What did an orchestra look like in the classical period?
Depending upon the composer, the orchestra varied slightly, but core groups of all families were present. At the beginning of the Classical Period, the string section consisted of Violins 1 and 2, Violas and Cellos. The Double Bass doubled the Cellos part but sounded and octave lower. For the woodwinds, both 1st and 2nd flute seats were present as well as oboes. French horns straddled the woodwinds and the brass because of both the range of the horn as well as it timbre fit beautifully between the two. An early form of the trumpet was also a part of this early classical orchestra. The Timpani were to remain throughout the classical period the only permanent percussion instrument. By the end of the classical period several things had changed with the addition of instruments to the orchestra. The Double Bass no longer doubled the cello, but had its very own part. Clarinets, Bassoons became permanent members while Contra bassoons and the piccolo flute became more common amongst the orches
