Instruments and Orchestration Flashcards
6 cards from real Music and Performing Arts practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Instruments and Orchestration flashcards as text
What term describes the art of arranging music for an orchestra?
Answer: Orchestration
Orchestration is the art of assigning musical lines and timbres to specific instruments within an ensemble or orchestra.
A standard symphony orchestra is typically divided into how many main sections?
Answer: 4
A standard symphony orchestra has four main sections: strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion.
What is the function of the mute on a brass or string instrument?
Answer: To dampen or alter the tone quality and volume
A mute is a device attached to a brass bell or string bridge to dampen the sound and alter its tonal character.
Which instrument was Antonio Stradivari famous for crafting?
Answer: Violins and cellos
Antonio Stradivari (c. 1644–1737) of Cremona, Italy crafted violins, violas, and cellos prized above all others.
In a string quartet, which instruments are included?
Answer: Two violins, one viola, one cello
A string quartet consists of two violins, one viola, and one cello — a standard chamber music ensemble.
What does 'col legno' mean as an instruction for string players?
Answer: Strike or bow with the wooden part of the bow stick
Col legno instructs string players to strike or bow the strings with the wooden stick of the bow rather than the hair.