred permanent
musicians, with 16–18 first violins, 16 second violins, 12 violas, 12 cellos, 8 double
basses, 4 flutes (one with piccolo as a specialty), 4 oboes (one with English horn as a
specialty), 4 clarinets (one with bass clarinet as a specialty, another with high
clarinets), 4 bassoons (one with double bassoon as a specialty).
 What is the role of the conductor?
The conductor's main responsibilities include unifying the performers, setting
the tempo, executing clear preparations and beats, listening critically and shaping the
ensemble's sound, and controlling the interpretation and timing of the piece.
 Who was Richard Strauss?
Richard Strauss was a well-known classical composer who was born in
Munich, Germany, on June 11, 1864. He was well-versed in classical composing
techniques from a young age and is regarded as one of the most illustrious composers
of the first half of the twentieth century. Romanticism was a key motif in Strauss'
music, with a special harmonic touch ingrained in the intricacies of German classical
compositions at the time. Before attempting to compose a large-scale piece, he was
also well equipped with excellent piano, violin, theory, harmony, and orchestration
techniques. Strauss composed some of the most sought-after and inspirational
compositions during a career that spanned nearly five decades, limiting his creative
styles to opera, concertos, chamber music, and symphonic pieces.