The Structure of the Symphony Orchestra in the Context of the World Perception during the Time Period from the 18th to the Early 20th Century
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Abstract
The prioritized position of instrumental music in the art of the Early Modern Period has stipulated new challenges
in recreating the diversity of the real world – nature and man. The most perfect means for realizing these goals turned
out to be the symphony orchestra, the instrumental make-up of which was formed during the course of the time period
between the 17th and the 19th centuries.
The baroque orchestra did not possess a definite set of instruments, and the groups comprising it were unequal in
their mutual relations. The leading role in it was played by string instruments. Such an irregular disproportionate type
of orchestra may be interpreted as an image of imperfect nature. The stable unified orchestra comprised of four groups
equal in their status emerged at the turn of the 18th and the 19th centuries in the Classicist era. This type of orchestra
provided for the possibility of creation of the sound image of a harmonious perfect world.
The classical orchestra, gravitating towards “square” qualities possessed important world-view notions as its
foundation. Its four-element structure corresponded with the Ancient Greek teaching about the four primary elements
of nature, as well as the new European teaching of the dominions of nature including the worlds of the minerals, plants,
animals and human society. The string group, which was endowed with immense means of recreating human feelings
and emotions, made it possible to create images of four temperaments. In addition, it may be interpreted as the sound
image of society the members of which differ from each other by their varying level of freedom.
Thereby, the symphony orchestra became the most perfect musical instrument opening up the path towards the
manifestation of generalized images of the universe, including nature and society.
Keywords: musical instruments, symphony orchestra, Baroque style, Classicism, nature and man.
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