Keep Oppo Classy

"Agrajag" (Agrajag) 07/15/2015 at 23:08 • Filed to: keep oppo classy

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Má Vlast Moldau - Bedich Smetana

One of my favorite pieces.

ttyymmnn > Agrajag 07/15/2015 at 23:24

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That’s a HUGE orchestra for this piece! Four harps? Eight horns? Four bassoons? Actually, it looks like all the winds and brass are doubled. I wonder why?

Also, third flute is hot.

Agrajag > ttyymmnn 07/15/2015 at 23:40

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I’m not sure. I know next to nothing about the subject. I just know I like it.

Now I’m curious, is the amount and type of instruments decided by the conductor or is that planned out by the composer?

ttyymmnn > Agrajag 07/16/2015 at 00:12

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The size of the orchestra is planned, for the most part, by the composer. The number of strings can vary widely, depending on what the conductor wishes or how many players are available or even how large the stage is. Or how much money the orchestra has to pay musicians. Typically, though, it’s often 10-10-8-10-6 (1st violins, 2nd violins, violas, cellos, basses). Winds are usually in pairs (two flutes, two oboes, etc.). But this too can vary widely, especially in late Romantic orchestras that could be of enormous size. But the composer usually specifies the number of winds, and the number of strings can fluctuate.

As for The Moldau , Smetena wrote for 1 piccolo, 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 4 horns, 2 trumpets, alto trombone, tenor trombone, bass trombone, tuba, timpani, triangle, bass drum, 1 harp, and strings. For whatever reason, the conductor in this performance chose to double all the winds and brasses, though the doubling only occurs in the loudest moments. At the beginning, where the flutes are playing the “flowing water” motive, only two are playing. When they are all playing, they would be doubling, or two players would be playing the same part. The net effect would be to make all the loud parts that much louder. It was likely all done for show.

You can see the whole score here, and follow along as you listen!

http://imslp.org/wiki/Vltava,_J…

Agrajag > ttyymmnn 07/16/2015 at 08:40

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Thanks!