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Which instruments formed the early modern symphony orchestra?
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symphony
Symphony performing a concert at Svetlanov Hall, Moscow International House of Music.
The early modern symphony orchestra, which became standardized during the Classical period, was composed of four primary sections:12
- Strings: First and second violins, violas, cellos, and double basses.12
- Woodwinds: Typically two flutes, two oboes, and two bassoons. Clarinets were also adopted into the orchestra during this era, eventually becoming a permanent fixture.12
- Brass: Two or four horns and two trumpets.12
- Percussion: Two timpani.12
While earlier ensembles often relied on a harpsichord or other continuo instruments to fill out the harmony, these were gradually phased out as composers began writing fully independent parts for the wind and string sections. By the late 18th century, the Mannheim school played a significant role in establishing this balanced, four-section structure, which provided the foundation for the symphonic works of composers like Haydn and Mozart.1342