The orchestra meets all groups of instruments. Types of orchestras

When starting to create a pop orchestra or ensemble, the leader needs to solve a number of organizational issues.
As a rule, the team is formed taking into account the material base of the club institution in which a pop orchestra or ensemble is being created or is already functioning, since the availability of instruments, electronic equipment, and conditions for conducting classes significantly influences the determination of the composition, the nature of the educational and creative process. This is one of the first and important problems, since the correct staffing of a pop orchestra or ensemble is the basis from which the organization begins, and then educational and creative work with the team.

Main groups of instruments

Currently, various types of pop orchestras and ensembles are found in amateur performances. They differ from each other in the composition of their instruments and certain means of timbre and dynamic expressiveness. The organization of pop orchestras and ensembles consists primarily of combining instruments into instrumental groups. In the process of performing musical works, in connection with the content of the music, the characteristics of the musical material, one or another group of instruments is assigned a certain orchestral function: melodic, harmonic, rhythmic, etc. Therefore, depending on the number of instruments in the group and their functions, the main types of pop orchestras can be distinguished and ensembles.
The highest form of amateur musical stage are pop-symphonic, big bands - pop and jazz orchestras, which can perform works of considerable complexity.
A pop-symphony orchestra is characterized primarily by the presence of a string group, a saxophone group, a brass group and a rhythm group, as well as the introduction of additional instruments into the orchestra such as oboe, bassoon, horn, harp and others.
The group of bowed instruments includes violins, violas, and cellos. Unlike a symphony orchestra, the double bass in a pop, jazz orchestra or ensemble is part of the rhythm group.
The saxophone group consists of two altos, two tenors and a baritone. As a rule, performers are proficient in the clarinet, flute and other instruments of this group.
The brass group consists of four to five trumpets and four trombones.
There are two types of rhythm group - complete, including four instruments: double bass or guitar-bass, guitar, drums and piano, organ or synthesizer, and incomplete, including three instruments without a guitar.

Types and characteristics of orchestras and ensembles

There are three main types of pop and jazz orchestras in the practical activities of clubs:
a large orchestra, including five saxophones - two altos, two tenors, one baritone, four trumpets, four trombones, a rhythm group;
medium orchestra: four saxophones - two altos, two tenors or - alto, two tenors and a baritone, three trumpets, one or two trombones, rhythm group;
small orchestra: three saxophones, two trumpets, trombone, rhythm group.
Often, pop and jazz orchestras include instruments such as flute, horn, vibraphone, accordion, and the percussion group is supplemented with timpani, maracas and other percussion instruments.
It should also be noted that in performing practice, a vocal group is introduced into the composition of pop and jazz orchestras, which provides great opportunities for the creative search for new timbre combinations. The organic combination of the human voice and instrument allows us to achieve greater expressiveness and a unique sound color.
Compared to ensembles, pop symphony and pop orchestras have significantly greater colorful and dynamic capabilities. They are typically characterized by the use of more diverse playing techniques - the widespread use of “closed” sounds (mute) in the brass group, a wide variety of timbre and harmonic combinations of instruments.
Pop and jazz ensembles of various compositions have become widespread in amateur performances. An ensemble is considered to be a group in which each group has no more than two instruments, for example two saxophones, two trumpets; or two trombones, etc., that is, in neither group can a three-voice chord be formed. There are cases when the ensemble may have one of the groups, including three or even four instruments. The presence of three instruments in one of the groups does not automatically turn the ensemble into an orchestra.
Of all the varieties of ensembles from three to ten to twelve people encountered in practice, two main directions can be distinguished - vocal-instrumental ensembles and pop and jazz instrumental ensembles of the “combo” type (which means “combination”, “combination” in translation from English).
Vocal and instrumental ensembles performing rock music consist of two or three guitars (solo guitar, rhythm guitar, bass guitar) and drums with the inclusion of wind and folk instruments, synthesizers, etc.
In the practice of amateur pop groups, there are such unusual combinations of instruments that it is sometimes difficult to classify. Therefore, when characterizing instrumental pop and jazz ensembles, we will note the essential aspects of their recruitment in terms of the number of participants and instruments.
The smallest pop or jazz ensemble that can exist as an independent artistic unit, perform instrumental music and provide an accompaniment that is complete from an aesthetic point of view is considered an incomplete rhythm group. It is the basis for creating other types of ensembles. The most typical compositions in amateur and professional art are the following: piano, drums, double bass or guitar-bass; accordion, drums, double bass; accordion, guitar, double bass, etc.
In ensembles performing early jazz music - New Orleans style, Dixieland - the rhythm group includes instruments such as drums, banjo, tuba, and piano. Another type of ensemble is quartets.
To facilitate further characterization of the ensembles, we will take an incomplete rhythm group as the basis of the group, and, therefore, the composition - a rhythm group and a guitar - can be considered an independent ensemble-quartet. The most common quartets in practice are: rhythm group and saxophone, rhythm group and trumpet, rhythm group and clarinet, rhythm group and trombone, rhythm group and vibraphone, etc.
Quintets consist of a rhythm group and two instruments. It is advisable to include various instruments in the composition, this will allow you to obtain more timbre colors and expressive means. The most typical lineups are: rhythm group, trumpet and saxophone; rhythm group, trumpet and clarinet; rhythm group, guitar and saxophone; rhythm group, saxophone and trombone, etc. Similar instruments are often found: a rhythm group and two saxophones; rhythm group and two trumpets; rhythm group and two violins, etc.
Sextets have a rhythm group and three instruments, septets have a rhythm group and four instruments in a variety of combinations. We will not list the rest of the ensembles, we will only note once again that in practice there are all kinds of combinations of instruments, which sometimes are not based on a rhythm group in this sense. It is important that the leader, when creating a group and recruiting it, proceeds from the artistic tasks that the ensemble will solve, following one or another direction of pop, jazz and rock music.

