the first
chapter of the book. (Editor's note.)]

The present work deals with the combination of instruments in separate
groups and in the entire orchestral scheme; the different means of
producing strength of tone and unity of structure; the sub-division of
parts; variety of colour and expression in scoring,--the whole,
principally from the standpoint of dramatic music.

Chapter I.

GENERAL REVIEW OF ORCHESTRAL GROUPS.

A. Stringed Instruments.

The following is the formation of the string quartet and the number of
players required in present day orchestras, either in the theatre or
concert-room.

--------------+-----------+-----------+-----------+
| Full | Medium | Small |
| orchestra | orchestra | orchestra |
--------------+-----------+-----------+-----------+
| | | |
Violins I | 16 | 12 | 8 |
| | | |
" II | 14 | 10 | 6 |
| | | |
Violas | 12 | 8 | 4 |
| | | |
Violoncellos | 10 | 6 | 3 |
| | | |
Double basses | 8-10 | 4-6 | 2-3 |
--------------+-----------+-----------+-----------+

In larger orchestras, the number of first violins may amount to 20 and
even 24, the other strings being increased proportionately. But such a
great quantity of strings overpowers the customary wood-wind section,
and entails re-inforcing the latter. Sometimes orchestras contain less
than 8 first violins; this is a mistake, as the balance between
strings and wind is completely destroyed. In writing for the orchestra
it is advisable to rely on a medium-sized body of strings. Played by a
larger orchestra a work will be heard to greater advantage; played by
a smaller one, the harm done will be minimised.

Whenever a group of strings is written for more than five
parts--without taking double notes or chords into consideration--these
parts may be increased by dividing each one into two, three and four
sections, or even more (_divisi_). Generally, one or more of the
principal parts is split up, the first or second violins, violas or
violoncellos. The players are then divided by desks, numbers 1, 3, 5
etc. playing the upper part, and 2, 4, 6 etc.