Composition of the Classical Orchestra

The classical orchestra is considerably smaller than the modern symphony orchestra: fewer strings, no more than two of the same instruments in woodwind and brass sections can be used, and the percussion section contains only a very few instruments.

The typical classical orchestra contains the following:

Woodwinds

2 Flutes

2 Oboes

2 Clarinets (Bb, C, or A)

2 Bassoons

Brass

2 Horns

2 Trumpets

Percussion

2 Timpani

Strings

12 Violins I

10 Violins II

8 Violas

8 Violoncellos

6 Double basses

• Strings: Violins 1, Violins 2, Violas, Cellos and Double Basses
• Woodwinds: 2 Flutes, 2 Oboes
• Brass: 2 French Horns, 2 Trumpets
• Percussion: Timpani