Full Description
Where would classical music be without the orchestra? Whether they are of the symphony or chamber variety, every orchestra is made up of a group of musicians playing together as one body to bring the music of the great composers to life. This handy reference guide from Classic FM takes you on a whistle-stop tour of the greatest orchestras at home and abroad, stopping off to explore the world of orchestral instruments, as well as making plenty of musical recommendations along the way. The orchestra is one of the cornerstones of classical music, beloved of music lovers around the world. Packed full of essential information, this pocket-sized handbook explores the make-up and functions of the different sections, from strings to percussion, as well as some of the greatest orchestras around the world and the incredible music that they perform. Classic FM's Handy Guides are a fun and informative set of introductions to standout subjects within classical music, each of which can be read and digested in one sitting: a perfect collectible series whether you're new to the world of classical music or an aficionado.
Contents
Contents Introduction vii Preface ix 1 Back at the Beginning 1 2 The Conductor 5 3 The String Section 13 4 The Brass Section 19 5 The Woodwind Section 23 6 The Percussion Section 29 7 Great British Orchestras 39 8 Great Orchestras of the World 65 9 The Music Orchestras Play 75 About Classic FM 89 About the Author 93 Index 95
