Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra - Percussion-Cymbals-Gongs

THE INSTRUMENTS OF AN ORCHESTRA

Since the early years of the 20th century the orchestra has been arranged with the first and second violins to the left of the conductor. The violas, in turn, are seated next to them. Traditionally, the cellos are situated to the conductor’s right, with double basses behind them. Although the MPO adheres to this pattern, it's not necessarily follwed by all orchestras or conductors. Indeed, other seating plans are also adopted depending on the repertoire and the composer’s directions

Percussion literally means “to hit” and the modern percussion section can comprise almost any instrument which can be hit; from drums to cymbals, from gongs to a piano. Even the harp is considered a member of the percussion family, as is almost any instrument which does not belong to the other three instrumental families.

“One single cymbal clash by Bruckner is worth all the four symphonies of Brahms” (Hugo Wolf 1860-1903)

These instruments comprise shaped pieces of metal (usually brass) which are either flat, to create a crashing sound when struck together or with a stick (cymbals), or moulded into bell shapes to create a more booming sound (gongs). The triangle is a single piece of metal tube bent into three sides (with one corner left open for the sound to escape), which, when hit, produces a sound that is so bright and bell-like it can be heard above all other instruments. The tambourine is a small drum with many small cymbals attached to the rim so that, when struck, it produces a tuneful rattle.