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plied. The position of the wood winds and of the lower strings as well as of the percussion instruments and harp varies somewhat, this depending upon the composition being performed, the idiosyncrasies of the conductor, the size and shape of the platform, _et cetera_. [Illustration: SEATING PLAN OF A SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA] In dealing with a smaller group (not of symphonic dimensions), it will be well to have the piano in the middle, the lower strings at the left, the winds at the right, and the violins in their usual position. The diagram will make this clear. It is to be noted that this seating plan is only suggestive, and that some other arrangement may frequently prove more satisfactory. [Illustration: SEATING PLAN SUGGESTED FOR A SMALL ORCHESTRA] [Sidenote: PROPORTION OF INSTRUMENTS] In a symphony orchestra of about one hundred players, the proportion of instruments is approximately as follows: 1. STRINGS: 18 first violins 16 second violins 14 violas 12 violoncellos 10 double basses 2. WOOD WIND: 3 flutes } 1 piccolo } (Usually only three players) 3 oboes } 1 English horn } (Usually only three players) 3 clarinets } 1 bass clarinet } (Usually only three players) 3 bassoons } 1 double bassoon } (Usually only three players) 3. BRASS WIND: 4 horns (Sometimes 6 or 8) 2 or 3 trumpets (Sometimes 2 cornets also) 3 trombones 1 bass tuba 4. PERCUSSION: 1 bass drum } 1 snare drum } (One player) 3 kettledrums (Of different sizes--one player) 1 triangle } 1 glockenspiel } (One player) 1 pair cymbals } _et cetera_ 1 harp (Sometimes 2) It will be noted that out of about one hundred players almost three-quarters are performers upon stringed instruments, and it is this very large proportion of strings that gives the orchestral tone its characteristic smoothness, its infinite possibilities of dynamic shading, its almost unbelievable agility, and, of course, its inimitable sonority. The wind instruments are useful chiefly in supplying variety of color, and also in giving the conductor the possibility of occasionally obtaining enormous power by means of which to thrill the hearer at climacteric points
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