Guide to Orchestral Instruments

[huntsman]

Is there a CD available that would show the listener what each instrument sounds like?

If possible, I would be interested in one for period instruments also. 

[Parsifal]

Is there a CD available that would show the listener what each instrument sounds like?

If possible, I would be interested in one for period instruments also. 

There are things like Britten's "young person's guide to the orchestra" but that stuff can be pedantic.  I'd just watch youtube videos of orchestral music so you can see who is playing during the various solo passages.  Avoid Karajan videos, they tend to show mostly his hands. 

[Karl Henning]

. . . Avoid Karajan videos, they tend to show mostly his hands.

And his hair, don't forget his hair!

[huntsman]

I did see that one, Parcifal, but how would I know what the instrument is called just by watching it? I fear I can't tell a bassoon from an oboe...

[Opus106]

I did see that one, Parcifal, but how would I know what the instrument is called just by watching it? I fear I can't tell a bassoon from an oboe...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orchestra#Expanded_instrumentation
http://www.naxos.com/education/music_instruments.asp
http://www.philharmonia.co.uk/thesoundexchange/the_orchestra/instruments/

[huntsman]

Those are superb links, Navneeth - thank you!

[battuta]

Hi huntsman,

Even though orchestras are the 800 pound gorillas when it comes to listening to all orchestral instruments, they are not the best way to get started at it. The reason why is that the sheer amount of sounds blended from different instruments (and their unique harmonic texture) at different volumes can easily confuse the listener. I am an orchestra conductor, thus, I get to hear instruments at the closest possible range, however in the audience is another story, Especially when you take into account the acoustics of the venue where the performance takes place.

I would suggest you attend performances of smaller ensembles at smaller, more intimate venues. You can go to a recital at a local music school and listen to solo violin, cello and piano, bassoon and piano, clarinet and piano, French horn and piano, etc. You can also listen to string quartets (two violins, Viola, and cello), piano trios (piano, violin, and cello), woodwind quartets (or any combination of woodwind instruments such as bassoon, clarinet, flute, oboe), a brass quintet, etc. You can even attend percussion ensemble performances.

The best part is that both local music schools' performances are FREE!

You can also go to local libraries and hear performances at a very close range.

Most people start with Symphony Orchestras and never develop their ears to the unique sound characteristics of each instrument and their own beauty, and the particular way in which they sound at different registers. That type of in-depth listening can only achieve at a recital. You will also be able to closely observe and appreciate the full technical capabilities of each instrument.

I hope that helps,

Best of luck!

[huntsman]

That makes great sense, battuta - thank you! 

[jochanaan]

There are things like Britten's "young person's guide to the orchestra" but that stuff can be pedantic...

Actually, Britten's "Young Person's Guide" is one of the best ways to be introduced to instruments, not pedantic at all.  And it's very fun for the orchestra!  (I've played it several times. )

[Karl Henning]

Hi, jo!

And I'll join in on the endorsement of the Britten.

[Geo Dude]

I've suffered through the same problem as Huntsman and did my best to learn through a series of chamber music recordings and the occasional concerto.  When I'm eventually living in a big city again I will definitely take battuta's advice about the recitals, though.

[Parsifal]

Actually, Britten's "Young Person's Guide" is one of the best ways to be introduced to instruments, not pedantic at all.  And it's very fun for the orchestra!  (I've played it several times. )

Are you claiming that you actually learned to recognize orchestral instruments from that piece?  I can't imagine how.     It didn't do anything for me.  Either you get a version (variations and fugue on a theme of Purcell) with no narration and there is no indication of which indication instrument is which, or you get the version for six-year-olds (a young person's guide to the orchestra) and there is the condescending narration which lists each section and a short passage for each instrument which does not come close to fully exploiting its range.  As a piece of music, it is lackluster, and as a pedagogical tool it is weak, in my view.

In this day and age, with so much material on youtube, there is almost limitless free material that would allow you to hear and identify all of the instruments of the orchestra.

This is the one I had:

[jochanaan]

Are you claiming that you actually learned to recognize orchestral instruments from that piece?  I can't imagine how.     It didn't do anything for me.  Either you get a version (variations and fugue on a theme of Purcell) with no narration and there is no indication of which indication instrument is which, or you get the version for six-year-olds (a young person's guide to the orchestra) and there is the condescending narration which lists each section and a short passage for each instrument which does not come close to fully exploiting its range.  As a piece of music, it is lackluster, and as a pedagogical tool it is weak, in my view.

Actually, I did learn to recognize orchestral instruments from that piece--at about age six.

[Parsifal]

Actually, I did learn to recognize orchestral instruments from that piece--at about age six.

I was 7.  Obviously you got one up on me.