What types of instruments are used in these century's?!
Question: What instruments are used in:
the classical period
the early romantic
the late romantic (Beethoven)
the modern music
Thanks
Answers: What instruments are used in:
the classical period
the early romantic
the late romantic (Beethoven)
the modern music
Thanks
If you mean orchestral instruments, then there isn't a huge difference.
Lets start with the classical orchestra
Original,
Sometimes 2 flutes,
Sometimes 2 clarinets
Mostly, 2 oboes, 2 bassoons, 2 french horns,
Sometimes 2 trumpets
In opera 3 trombones
timpani,
string quintet. (Although multiple players are used)
In the classical period, the exact instruments used depended largely on the available instruments. Music used to be written for Kings, Bishops and all kinds of Nobleman that used to have some kind of orchestra. There could be quit a difference in availability of instruments.
In early days, one could still find the cembalo in the orchestra.
Look at Symphonies by Mozart and Haydn and compare the instruments being used.
In the early romantic the instruments of the orchestra were largely the same as now.
2 flutes
2 oboes,
2 clarinets,
2 bassoons
4 french-horns
2 trumpets
3 trombones
Sometimes 1 Tuba
Timpani
Strings (Same as classical, but larger numbers)
The late romantic (That is NOT Beethoven) used
Up to 3 or 4 flutes (with piccolo)
Up to 3 or 4 oboes (with Alto oboe)
up to 3 or 4 clarinets (with Bass Clarinet)
Up to 3 or 4 bassoons (With contra-Bassoon)
Up to 8 Horns (With Wagner Tuba's)
Up to 6 Trumpets (Mostly 3)
Up to 4 Trombones (Including Bass trombone)
Tuba
Timpani
Several kinds of drums
Melodic Percussion. (Xylophone etc)
Tam-tam
Strings (Same as Romantic, but larger numbers and more divided)
Brass and Woodwinds are used much more as leading instruments with strings as 'figuration' then before.
Strangely enough, in Modern music, the situation is almost as in the early days. Any combination of instruments is used. So all the instruments from the orchestra in any numbers and combinations.
Sometimes exotic instruments are used. Electronic instruments, tapes etc. In general, everything that is capable of producing sound can be used as an instrument.
One last remark,
Beethoven wasn't a late romantic (2nd half of the 19th century) , but a classical composer that build ed a bridge between classical and romantic music. He lived from 1770 to 1827 so he can't possibly be a late-romantic composer
Hope this helps a bit
See my answer on the history board. I'm not repeating myself.