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