Orchestral music is just that - it is written for the instruments of the orchestra, and usually refers to a fairly large grouping of players. Smaller groups are often referred to as chamber ensembles. Orchestras are made up of distinct families of instruments: the wind instruments, such as piccolo, flute, oboe, english horn, clarinet, and bassoon; the brass instruments, such as trumpet, french horn, trombone and tuba; the stringed instruments, such as violin, viola, cello and double bass. Additionally there is often a percussion section featuring instruments such as timpani, crash cymbals, triangle, gong and tubular bells, for example, as well as instruments like the piano and the harp. Such ensembles can reach numbers of well over 80 - 90 players, depending on the needs of the piece, and, well, the budget! Some of my favourite orchestral works are by Prokofiev, Holst, Shostakovich and Hindemith, who are all from the late 19th century to mid 20th century era of classical music.

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