String section: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 14:44, 29 October 2024

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==="Desks" and divisi===

In a typical stage set-up, the first and second violins, violas, cellos and double bassescellos are seated by twos, a pair of performers sharing a stand being called a "desk"., Each principal (or section leader) is usually on the "outside" of the first desk, that is, onclosest the right hand side for upper strings (first violins, second violins and violas) and onto the left hand side for lower strings (cellos and double basses)audience. When the music calls for subdivision of the players the normal procedure for such divisi passages is that the "outside" player of the desk (the one closer to the audience) takes the upper part, the "inside" player the lower, but it is also possible to divide by alternating desks, the favored method in threefold divisi.<ref>[[Norman Del Mar]]: ''Anatomy of the Orchestra'' (University of California Press, 1981) weighs the various merits in the chapter "Platform planning", pp. 49ff</ref> The "inside" player typically turns the pages of the part, while the "outside" player continues playing. In cases where a page turn occurs during an essential musical part, modern performers may photocopy some of the music to enable the page turn to take place during a less important place in the music.

There are more variations of set-up with the double bass section, depending on the size of the section and the size of the stage. The basses are commonly arranged in an arc behind the cellos, either standing or sitting on high stools, usually with two players sharing a stand; though occasionally, due to the large width of the instrument, it is found easier for each player to have their own stand. There are not usually as many basses as cellos, so they are either in one row, or for a larger section, in two rows, with the second row behind the first. In some orchestras, some or all of the string sections may be placed on wooden risers, which are platforms that elevate the performers.