orchestra

or·ches·tra

noun \ˈȯr-kəs-trə, -ˌkes-\

Definition of ORCHESTRA

1

a : the circular space used by the chorus in front of the proscenium in an ancient Greek theater

b : a corresponding semicircular space in a Roman theater used for seating important persons

2

a : the space in front of the stage in a modern theater that is used by an orchestra

b : the forward section of seats on the main floor of a theater

c : the main floor of a theater

3

: a group of musicians including especially string players organized to perform ensemble music — compare band

Examples of ORCHESTRA

1. He plays violin in the school orchestra.
2. <the orchestra will be performing a selection of Beethoven pieces tomorrow night>

Origin of ORCHESTRA

Latin, from Greek orchēstra, from orcheisthai to dance; perhaps akin to Sanskrit ṛghāyati he trembles, he rages

First Known Use: 1606

Related to ORCHESTRA

Synonyms

²band, philharmonic, symphony, symphony orchestra

Related Words

brass band, chamber orchestra, sinfonietta; brasses, strings, woodwinds; combo, ensemble, group; company, troupe; duo, octet, quartet (also quartette), quintet, septet, sextet, trio

Other Music Terms

cacophony, chorister, concerto, counterpoint, madrigal, obbligato, presto, presto, refrain, riff, segue

Rhymes with ORCHESTRA

fenestra, olestra, palaestra

orchestra

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Standard layout of a modern symphony orchestra.—© Merriam-Webster Inc.

Instrumental ensemble of varying size and composition. Today the term orchestra usually refers to the traditional large Western ensemble of bowed stringed instruments with brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments, with several players to each string part. The development of the orchestra coincides with the early history of opera. A major antecedent of the modern orchestra was that of the mid-17th-century French court, especially as employed by Jean-Baptiste Lully; it was dominated by 24 bowed strings but also often included woodwind instruments. Trumpets, horns, and timpani were often added in the early 18th century and were standard by the time of Franz Joseph Haydn. During the 19th century there was a considerable expansion, particularly in the number and variety of wind and percussion instruments; some works called for well over 100 musicians. The symphony orchestra changed little in the 20th century. See also orchestration.