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Which instrument sets the pitch that is used to 'tune' an orchestra? Why is that instrument used, and how does the player know they have the correct pitch?

Question #151860. Asked by odo5435.
Last updated Dec 08 2024.
Originally posted Dec 08 2024 8:35 AM.

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elburcher star
Answer has 7 votes
Currently Best Answer
elburcher star
24 year member
1544 replies avatar

Answer has 7 votes.

Currently voted the best answer.
The Oboe
...By the 1800s, the size and instrumentation were much like the modern orchestra. An order was added to the tuning ritual, with each "family" of instruments taking its turn to tune with the oboe.

When a fixed-pitch instrument, such as an organ, was included with the orchestra, the oboe would be tuned to it before the ritual began.

These tuning traditions continue today.

The traditional tuning note is A. This stems from the open A string being common to all orchestral string instruments.

The oboist plays a long A when instructed by the concert master - usually the lead violinist - who stands and indicates to the oboist and then to each section of the orchestra when it's time to tune.

The string players tune their A strings, from which they can tune their other strings. In turn, other sections of the orchestra also tune to A. When the tuning ends and the instruments are silent, the orchestra is ready to perform.

link https://theconversation.com/why-is-the-oboe-used-to-tune-an-orchestra-and-other-questions-about-tuning-answered-238203

Dec 08 2024, 9:31 AM
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ertrum star
Answer has 2 votes
ertrum star
21 year member
101 replies avatar

Answer has 2 votes.
The oboist tunes their instrument prior to giving the pitch. In years gone, a tuning fork was used, but now it's usually an electronic tuner or phone app.

Dec 08 2024, 7:30 PM
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