A Guide to Orchestra Music

Definition of Musical Terms and Instrumentation:

The following are general descriptions regarding the standard symphony orchestra concert and various commonly used terms to describe the players. Certain works require atypical seating arrangements, and conductors often have individual preferences to secure the best balance of sound, dependent mostly on the acoustics of the performance space.

Baton:

A thin, tapered stick (usually made of wood or fiberglass), used by the conductor of an orchestra or smaller chamber ensemble.

Concert:

The term for a public performance of musical compositions, usually by an orchestra or chamber group, that does not require scenic representations. For a smaller scale performance, the term "recital" is usually preferred (piano recital, vocal recital, etc.).

Conducting:

The direction of a musical performance by visible gestures designed to secure unanimity of execution and interpretation. The conductor beats time and indicates the entrances of the various instruments, the shadings in volume and numerous related details that serve to make clear the structure of the work. The conductor's right hand is used mainly for beating patterns that indicate the tempo of the music; the left hand is generally used for interpretive instruction (such as the relative loudness of the music, the phrasing, etc.) to capture the character of the composition and to effect the composer's direction. A conductor's facial expression and other body movements are essential in communicating his or her performance desires to the orchestra. The conductor works with a score, which consists of from a few to as many as twenty-five or more staves, each representing one or more instrumental or vocal part. In performance, some conductors choose not use a score, relying totally on memory (an astounding accomplishment).

Philharmonic:

A name used by many musical organizations; its literal meaning: "music-loving" (from the Greek, phil = "loving" and harmonic = "concerning music"). Symphony and philharmonic orchestra are often used interchangeably.
"Pops" Orchestra or Concert: "Pops" is short for popular. A pops concert usually features well-known "lighter" classical compositions as well as music from the theater, films, jazz, rock, etc. (often referred to as crossover repertoire).

Chamber Orchestra:

A chamber orchestra is comprised of fewer players (approximately 20 to 40 instrumentalists) than a standard orchestra.