FINAL CORRECT MARCH APRIL OVERTURE | Page 46

Orchestra Map

TRIANGLE
TIMPANI
CYMBALS
TRUMPETS
SNARE DRUM
FRENCH HORNS
TROMBONES
BASSOONS
CLARINETS
BASS DRUM
TUBA
OBOES
CONTRABASSOON
BASS CLARINET
PICCOLO
FLUTES
SECOND VIOLINS
VIOLAS
ENGLISH HORN
PIANO
HARP
FIRST VIOLINS
CELLOS
BASSES
CONDUCTOR
Watch for subsequent issues of Overture as we explore more instruments of the orchestra !

A QUICK GUIDE TO THE DOUBLE BASS

• The largest and lowestpitched string instrument in the orchestra
• Tuned in fourths , whereas all other bowed string instruments are tuned in fifths
• Can be bowed underhand in the “ German ” style ( with fingers pointed upward ) or overhand in the “ French ” style ( fingers pointed down , as with violin , viola , and cello )
Bridge
Scroll
Pegbox
Fingerboard
Bow
F-holes
Tail Piece
Endpin
HISTORY OF THE DOUBLE BASS
Early history : Low-pitched bowed string instruments like the cello , bass violin , and bass viola da gamba were in common use starting in the 15th century . However , the 17th-century development of metalwound strings ( previously unwound sheep or beef gut ) allowed for strings to be thicker and , therefore , instruments to be larger and deeper . This gave rise to the direct precursor to the double bass : the violone .
Recent history : Prior to the 20th century , many double basses had only three strings , and their shoulders were rounded as with a violin or cello . Over time , the shoulders became more sloped to accommodate modern styles of playing . The advent of a C extension on the lowest string , ordinarily tuned to an E , further expanded the instrument ’ s range .
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