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# ''[[harmonics]]''

# ''[[harmonics]]''

The strings form the backbone of the orchestra - great masterpieces have been written for soloists and for the [[string quartet]] (first violin, second violin, viola and violoncello). In an orchestral piece, the strings are used almost continuously. In general, the first and second violins play in close harmony, the violas play a similar part in a lower range to strengthen the harmonic texture. The cellos and double basses share a bass part which provides a rhythmic foundation.

The strings form the backbone of the orchestra - great masterpieces have been written for soloists and for the [[string quartet]] (first violin, second violin, viola and violoncello). In an orchestral piece, the strings are used almost continuously. In general, the first and second violins play in close harmony, the violas play a similar part in a lower range to strengthen the harmonic texture. The cellos and basses cover the bass line for the most part. However, many exceptions to these norms exist, and since string instruments have such wide ranges, the different configurations of string parts is only limited by the technique of the musicians and the imagination of the composer.

 

When the composer wants more than five string parts, the "divisi" term is used; in this situation, a single string section is divided into two parts, and half of the players play the top notes and the other half play the bottom ones. Divisi by three or more is also possible, and called for in much contemporary music.

===Woodwind===

===Woodwind===