Strings

Suggested

Ranges

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Suggested

Ranges

While each section of the orchestra provides its own unique sound and has its own set of duties, the most vital section has to be the string section. This section is made up of four smaller sections; the violin section, the viola section, the cello section and the bass section.

The string section is so complete unto itself that many composers have written compositions just for the strings alone. (Samuel Barber's "Adagio for Strings" provides one famous example.) From the lowest notes of the basses to the highest notes of the violins, the span of the string section covers virtually the entire range of musical sound.

But what makes the string section so versatile are the many functions it performs. Strings can provide the melody, harmony, rhythmic momentum and atmosphere to any composition.

Although the woodwinds and brass sections can claim many of those roles, their particular sounds aren't tolerated for as long a duration of time as those created by the strings. There is a richness and uniformity to this section that can't be matched by the woodwinds or brass.