Characteristics of tools

Here is a brief description of the instruments that make up amateur musical pop groups.

Flute

In pop orchestras and ensembles, the large flute is mainly used. This is a non-transposing instrument, notated in treble clef, its range is from the first octave to the fourth octave:

The sound of the flute corresponds to the musical notation.
In the low register, the sound of the flute is dull, somewhat hissing, weak, and rarely used in playing. On average - melodious, transparent, melodious, delicate, quite rich. In the upper one - full-voiced, clear, light. In the high - sharp, whistling. As a rule, the most used range is from C-D of the second octave to F-G of the third octave.
Thanks to its great technical agility and range, the flute is assigned upper voice parts, various virtuoso passages, solos, and pedal.
Currently, this instrument is widely used in amateur musical performances, especially in instrumental and vocal-instrumental ensembles.
The piccolo flute is extremely rare, mainly as a characteristic timbre for creating a musical image in instrumental instrumental numbers and songs.

Saxophone

Thanks to their specific timbre, softness, virtuoso technique, and fairly wide range, saxophones occupy a special place in modern pop orchestras and ensembles. In amateur performances, the most widely used are: alto saxophone (in Es), tenor saxophone (in B), baritone saxophone (in Es) and very in rare cases there is a soprano saxophone, although currently in the practice of professional orchestras and ensembles there is a tendency to bring this instrument to the forefront in the scores of modern music.
Alto saxophone- an instrument with great technical capabilities and expressive timbre coloring.

The alto saxophone sounds a sixth lower than what is written:

The lower register is inexpressive and rough. Medium - bright, full-sounding. The upper one is sharp, tense.
In an orchestra or ensemble, the alto saxophone acts as a solo instrument, performing first or second voices, and a pedal.
Tenor saxophone. The registers and their characteristics basically correspond to the alto saxophone, only the timbre of the tenor saxophone is richer and more expressive than that of the alto:

The tenor saxophone sounds a large nona below what is written:

Baritone saxophone- a less mobile instrument, however, such famous masters of pop and especially jazz as Jerry Mulligan demonstrated virtuoso skill on this instrument. Orchestras and ensembles mainly use the middle register, which is characterized by a rich, velvety, full-bodied and expressive sound. The upper register is dull, and the lower register is rough and heavy:

The baritone saxophone sounds like a major third below the recording:

It is used in orchestras and ensembles as a solo instrument, for performing lower voices, and pedals. In some cases, the baritone saxophone doubles the bass line in the orchestra.
It should be noted that due to the same type of sound production on the saxophone and clarinet, it is advisable to teach a saxophonist to play the clarinet, and offer some of the most capable saxophonists to study the flute.

Pipe

The trumpet in B is used in pop orchestras and ensembles as a high melodic instrument, on which the performer plays with a softer sound than in brass and symphony orchestras. In the group of brass instruments she is the leader. Its timbre is ringing, light and bright. In pop orchestras and ensembles, trumpets with a pump-action mechanism are mainly used.

It should be noted that nowadays, in the practice of both professional and amateur groups, thanks to the improvement of the instrument and the performing skills of musicians, sounds up to D-mi-fa of the third octave are often used.
The trumpet sounds a big second below the recording:

In amateur artistic performances, the middle register is most common, having a bright, expressive timbre, strong sound, and a variety of nuances.
In orchestras and ensembles, the trumpet can perform both wide, melodious melodies, as well as fast passages and abrupt rhythmic figurations. She is the solo instrument, leading the first voices in the group, pedal.
Quite often, mutes are used in playing, giving the sound softness and muffledness, changing the timbre coloring, and helping to enrich the orchestral palette.

