What were the large theater orchestras like?
Most photoplay music was sold in “large orchestra” and “small orchestra” versions. The “small” orchestra’s parts consisted of violin 1, violin 2, viola, cello, bass, flute, clarinet 1, trumpets/cornets 1 and 2 (sometimes on the same score), trombone, percussion, and piano/conductor. The “large” orchestration added oboe, bassoon, 2nd clarinet, and two horns (usually on the same part) and sometimes harmonium. But the parts are identical: a cellist would read from same part whether in a piano trio, a small orchestra, or a large orchestra — but in the small group, he or she would have to play the bassoon and trombone cue notes. The piano/conductor score was also sold separately, and theater organists played from these parts, using cue indications to choose appropriate stops.
