What is a Chamber Orchestra?
A chamber orchestra is a small ensemble in which the instruments weave a tapestry of sound quite different than that of a large symphony orchestra. The Equinox Chamber Orchestra is modeled on the orchestra developed during the Baroque era. A Baroque orchestra was comprised of woodwinds, strings, (sometimes brass) instruments as well as a basso continuo (shortened to continuo). The continuo included bass instruments such as cello, contrabass, bassoon, and/or bass viol. The continuo also included one or more chord-producing instruments such as harpsichord, harp, lute, theorbo, guitar, and/or organ. Although composers usually did not specify which instruments comprised the continuo, a common combination was cello, contrabass and harpsichord. Contemporary orchestras do not have a continuo.
Unlike modern orchestras in which a conductor stands at a podium in front of the ensemble using a baton, Baroque orchestras did not have a specified conductor. Often the harpsichordist, the principal violinist, the lutenist, or the composer doubled as conductor. In lieu of a conducting baton, rolled up paper, hands, sticks, violin bow (principal violinist only), or a large staff (used to bang out the beat on the floor) were used.
There was no standard orchestral instrumentation during the Baroque era unless specified by the composer. A Baroque orchestra usually had less than 30 instrumentalists. In keeping with Baroque practice, the Equinox Chamber Orchestra is currently comprised of 22 extremely dedicated performers which include high school and college students, adults, and seniors. Instruments in the ensemble consist of flutes, recorders, oboe, English horn, violins, violas, cellos, contrabass, acoustic guitar, and harpsichord.
Unlike modern orchestras in which a conductor stands at a podium in front of the ensemble using a baton, Baroque orchestras did not have a specified conductor. Often the harpsichordist, the principal violinist, the lutenist, or the composer doubled as conductor. In lieu of a conducting baton, rolled up paper, hands, sticks, violin bow (principal violinist only), or a large staff (used to bang out the beat on the floor) were used.
There was no standard orchestral instrumentation during the Baroque era unless specified by the composer. A Baroque orchestra usually had less than 30 instrumentalists. In keeping with Baroque practice, the Equinox Chamber Orchestra is currently comprised of 22 extremely dedicated performers which include high school and college students, adults, and seniors. Instruments in the ensemble consist of flutes, recorders, oboe, English horn, violins, violas, cellos, contrabass, acoustic guitar, and harpsichord.