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The Classical Orchestra

Instrumentation

The classical orchestra typically consisted of four sections: strings, woodwind, brass and

percussion. Overall the classical orchestra shows the point where the orchestra was at its

smallest; the orchestra continued to grow into the modern orchestra that we have today.

Strings:

In the classical orchestra, the strings has various different instruments; first violins, second violins,

violas, cellos and double basses. Typically in the classical orchestra, the strings, especially then

first violins, carry the melody line, in contrast to Beethoven’s 1st symphony which showed the

woodwind section carrying the melody line. The double bass was normally played with a bow in

the classical orchestra, while the violins were both bowed and plucked (played pizzicato). Because

the string instruments are made of wood, the wooden body resonates the sound.

Woodwind: 

The woodwind section is made up of four instruments; flute, oboe, clarinet and bassoon. In a

classical orchestra there is usually two of each instrument. The main differences between the flute

and other woodwind instruments are that it is played to the side, and does not have a reed. Thiscreates a different timbre; it is more ‘airy’ compared other woodwind instruments that are more

piercing. Though these instruments aren’t usually used as instruments that carry the melody line,

Beethoven chose to accentuate their role in the 1st symphony, which was a bold decision. Through

the symphony, the oboe and clarinet have a main role in creating a melody. This took the attention

away from the violins which would usually carry the melody line.

Brass: 

In the classical era, the brass section was very basic, just made up of two French horns and two trumpets.

These instruments themselves were very basic, because in the time of Beethoven, they didn’t have any

valves. This made the parts for the brass section very simple, as shown in Beethoven’s 1 st Symphony.

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Sonata Form

Sonata form has three main sections: the exposition (where the melody the sonata is based on

begins), the development (where the melody is changed) and the recapitulation (where the original

melody is compared to the new melody).

The Classical EraBeethoven’s contemporaries: 

Joseph Haydn Franz Liszt Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Beethoven’s first symphony was thought of as controversial at the time, as the introduction was

particularly unusual compared to other symphonies of the time. This was because of his lack of 

settling in the key signature, as he started in a completely different one to the title of the piece,

which was titled a symphony in C major. This lack of clarity was completely different to what other 

composers of the era had dared to do; this shocked the audience. He added to the controversy by

bringing out the woodwind section by allowing them to carry the melody line. This went against thenorm of most classical pieces which have the violins carrying the melody line. The antiphonal

exchange between the woodwind section and the strings accentuates the woodwind’s importance

in the piece.