A standard symphony orchestra can tune to three different members: the principal oboe, the concertmaster, or the solo pianist. The oboist is used to tune whenever there is an oboe in the orchestra, the concertmaster is used whenever there isn't an oboe, and the pianist/keyboardist will play the tuning note if he or she is the soloist for the evening.
It is generally believed that the oboe is used as the pitch source to tune the orchestra because, of all the instruments, the oboe has the least ability to be varied. In this way of thinking, the oboist makes their reeds and strives to be able to play in tune, and since they can't be adjusted, whatever the oboist comes up with is what everyone has to accept and adjust to. There may be some truth to this legend. On the other hand, the oboe actually has a fairly large range of variability if the reed is well made and the oboist is professional-grade. (Consider this: If oboes were so impossible to tune, how could a Berlioz symphony employ four of them?) In actual fact, today, most orchestra musicians are already well-tuned to electronic tuners before the oboist sounds the first note, and the oboe-note/tuneup session is more for show than for real tuning.
I believe there is no word for it, they just tune up. Usually the first chair first violinist, the concert master, will come onto the stage after the orchestra is already seated and the concert master will play an A usually and then the orchestra will tune.
Currently in America it is set at A=440, however, some European orchestra like to go a little higher anywhere from 442-5 but in music history A has ranged anywhere from 425-460 if not a wider range of variance
It's to make sure everyone's notes are in tune with everyone else.
Middle 'C'
A standard symphony orchestra can tune to three different members: the principal oboe, the concertmaster, or the solo pianist. The oboist is used to tune whenever there is an oboe in the orchestra, the concertmaster is used whenever there isn't an oboe, and the pianist/keyboardist will play the tuning note if he or she is the soloist for the evening.
Could be a symphony, sonata, or most any other imaginable title. Not really called a tune or song, but rather a Composition.
It is generally believed that the oboe is used as the pitch source to tune the orchestra because, of all the instruments, the oboe has the least ability to be varied. In this way of thinking, the oboist makes their reeds and strives to be able to play in tune, and since they can't be adjusted, whatever the oboist comes up with is what everyone has to accept and adjust to. There may be some truth to this legend. On the other hand, the oboe actually has a fairly large range of variability if the reed is well made and the oboist is professional-grade. (Consider this: If oboes were so impossible to tune, how could a Berlioz symphony employ four of them?) In actual fact, today, most orchestra musicians are already well-tuned to electronic tuners before the oboist sounds the first note, and the oboe-note/tuneup session is more for show than for real tuning.
The Simpsons theme tune is a really good orchestra piece.
I believe there is no word for it, they just tune up. Usually the first chair first violinist, the concert master, will come onto the stage after the orchestra is already seated and the concert master will play an A usually and then the orchestra will tune.
Currently in America it is set at A=440, however, some European orchestra like to go a little higher anywhere from 442-5 but in music history A has ranged anywhere from 425-460 if not a wider range of variance
It's to make sure everyone's notes are in tune with everyone else.
The order usually depends on the orchestra. Usually, when there are only strings, the low strings would tune first, and then the upper strings. When there is a full orchestra, it's usually woodwinds and brass, then low strings, then upper strings. Some orchestras have the lower strings tune first, then the upper strings, then the woodwinds and brass. Some orchestras only tune there A's first, then they tune the other strings. The reason why is because it is easier to tune when there are not as many people tuning at the same time.
Puffin Billy by the Melodi Light Orchestra
Walkin' and Whistlin' by Ray Conniff & his orchestra
Usually a pitchfork tuned to A (440 Hz). In an Orchestra the insturments will all tune to the lead violinist or the piano