My Favourite Instruments from Each Section of the Orchestra

Orchestras are a rich and diverse collection of instruments, each contributing uniquely to the overall sound. In this article, I will share my favorite instruments from each section of the orchestra, providing some context and personal perspectives on why these instruments are special to me.

The Flute Section

The flute is the soprano voice of the woodwind section, but in the orchestra, the bass flute is a fascinating instrument. It adds a deep and resonant low sound that is rarely heard, enriching the musical texture. While the bass flute has a limited part to play, the potential it holds for new and experimental music is exciting.

The Oboe Section

The oboe is often the heart of the woodwind section, and the English horn is its darker, more somber voice. It is an instrument that can convey a wide range of emotions, from piercingly beautiful to hauntingly mournful. Its rich, dark sound is perfect for creating moving harmonic progressions and dramatic musical moments. One could say it's like the oboe's big brother with a more tender, melancholic quality.

The Clarinet Section

The clarinet family is known for its versatility and expressive range. The contra bass clarinet is a rare gem in the orchestra world. Its deep, powerful sound is capable of producing thunderous effects. It may not have a common part in orchestral scores, but its presence when used is truly remarkable, adding a unique dimension to the music.

The Bassoon Section

The bassoon, with its deep and complex tone, is a favorite of many musicians. The contra bassoon, with its even lower register, adds a profound depth to the bassoon's sound. In playing bassoon, the ability to support the rich bass sound of the orchestra is crucial. My favorite bassoonist is the player who can make the instrument sing with elegance and power.

The Horn Section

The horn is one of the most versatile instruments in the orchestra. The standard horn in any register can be played with breathtaking beauty, but the bass horn stands out for its deep, resonant tones. Its role in creating expansive and majestic soundscapes cannot be overstated. Listening to a bass horn in a symphony can be an awe-inspiring experience.

The Trumpet Section

Among the brass instruments, the bass trumpet is a blissful addition to the orchestra. Its deep, rich sound is perfectly balanced and enhances the overall richness of the brass section. It can add a punchy and powerful element to jazz scores, making the stabs and phrases even more impactful.

The Trombone Section

The trombone is a deep and powerful instrument, ideal for creating robust and lively sounds. In jazz, the trombone's wide range and expressive ability, especially in executing lung-busting glissandos, is captivating. The ability to produce such virtuosic passages is both challenging and rewarding for any trombonist.

The Tuba

The tuba is the backbone of the brass section. It is both a solo instrument and a powerful accompaniment tool. Its versatile tonal range and ability to blend with other instruments make it an indispensable part of the orchestra. The tuba adds depth and richness to the music, making it an essential player in the orchestra.

The Membranophone/Idiophone Section

The tympani, or thunder sheet, is a fascinating instrument that can elicit a variety of sounds, from thundering crashes to delicate brushwork. Its ability to create dramatic effects and atmospheric soundscapes is unparalleled. The thunder sheet, especially in works like Wagner's Ring Cycle, can be a true force of nature. Anvil parts, such as in Wagner's Ring Cycle, also have a special place in my heart.

The Keyboard Section

The in-hall organ with its deep, resonant pedalboard is a magnificent instrument. It adds a grand and majestic sound to the orchestra, especially in moments when a powerful foundation is needed. The pedalboard’s ability to produce deep bass notes complements the entire ensemble beautifully.

The String Section

Among the strings, the cello stands out with its rich, smooth sound, especially when played down low. The "C" string is a particularly beautiful and powerful addition to the cello's range. It sounds stunning, especially when played with a smooth and even tone. This instrument truly exemplifies the beauty of bass in the orchestra.

Personal Instrument Preferences

I am a guitarist, and it holds a special place in my heart. While I also play the bass, banjo, and piano, and used to play alto sax, these are my favorites:

Strings

Cello: Being a guitarist, the ability to hear the cello play down to a low C is incredibly beautiful. The low C string provides such a lush, smooth sound that it always captivates me. It's like a symphony in a single note.

Brass

Trombone: The sound of a trombone is weighty and fat, making stabs and other phrases in jazz music so punchy. The ability to execute incredible glissandos never gets old, and it's such a versatile instrument that it can adapt to various styles of music seamlessly.

Woodwind

Clarinet: While the clarinet is versatile, the tenor saxophone is my favorite. It's a great all-rounder, perfect for melody lines and backing lines. Its tone is both mellow and powerful, and it can convey a wide range of emotions. It's a reliable partner in both leading and supporting roles.

Rhythm Section

Guitar: Naturally, as a guitarist, my favorite instrument is the guitar. The variety of different types, the ability to tune to different open tunings, and the numerous special effects that can be added to it make it incredibly diverse. It's a versatile instrument that can adapt to any musical style.

Percussion

Vibraphone: While the vibraphone is cute and cheery, it can also be used to create dark and melodious sounds. The tremolo feature adds a unique tonal quality, making it an essential instrument in many orchestral pieces. The sound of a vibraphone, especially in Wagner's Ring Cycle, is both charming and ominous.

Additional Preferences for Strings

Double Bass: As a bass player, I find the double bass incredibly cool. It provides a rich, supportive bass sound that adds depth and fullness to the music. While other sections may ridicule us, the double bass is essential for balancing the high and tinny sounds of the orchestra.

Additional Preferences for Brass

Trombone: The trombone is a powerhouse instrument, with its powerful, deep sound and unique glissando abilities. It's the star instrument in many symphonic works, especially in darker and more intimidating movements. In Shostakovich's Symphony No. 5, the trombone has one of the coolest themes that I know of, which is beautifully shared with the basses, creating a glorious and unforgettable moment.

Additional Preferences for Woodwind

Bassoon: I have a particular liking for the bassoon, particularly for its deeper and more complex tone compared to other woodwinds. The bassoon's woody and sophisticated appearance, with its intricate keys and levers, makes it a visually appealing instrument in the orchestra. It's also fun to play in bass solo passages.

Additional Preferences for Percussion

Timpani: To me, the timpani is the most versatile percussion instrument. The ease of tuning adds a melodic component, while still retaining the percussive feel. The giant bass drum, while impressive, cannot surpass the overall versatility and melodic component of the timpani in many orchestral pieces.