Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Have you ever wondered what the job of the concertmaster is? Do you know the origin of the conductor's "baton"? Any idea who wrote the very first opera?
If you have a question about music, whether general or specific, about one
of the works we perform or any other piece of music, email us, and we will do our best to answer.
- What is a chamber orchestra?
- How large is a chamber orchestra?
- What is the difference between a symphony orchestra and a chamber orchestra?
- What is the difference between a symphony orchestra and a philharmonic orchestra?
- Different orchestras are seated differently. Why?
- Why does the conductor hold a stick to conduct? What is the role of that stick?
- What is the origin of the baton?
- What instruments are found in a chamber orchestra?
- Violins & violas look exactly the same. In what respects are they different?
- What type of music does the Oakville Chamber Orchestra play?
- Who is the player who gets to shake hands with the conductor?
- What exactly does the Concertmaster do?
- String players seem to be very synchronized when they are playing. How do they do this?
- How does the Concertmaster ‘tune’ the orchestra?
- What qualities does a good section leader possess?
- How often do the orchestra musicians get together to rehearse?
What is a chamber orchestra?
A chamber orchestra is a small orchestra.
We say “Chamber”, because many years ago, those orchestras played in peoples’ “chambers” (large living rooms).Just like today, people have a stereo system at home for entertainment, Kings, Princes, Dukes, etc had orchestras to play and entertain their guests.
How large is a chamber orchestra?
The size of a chamber orchestra really depends on the repertoire, period and style of music that is being played. It can be a small as five players and as large as 40 players.Your OCO has a core of members
What is the difference between a symphony orchestra and a chamber orchestra?
Basically a symphony orchestra is a large chamber orchestra. At the time of Haydn & Mozart, the orchestras were all chamber orchestras. As composers wrote more complex symphonies and wanted bigger sounds, and the performing halls became larger, the orchestras increased in size and became “symphony orchestras”.
What is the difference between a symphony orchestra and a philharmonic
orchestra?
They are the same. The difference used to lie in the source of financial support. Symphony orchestras were supported by the state, where as philharmonic orchestras were paid for by individuals (philanthropists).
Different orchestras are seated differently. Why?
Orchestras originally had the violins on opposing sides (which is the seating that OCO uses). When the first recordings were made, recording engineers found it much easier to balance the sound when are high pitch instruments (violins) were on the same side and the low instruments (cello & Bass) on the other side. That seating became the standard modern orchestra seating.
Why does the conductor hold a stick to conduct? What is the role of that
stick?
Not all conductors use a stick (called baton). It is used to make the gestures easier to see for the orchestra and allow the conductor to produce small movements yet be very clear. The baton really serves as an extension of the conductor’s arm and hand.
What is the origin of the baton?
Jean-Baptiste Lully was the first musician to use a baton to direct his orchestra. He used a long stick with which he hit the floor to keep the pulse. Unfortunately, one day he hit his foot, which became infected and turned into gangrene. The baton then became what it is now: and extension of the conductor’s arm.
What instruments are found in a chamber orchestra?
The instruments found in a chamber orchestra include violin, viola, cello, bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn, trumpet, percussions, harpsichord, organ, etc. We also sometimes find trombones & tuba, but those are usually found in the larger symphony orchestra.
Violins & violas look exactly the same. In what respects are they different?
Yes, they do look the same, but… the violin plays higher notes than the viola. The viola is slightly larger and is deeper pitched and plays lower notes. Violins often play the melody where as violas tend to play inner parts that support the melody. We could compare the violins to the sopranos in a choir and the violas to the altos or tenors.
What type of music does the Oakville Chamber Orchestra play?
Mostly classical music written after 1600.
Who is the player who gets to shake hands with the conductor?
It is the Concertmaster.
What exactly does the Concertmaster do?
The Concertmaster plays a very important role in the success of the orchestra. He or she has the following responsibilities:
- to be the principal violinist
- to assist the conductor with technical aspects of string playing
- to lead the orchestra in warm ups and sectionals
- to prepare the “bowing” for the orchestra
- to tune the orchestra prior to the conductor coming on stage
- Help audition new players
String players seem to be very synchronized when they are playing. How do they do this?
The players have been given the “bowing” for the music that they are playing i.e. the up and down stroke of the bow. By following identical bowings, the players produce a similar sound and phrasing.
How does the Concertmaster ‘tune’ the orchestra?
An instruments, usually the oboe, plays the note A, then the Concertmaster will have the orchestra tune each of their instruments to that note. When a piece is played with piano, then the piano gives the note A.
What qualities does a good section leader possess?
Lots of things go into being a good leader!
First of all, the leader must know the music very well so, practicing is very important. The job as a section leader is to communicate the conductor’s ideas to the section. He/she ensures the parts are accurately marked, is aware of the bowings, the proper phrasing, and helps the section play well together
How often do the orchestra musicians get together to rehearse?
It depends on the orchestra. Most professional orchestras meet twice a day for two to three days before a concert. For example, rehearsals will start on Thursday morning and continue until the Saturday when the concert takes place. Most non-professional groups meet weekly and produce between three and five concerts a year. Your Chamber Orchestra usually meets every second week and rehearses for 2 and a half hours.
In all orchestras, members must practice at home before the first and then between each rehearsal. Individual home preparation is probably the most important aspect of being part of an orchestra.
