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orchestra
[ awr-kuh-struh ]
noun
- a group of performers on various musical instruments, including especially stringed instruments of the viol class, clarinets and flutes, cornets and trombones, drums, and cymbals, for playing music, as symphonies, operas, popular music, or other compositions.
- (in a modern theater)
- the space reserved for the musicians, usually the front part of the main floor orchestra pit.
- the entire main-floor space for spectators.
- the parquet.
- (in the ancient Greek theater) the circular space in front of the stage, allotted to the chorus.
- (in the Roman theater) a similar space reserved for persons of distinction.
orchestra
/ ˈɔːkɪstrə; ɔːˈkɛstrəl /
noun
- a large group of musicians, esp one whose members play a variety of different instruments See also symphony orchestra string orchestra chamber orchestra
- a group of musicians, each playing the same type of instrument
a balalaika orchestra
- Also calledorchestra pit the space reserved for musicians in a theatre, immediately in front of or under the stage
- the stalls in a theatre
- (in the ancient Greek theatre) the semicircular space in front of the stage
orchestra
- A group of musicians who play together on a variety of instruments, which usually come from all four instrument families — brass , percussion , strings , and woodwinds . A typical symphony orchestra is made up of more than ninety musicians. Most orchestras, unlike chamber music groups, have more than one musician playing each musical part.
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Derived Forms
- orˈchestrally, adverb
- orchestral, adjective
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Word History and Origins
Origin of orchestra1
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Word History and Origins
Origin of orchestra1
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Example Sentences
People scream, the orchestra stops playing, and the stage manager whisks the diva into the wings.
Since the arrival of Chorus Master Donald Palumbo, the Met chorus now commands that same level of excellence as the orchestra.
She could no longer go to the orchestra; she was confined to a wheelchair.
Orchestra seats cost $100; mezzanine is $75; and balcony, $50.
The organ itself is part of the show, as it can rise or drop independent of the orchestra pit.
I asked of Kellermann, who sat next, "and how is it one finds such an orchestra in such a place?"
Why should not Aristide, past master in drumming, find an honourable position in the orchestra of the Tournée Gulland?
Mrs. S. said she was familiar with it from having heard Thomas's orchestra play it in New York.
But the quiet old town, with its musical name and its great orchestra, will long remain in my memory.
So he took my copy and played the orchestra part which is indicated above the piano part, and I played without notes.
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