String orchestra
A musical ensemble composed primarily or entirely of bowed string instruments, usually violins, violas, cellos, and double basses.
Violin: A high-pitched bowed string instrument with four strings, played under the chin. Violins usually form the largest section and carry much of the melody.
Bowing: The technique of producing sound by drawing a bow across a string. Shared bow direction and articulation help players shape phrases together.
Serenade for Strings: A multi-movement orchestral work written exclusively for string instruments. This genre showcases the ensemble's range without adding wind or percussion sections.
Symphony orchestra: A large ensemble combining strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. It includes the bowed strings but adds sections absent from a string orchestra.
Viola: A bowed string instrument slightly larger and lower in pitch than a violin. Violas supply inner harmonies between the violins and lower strings.
Concertmaster: The principal first violinist, who leads the string section and often assists the conductor. The concertmaster coordinates bowing and may lead the ensemble without a conductor.
Divertimento: A light instrumental work, often composed for small ensembles or chamber orchestra. Divertimenti have often suited the flexible scale of string ensembles.
Chamber orchestra: A smaller orchestra whose size and instrumentation vary, often including winds and percussion. Unlike a string orchestra, it may include non-string instruments.
Cello: A bowed string instrument held between the knees, with a range below the viola. Cellos combine bass support with lyrical melodic parts.
Chamber music: Instrumental music performed by a small group, traditionally with one player per part. String orchestras use chamber-music listening and coordination on a larger scale.