Trombone

In pop orchestras and ensembles, a tenor trombone and a tenor-bass trombone with a quarter valve are used. The sound of this instrument is lower and denser than that of a trumpet, and technically it is less flexible. To change the timbre color and sound quality, various mutes are often used.
Trombone parts are notated in bass and tenor clefs. The trombone is a non-transposing instrument, its sound corresponds to the musical notation:

The lower register is technically inactive and has a “dark” sound character; when f is played, a specific crackle appears, which is often used as a kind of timbre color, characteristic of tutti in an orchestra or ensemble.
The middle register - the most common - is distinguished by a full, expressive sound, dynamic mobility from pianissimo to fortissimo.
The upper one is bright, melodious. High register sounds are rarely used due to the difficulty of sound production.
In an orchestra or ensemble, the trombone is used as a solo instrument, to perform the middle and low voices of the group, and pedals. He is also known for performing various backing vocals, especially in musical groups performing traditional jazz and early swing.
Leaders of amateur pop groups, when arranging and teaching how to play this instrument, should keep in mind that the trombone is the only brass instrument on which the chromatic scale is obtained using a rocker mechanism. Reproduction of this scale is achieved through sequential extension of the slide, which lowers the main natural sounds of the instrument. The places where the slide is fixed are called positions. There are seven of them on the trombone.
First position. The slide is pressed tightly to the mouthpiece part, in this position the main natural scale is extracted:

Second position. The slide moves out with the calculation of lowering each natural sound by a semitone:

Third position. The slide lowers the natural scale by a whole tone:

Fourth position. The natural scale is lowered by one and a half tones:

The fifth position lowers the scale by two tones:

The sixth position lowers the scale by two and a half tones:

The seventh position lowers the natural scale by three tones:

Leaders of amateur pop orchestras and ensembles should take into account a number of specific features of this instrument. Thanks to the ability to freely adjust the length of the tube, the rocker mechanism makes it possible to achieve, on the one hand, more flexible and harmonious intonation, and, on the other hand, more thorough development of the musical ear of participants playing the trombone, the formation of their relationship between motor skills and purity of intonation.
Another feature of the trombone is that the design of the instrument allows you to perform various strokes specific only to this instrument, for example, various types of glissando with the help of a slide: glissando to a note, from a note, between notes and other strokes characteristic of pop and jazz music.

Guitar

Currently, pop orchestras and ensembles use two types of guitars: acoustic and electric guitars. The six-string guitar is most widespread in professional and amateur pop groups. It is notated in treble clef and sounds an octave lower than written:

Guitar Range:

Guitar parts, depending on the function - solo or accompaniment - are written with notes or letters indicating the number of beats per bar:

Currently, in practice, a system has developed for notating chords in Latin letters with various digital indices. Almost all instrumentalists use this system, especially in improvisational episodes. Therefore, every musician performing pop and jazz music must know the alphanumeric designation of chords.
Note letter designation:

Capital letters of the Latin alphabet mean a major triad built from a given sound, for example:

A small "m" next to a capital letter represents a minor chord:

The letters “maj” (English - major) mean that a major seventh is added to a major triad:

The letters “dim” (English - dimish - reduced) indicate a diminished chord:

The numbers mean:
7 – minor seventh added to a major or minor triad:

9 - major nona added to the seventh chord:

"Maj 9" means adding a major note to a major seventh chord:

The number 11 means adding a pure duodecima to a major or minor triad, and a minor seventh and a major none can participate in the chord:

The number 13 means the addition of a major tercidecima, as well as a minor seventh, a major nona and a pure duodecima:

Alteration signs next to a capital letter mean an increase or decrease in the fundamental tone by 1/2 tone

(flat) - lowering the fundamental tone by 1/2 tone;
(sharp) - raising the fundamental tone by 1/2 tone.
If accidental signs are next to a number, then they respectively increase or decrease the fifth, seventh, none, etc.:

Flats and sharps can be replaced with “–” or “+” signs:

If there are no numbers next to the capital letter, then the signs “+” or “–” refer only to the fifth:

This is the alphanumeric designation of chords; The exception is chords with a delayed tertian sound. They are designated by the letters sus (suspended - delayed):

The melodic position of the chords on the guitar during accompaniment is not of great importance, the main thing is to maintain voice guidance and register. If there is a need for the exact melodic position of a chord, then you should write out the melody in the notes and indicate the letter designations:

The recording of a guitar part is largely determined by the style of the piece of music. For example, in ensembles performing jazz music, only letter harmony is indicated without indicating rhythm, and in large orchestras the part is written out completely, sometimes only certain episodes are left for improvisational accompaniment.
As a result of technical improvement of the instrument, sound amplification, and the use of electronic effects, the range of expressive means of the guitar has significantly expanded. In pop and jazz orchestras she performs solo and accompanying functions. The guitar can perform solo episodes of a melodic nature, solos using chords, or consisting entirely of chords. There are various types of guitar accompaniment - creating a harmonic background, harmonic counterpoint, emphasizing the most important accents in the rhythmic fabric of the work, simultaneous conducting of bass, harmony and contrapuntal lines, filling pauses in the orchestra, ensemble, pedaling, etc., through the use of various electronic means .

