TRUMPETS |
SNARE DRUM |
FRENCH HORNS |
TROMBONES |
BASSOONS |
CLARINETS |
BASS DRUM |
TUBA |
OBOES |
CONTRABASSOON |
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BASS CLARINET |
PICCOLO |
FLUTES |
SECOND VIOLINS |
VIOLAS |
ENGLISH HORN |
PIANO |
HARP |
FIRST VIOLINS |
CELLOS |
BASSES |
• 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 )
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Bridge |
Scroll
Pegbox
Fingerboard
Bow
F-holes
Tail Piece
Endpin
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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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44 | OVERTURE | BSOmusic . org |