A modern orchestra is a larger and more diverse instrumental ensemble than most of its predecessors. It usually consists of the four main instrument sections, as well as additional specialty musicians depending on the repertoire’s requirements. The woodwind and string sections use instruments that are similar to those used in Romantic era orchestras in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The brass section has a few instrument changes, and the percussion section has the most noticeable differences in the modern orchestra.
A modern orchestra’s string section typically contains the same number of violins, violas, cellos, and string basses as Romantic era orchestras. The second chair violins in some modern orchestras are slightly fewer, but the rest of the string sections are largely unchanged. Unlike many 19th-century string sections, most modern orchestras only have one harpist instead of two.
Clarinets in the A or B-flat major keys are commonly used in modern orchestras, as opposed to the E-flat clarinets used in late Romantic orchestras. In a modern orchestra, two musicians typically play flutes, clarinets, oboes, and bassoons, as opposed to three in earlier centuries. The woodwind section is usually completed by one contrabassoon, one English horn, and one piccolo.
This large music ensemble’s brass instruments have less variety than previous orchestras. Standard trumpet keys are usually C keys, which is a slight departure from previous trumpet keys of C, F, and B-flat. The number of horns and trombones in a modern orchestra can be reduced slightly.
In a modern orchestra, percussionists often play a wider range of instruments. Up to 14 or 15 different drum types, such as timpani, snare drum, and bass drum, can be used in this section. Other instruments, such as the marimba, glockenspiel, and xylophone, are frequently used to create a unique and rich sound in each music performance. Percussion musicians may also add sound flourishes from tambourines, chimes, and triangles, depending on the requirements of the pieces being performed.
Modern orchestras are usually classified as symphony orchestras rather than chamber orchestras due to their size and complexity. The demands of composers are thought to have had a significant impact on the overall structure of this ensemble. To meet these artistic needs, the modern orchestra continues to develop in both instrument variety and musician talent level as pieces of music grow in sound complexity.