Keyboard instruments

Currently, pop orchestras and ensembles have significantly expanded their instrumentation thanks to the emergence of new keyboard instruments. In addition to the piano, which still holds a leading place in modern pop groups, electric organ, electric piano, electric harpsichord, bass pedals, electric bass, solo synthesizer, string synthesizer, etc. have become widely used in practice.
The parts of these instruments are written in musical notation in different ways, depending on the genre and style of the piece. For example, works of traditional jazz are characterized by improvisational variation accompaniment, while dance music is characterized by duplicating the texture of guitar and bass; In modern music, the improvisational and contrapuntal nature of the presentation of musical material is used. Therefore, when using keyboard instruments, it is necessary to take into account the style of the piece and the characteristics of the instrument. For example, compared to a piano, the sound of electronic instruments is similar to that of a wind instrument; this dictates this or that type of party texture.
In practice, a recording system has developed for piano and keyboard electric instruments, combining the fixation of the letter designation of the harmonic function and bass. On the one hand, this gives the performer a specific idea of ​​the harmonic position of the chord, on the other hand, it provides an opportunity for the performer's creative initiative.
The part is recorded as a fraction, the numerator indicates the harmony, and the denominator indicates the bass:

In orchestral and ensemble tutti, general accents, etc., it is necessary to write out the part completely so that there is no harmonic mud and rhythmic inconsistency. Parts are also assigned entirely to electronic instruments, if a combination with wind instruments is necessary to create a new timbre flavor.
Electronic instruments have a wide range of dynamic means; they are used in orchestras and ensembles to perform solos, counterpoint, pedals, harmonic accompaniment, and create new timbres.

Guitar-bass

A bass guitar is an electric instrument with sound amplification equipment. It, like the double bass, is notated in the bass clef, but sounds an octave lower.
The range of the guitar-bass is two and a half octaves, the strings are tuned in fourths:

In practice, there are two main ways to produce sound: with your fingers and with a pick. Skillful use of electronic tones allows you to achieve both great softness and depth of sound, and a sharp, hard “click”.
The bass guitar, compared to the double bass, has greater mobility; it can be used to perform virtuoso parts characteristic of the rock and jazz-rock styles. In this case, one must very skillfully use timbres and registers, since technical passages in the lower register merge, the perception of individual sounds becomes difficult, and the impression of an unclear sound background is created.
The peculiarity of the guitar-bass is that, thanks to sound-acoustic equipment, you can get a variety of sound effects.
In orchestras and ensembles, it is used to perform solo episodes and create a fairly mobile bass voice.

Double bass

The double bass is built in fourths, notated in the bass clef and sounds an octave lower than the musical notation.
The tool has the following range:

The sound is produced using a bow and plucking the fingers. In pop and jazz groups, the main technique is pizzicato. Its main function is the performance of dynamic bass parts, solo episodes, as well as the creation of counterpoint, a special rhythmic pulsation characteristic of pop-jazz music.

Percussion instruments

Percussion instruments represent a whole set of instruments concentrated in the hands of one performer, as well as a group of instruments that have an independent meaning and a certain pitch.
A drum kit typically includes the following instruments:
-snare drum with stand;
-a large drum with a foot pedal and a soft mallet;
-small tom-tom (alto tom-tom), attached to the bracket of the bass drum;
-large tom-tom (tenor tom-tom) on legs;
-large and small plates on separate racks;
- two small cymbals touching each other using a pedal - “hat”.
In practice, there are sets of drum kits, expanded by increasing the number of tom-toms and cymbals, additional percussion instruments: maracas, triangle, cow (alpine) bell, bongos, etc.
Recording the musical text for drums used to be done with stems in different directions. A new one-style system has now been developed, which greatly facilitates the reading of notes and promotes the rapid assimilation of a piece of music.
Parts for the drum kit are written out as follows:

In the score, the drum parts look like this:

They play percussion instruments with sticks, brushes and soft
with sticks.
The main function of percussion instruments in a pop orchestra or ensemble is to create the rhythmic basis of the work, as well as to perform solo episodes.
The bass drum is mainly used to record the downbeat of a measure, as well as to highlight the rhythmic pattern in individual episodes. In modern music, the bass drum part has become more complex: it often takes part in creating rhythmic counterpoint, and sometimes comes to the fore in the score of a musical piece.
Tom-toms are used in orchestras and ensembles for small solo parts and for creating rhythmic and timbre coloring.
Cymbals are used to fix the meter, enhance the overall sonority at climactic moments, and also to create various timbre and noise effects.
The foot cymbal performs different functions depending on the style of the piece of music. For example, traditional jazz emphasized the second and fourth beats, while modern music emphasizes playing the stick on a closed he-too while the right hand plays syncopations on the snare drum. Scores for pop and jazz orchestras often provide room for improvisation: the parts are not written out completely and the drummer is given the initiative to introduce playing techniques and nuances to his own taste, adhering to the rhythmic basis of the work, style, and character of the piece.

Pop orchestra score

The director's knowledge of all orchestral instruments, their structure, fingering, method of sound production, structure and other features is a prerequisite for the creation and functioning of a full-fledged pop orchestra or ensemble. This knowledge is needed to work with scores written by professional composers and instrumentalists and to prepare your own arrangements.
The score of a pop orchestra or ensemble is a recording of the parts of all instruments that make up a given amateur pop group.
In the score recording of modern pop orchestras and ensembles, regardless of the composition, a certain order of arrangement of instrumental voices has developed. Each part is usually notated on a separate staff. The exception is the parts of wind instruments - saxophones, trumpets, trombones, etc. For these instruments there are two methods of notation. In the first, each instrument is notated on a separate staff (see Table 1).
In the second case, the parts are grouped in pairs, with three and four instruments on one staff (see tables 2, 3).
The staves with the corresponding parts are arranged in a prescribed sequence, one below the other. They are united first by a common accolade, then by group accolades, covering instrumental groups, individual instruments, and sometimes additional accolades that unite the staffs of parts belonging to the same family (see Table 4).
When notating two parts on one staff, it is customary to write the part of the first instrument with the stems up, and the second with the stems down:

With identical rhythmic patterns, two, three, four parts are combined into recordings with one style:

The staves, arranged in a certain order, create a score system that reflects the composition of the orchestra or ensemble, its instrumental groups and individual instruments.
Variants of arrangement of instruments in scores of the most typical compositions are shown in the Appendix.

Organization of pop orchestras and ensembles

One of the problems in creating a group is attracting participants, organizing recruitment into a pop orchestra or ensemble.
The leader, together with the administration of the club or hall, prepares a poster for admission to the group, conducts conversations with people in which he talks about the genres of pop music, explains the goals, tasks of the pop orchestra or ensemble, and the procedure for admission to the team.
It is very important to correctly select participants based on their natural abilities and professional qualities. If novice musicians join the team, then the leader must identify the level of their musical abilities - ear for intonation, sense of rhythm, musical memory, and for those who want to play wind instruments - their physical condition.

Historical sketch

The very idea of ​​a group of instrumental performers simultaneously playing music goes back to ancient times: back in Ancient Egypt, small groups of musicians played together at various holidays and funerals.

The word “orchestra” (“orchestra”) comes from the name of the round platform in front of the stage in the ancient Greek theater, which housed the ancient Greek choir, a participant in any tragedy or comedy. During the Renaissance and further in the 17th century, the orchestra was transformed into an orchestra pit and, accordingly, gave its name to the group of musicians housed in it.

Symphony Orchestra

Symphony orchestra and choir

A symphonic orchestra is an orchestra made up of several different groups of instruments - a family of strings, winds and percussion. The principle of such unification developed in Europe in the 18th century. Initially, the symphony orchestra included groups of bowed instruments, woodwinds and brass instruments, to which were attached a few percussion musical instruments. Subsequently, the composition of each of these groups expanded and diversified. Currently, among a number of varieties of symphony orchestras, it is customary to distinguish small And big Symphony Orchestra. A small symphony orchestra is an orchestra of predominantly classical composition (playing music of the late 18th - early 19th centuries, or modern stylizations). It consists of 2 flutes (rarely a small flute), 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 2 (rarely 4) horns, sometimes 2 trumpets and timpani, a string group of no more than 20 instruments (5 first and 4 second violins, 4 violas, 3 cellos, 2 double basses). The Big Symphony Orchestra (BSO) includes obligatory trombones in the brass group and can have any composition. Often wooden instruments (flutes, oboes, clarinets and bassoons) reach up to 5 instruments of each family (sometimes there are more clarinets) and include varieties (small and alto flutes, Cupid oboe and English oboe, small, alto and bass clarinets, contrabassoon). The brass group can include up to 8 horns (including special Wagner tubas), 5 trumpets (including snare, alto, bass), 3-5 trombones (tenor and tenorbass) and tuba. Saxophones are used very often (all 4 types, see jazz orchestra). The string group reaches 60 or more instruments. There are numerous percussion instruments (although timpani, bells, small and large drums, triangle, cymbals and the Indian tom-tom form their backbone), the harp, piano, and harpsichord are often used.

Brass band

A brass band is an orchestra consisting exclusively of wind and percussion instruments. The basis of the brass band is made up of brass instruments, the leading role in the brass band among the brass instruments is played by the wide-bore brass instruments of the flugelhorn group - soprano-flugelhorns, cornets, altohorns, tenorhorns, baritone euphoniums, bass and double bass tubas, (note in the symphony orchestra only one double bass tuba is used). Parts of narrow-bore brass instruments trumpets, horns, and trombones are superimposed on their basis. Woodwind instruments are also used in brass bands: flutes, clarinets, saxophones, and in larger ensembles - oboes and bassoons. In large brass bands, wooden instruments are repeatedly doubled (like strings in a symphony orchestra), varieties are used (especially small flutes and clarinets, English oboe, viola and bass clarinet, sometimes double bass clarinet and contrabassoon, alto flute and amour oboe are used quite rarely). The wooden group is divided into two subgroups, similar to the two subgroups of brass: clarinet-saxophone (bright-sounding single-reed instruments - there are slightly more of them in number) and a group of flutes, oboes and bassoons (weaker in sound than clarinets, double-reed and whistle instruments) . The group of horns, trumpets and trombones is often divided into ensembles; trumpets (small trumpets, rarely alto and bass) and trombones (bass) are used. In such orchestras there is a large group of percussion, the basis of which is the same timpani and the “Janissary group”: small, cylindrical and large drums, cymbals, a triangle, as well as a tambourine, castanets and tom-toms. Possible keyboard instruments are piano, harpsichord, synthesizer (or organ) and harps. A large brass band can play not only marches and waltzes, but also overtures, concertos, opera arias and even symphonies. The gigantic combined brass bands in parades are actually based on doubling all the instruments and their composition is very poor. These are just multiply enlarged small brass bands without oboes, bassoons and with a small number of saxophones. The brass band is distinguished by its powerful, bright sonority and therefore is often used not in closed spaces, but in the open air (for example, accompanying a procession). It is typical for a brass band to perform military music, as well as popular dances of European origin (so-called garden music) - waltzes, polkas, mazurkas. Recently, garden music brass bands have been changing their composition, merging with orchestras of other genres. So, when performing Creole dances - tango, foxtrot, blues jive, rumba, salsa, elements of jazz are used: instead of a Janissary drum group, a jazz drum set (1 performer) and a number of Afro-Creole instruments (see jazz orchestra). In such cases, keyboard instruments (piano, organ) and harp are increasingly used.

String orchestra

A string orchestra is essentially a group of bowed string instruments in a symphony orchestra. The string orchestra consists of two groups of violins ( first violins and second violins), as well as violas, cellos and double basses. This type of orchestra has been known since the 16th-17th centuries.

Folk Instruments Orchestra

In various countries, orchestras made up of folk instruments have become widespread, performing both transcriptions of works written for other ensembles and original compositions. As an example, we can name an orchestra of Russian folk instruments, which includes instruments of the domra and balalaika family, as well as gusli, accordion, zhaleika, rattles, whistles and other instruments. The idea to create such an orchestra was proposed at the end of the 19th century by the balalaika player Vasily Andreev. In some cases, such an orchestra additionally includes instruments that are actually not folk instruments: flutes, oboes, various bells and many percussion instruments.

Variety orchestra

A pop orchestra is a group of musicians performing pop and jazz music. A pop orchestra consists of strings, winds (including saxophones, which are usually not represented in the wind groups of symphony orchestras), keyboards, percussion and electric musical instruments.

A pop symphony orchestra is a large instrumental composition capable of combining the performing principles of various types of musical art. The variety part is represented in such compositions by a rhythm group (drum set, percussion, piano, synthesizer, guitar, bass guitar) and a full big band (groups of trumpets, trombones and saxophones); symphonic - a large group of string instruments, a group of woodwinds, timpani, harp and others.

The predecessor of the pop symphony orchestra was symphonic jazz, which arose in the USA in the 20s. and created the concert style of popular-entertainment and dance-jazz music. In line with symphonic jazz, the domestic orchestras of L. Teplitsky (“Concert Jazz Band”, 1927) and the State Jazz Orchestra under the direction of V. Knushevitsky (1937) performed. The term “Variety Symphony Orchestra” appeared in 1954. This became the name of the Variety Orchestra of the All-Union Radio and Television under the direction of Y. Silantyev, created in 1945. In 1983, after the death of Silantyev, it was led by A. Petukhov, then M. Kazhlaev. The variety and symphony orchestras also included the orchestras of the Moscow Hermitage Theater, the Moscow and Leningrad Variety Theatres, the Blue Screen Orchestra (director B. Karamyshev), the Leningrad Concert Orchestra (director A. Badchen), the State Variety Orchestra of the Latvian SSR under the direction of Raymond Pauls, State Pop Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine, Presidential Orchestra of Ukraine, etc.

Most often, pop symphony orchestras are used during song gala performances, television competitions, and less often for the performance of instrumental music. Studio work (recording music for radio and cinema, on sound media, creating phonograms) prevails over concert work. Pop symphony orchestras have become a kind of laboratory for domestic, light and jazz music.

Jazz orchestra

A jazz orchestra is one of the most interesting and unique phenomena of modern music. Having emerged later than all other orchestras, it began to influence other forms of music - chamber, symphonic, and brass band music. Jazz uses many of the instruments of a symphony orchestra, but has a quality that is radically different from all other forms of orchestral music.

The main quality that distinguishes jazz from European music is the greater role of rhythm (much greater than in a military march or waltz). In this regard, in any jazz orchestra there is a special group of instruments - the rhythm section. A jazz orchestra has one more feature - the predominant role of jazz improvisation leads to noticeable variability in its composition. However, there are several types of jazz orchestras (about 7-8): chamber combo (although this is the area of ​​the ensemble, it must be indicated, since it is the essence of the rhythm section), Dixieland chamber ensemble, small jazz orchestra - small big band , large jazz orchestra without strings - big band, large jazz orchestra with strings (not symphonic type) - extended big band, symphonic jazz orchestra.

The rhythm section of all types of jazz orchestras usually includes drums, plucked strings, and keyboards. This is a jazz drum set (1 player) consisting of several rhythm cymbals, several accent cymbals, several tom-toms (either Chinese or African), pedal cymbals, a snare drum and a special type of bass drum of African origin - the "Ethiopian (Kenyan) kick drum "(its sound is much softer than the Turkish bass drum). In many styles of southern jazz and Latin American music (rumba, salsa, tango, samba, cha-cha-cha, etc.), additional drums are used: a set of congo-bongo drums, maracas (chocalos, cabasas), bells, wooden boxes, Senegalese bells (agogo), clave, etc. Other instruments of the rhythm section that already hold the melodic-harmonic pulse: piano, guitar or banjo (a special type of North African guitar), acoustic bass guitar or double bass (played only by plucking). In large orchestras, sometimes there are several guitars, a guitar along with a banjo, both types of bass. The rarely used tuba is the rhythm section's wind bass instrument. In large orchestras (big bands of all 3 types and symphonic jazz) they often use vibraphone, marimba, flexatone, ukulele, blues guitar (both of the latter are slightly electrified, along with bass), but these instruments are no longer part of the rhythm section.

Other jazz orchestra groups depend on its type. The combo usually has 1-2 soloists (saxophone, trumpet or bow soloist: violin or viola). Examples: ModernJazzQuartet, JazzMessenjers.

Dixieland has 1-2 trumpets, 1 trombone, clarinet or soprano saxophone, sometimes alto or tenor saxophone, 1-2 violins. The Dixieland rhythm section uses the banjo more often than the guitar. Examples: Armstrong ensemble (USA), Tsfasman ensemble (USSR).

A small big band may have 3 trumpets, 1-2 trombones, 3-4 saxophones (soprano = tenor, alto, baritone, everyone also plays clarinets), 3-4 violins, sometimes a cello. Examples: Ellington's First Orchestra 29-35 (USA), Bratislava Hot Serenaders (Slovakia).

In a large big band there are usually 4 trumpets (1-2 play high soprano parts at the level of small ones with special mouthpieces), 3-4 trombones (4 trombone tenor-double bass or tenor bass, sometimes 3), 5 saxophones (2 altos, 2 tenors = soprano, baritone).

An extended big band can have up to 5 trumpets (with individual trumpets), up to 5 trombones, additional saxophones and clarinets (5-7 general saxophones and clarinets), bowed strings (no more than 4 - 6 violins, 2 violas, 3 cellos) , sometimes horn, flute, small flute (only in the USSR). Similar experiments in jazz were carried out in the USA by Duke Ellington, Artie Shaw, Glenn Miller, Stanley Kenton, Count Basie, in Cuba - Paquito d'Rivera, Arturo Sandoval, in the USSR - Eddie Rosner, Leonid Utyosov.

A symphonic jazz orchestra includes a large string group (40-60 performers), and bowed double basses are possible (in a big band there can only be bowed cellos, the double bass is a member of the rhythm section). But the main thing is the use of flutes, rare for jazz (in all types from small to bass), oboes (all 3-4 types), horns and bassoons (and contrabassoon), which are not at all typical for jazz. Clarinets are complemented by bass, viola, and small clarinet. Such an orchestra can perform symphonies and concerts specially written for it, and participate in operas (Gershwin). Its peculiarity is a pronounced rhythmic pulse, which is not found in a regular symphony orchestra. What should be distinguished from a symphonic jazz orchestra is its complete aesthetic opposite - a pop orchestra, based not on jazz, but on beat music.

Special types of jazz orchestras are the brass jazz band (a brass band with a jazz rhythm section, including a guitar group and with a reduced role of flugelhorns), a church jazz band ( currently exists only in Latin American countries, includes an organ, choir, church bells, the entire rhythm section, drums without bells and agogos, saxophones, clarinets, trumpets, trombones, bowed strings), a jazz-rock ensemble (the Miles Davis group, from the Soviets - “Arsenal”, etc. .).

Military band

Military band, brass band, which is a regular unit of a military unit.

School orchestra

A group of musicians consisting of school students, led, as a rule, by a teacher of primary music education. For musicians it is often the starting point of their future musical career.

Notes

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See what “Orchestra” is in other dictionaries:

ORCHESTRA- (Greek orchestra). 1) everything is connected. several instruments together. 2) a place in the theater where the musicians are located. Dictionary of foreign words included in the Russian language. Chudinov A.N., 1910. ORCHESTRA Greek. orchestra. a) The composition of the choir of musicians... Dictionary of foreign words of the Russian language

The word “orchestra” has been known for a long time. In the ancient Greek theater, the “orchestra” was the place in front of the stage where the choir was located during the performance of the tragedy. Later, a large instrumental ensemble began to be called this, in contrast to a small chamber ensemble (from the Latin “camera” - “room”). Large instrumental ensembles accompanied musical and theatrical performances, or performed independently. In the modern understanding of An orchestra is a large group of performing musicians playing various instruments. The type of orchestra depends on the selection of instruments.

ABOUT orchestra of folk instruments. Different peoples have different instruments, so the composition and sound of such orchestras differ noticeably from each other. The Neapolitan orchestra consists of mandolins and guitars, while the national instrument orchestras of Africa and Indonesia consist mainly of percussion instruments. The orchestra of Russian folk instruments plays domras, balalaikas, gusli, pipes, zhaleikas, horns, button accordions, and tambourines. This is how he was created at the end of the 19th century Vasily Vasilievich Andreev. Now the orchestra of Russian folk instruments includes a group of woodwind instruments, and the percussion group has also been significantly expanded. Such orchestras perform arrangements of Russian folk songs, works specially written for this composition.

Brass band a group of performers on wind instruments (wood and brass or only brass, the so-called gang) and percussion instruments. The brass band is able to perform in any conditions - indoors, outdoors, and even on the move. Thanks to this, the brass band has long been used by the armies of many countries. The brass band originated in the distant past. Even in Ancient Egypt, Persia, Greece, China, and India, solemn religious ceremonies and military operations were accompanied by ensembles of wind and percussion instruments. The first brass bands appeared in Europe in the 17th century. In the second half of the 18th century, they were replenished with instruments of “Janissary” (Turkish) music - large and small drums, cymbals and others. The brass band is still an indispensable participant in cultural and sporting events today.

Jazz orchestra. Jazz is a special phenomenon in the music of the 20th century. It was born from the combination of two cultures - European and African. First jazz bands appeared in America in the 10s of the 20th century. The favorite instruments of these groups were: trumpet, trombone, clarinet, piano, double bass, saxophone, guitar, banjo. In general, jazz willingly uses any instruments. The structure of most jazz pieces resembles a variation form: at the beginning the entire ensemble plays a theme, then there is a series of variations-improvisations, and at the end the theme is played again. The art of improvisation, whimsical rhythm - swing(“swinging”), a special manner of performance, as if dancing - all this at one time stunned and captivated the audience. The names of famous jazz musicians are still heard: singer and trumpeter Louis Armstrong, singer Ella Fitzgerald, clarinetist Benny Goodman, pianist Duke Ellington.

Variety orchestra– uses a variety of types of compositions, including those characteristic of jazz. The most common type is the pop-symphony orchestra. Pop instrumental music differs from jazz in its greater simplicity and melody, and lack of improvisation. Pop orchestras often perform dance and entertainment music, arrangements of songs, and arrangements of classical works.

Symphony Orchestra developed in the second half of the 18th century. Musicians have been searching for the best combination and relationship of instruments for a long time. At first, their selection in the orchestra was not precisely established and could vary significantly. The founders of the classical symphony orchestra become

J. Haydn and W. A. ​​Mozart, in whose work it took shape as a union of four instrumental groups: bowed string, woodwind, brass And percussion. The basis of the orchestra has remained unchanged to this day, but over the past centuries its composition has been constantly enriched with new instruments, and the already known ones have been improved all the time. The symphony orchestra has the widest expressive possibilities.

Any orchestra is a large group of performing musicians; their coordinated play is impossible without conductor(from the French “to direct, to manage”). Before his eyes score - notes in which the parts of all instruments are written. Based on the score, the conductor shows the musicians the time of their entry, counts the beats, uniting everyone into a single ensemble, and presents his understanding of the content of the work. The conductor did not always have a light baton in his hands. At first, the conductors loudly beat time with a battuta (stick), some tapped their feet, or rolled up notes. Often the orchestra was led by the first violinist - bandmaster using a bow for this. The conductor's baton appeared in the hands of the conductor at the beginning of the 19th century. And Richard Wagner was the first to turn his face to the musicians.

Tasks:

1. Which orchestra often plays outdoors, and why?

2. What orchestra did V. Andreev form?

3. Which orchestra can have any composition of performers,

and most importantly – improvisation and swing rhythm?

4. Which orchestra performs symphonies, symphonic poems,

suites, overtures?

5. Why does an orchestra need a conductor?

An orchestra is a large number of musicians who simultaneously play different musical instruments. An orchestra differs from an ensemble by the presence of entire groups of individual types of musical instruments. Quite often in an orchestra, one part is performed by several musicians at once. The number of people in the orchestra may vary, the minimum number of performers is fifteen, the maximum number of performers is not limited. If you want to listen to a live orchestra in Moscow, you can order tickets for the concert on the website biletluxury.ru.

There are several types of orchestras: symphony, chamber, pop, military and folk orchestra. They all differ from each other in the composition of their musical instruments.

A symphony orchestra must have strings, winds and percussion instruments. Also in a symphony orchestra there may be other types of musical instruments that are necessary for the performance of a certain piece. A symphony orchestra can be large or small, it all depends on the number of musicians.

In a chamber orchestra, musicians play wind and string instruments. This orchestra can perform musical works even while moving.

In addition to the instruments used in a symphony orchestra, the variety orchestra includes electronic musical instruments. For example, synthesizer, rhythm section, etc.

A jazz orchestra uses wind and string instruments, as well as special rhythm sections that perform only jazz compositions.

The folk music orchestra uses ethnic musical instruments. Russian groups use the balalaika, button accordion, zhaleika, domra, etc.

The military orchestra includes performers who play percussion, as well as wind musical instruments, namely brass and wood. For example, on trumpets, trombones, serpents, clarinets, oboes, flutes, bassoons and others.