Orchestra and group of instruments

[stormx]

Hi !! 

In an orchestra, do each group of instruments play the same notes?
I mean, take the violins, for instance. Let suppose you have 20 violinists on the orchestra. Do all the 20 play USUALLY the same notes?

If yes, what do you achieve adding so many identical instruments playing the same notes, besides the obvious louder volume reached?

[Bouter Boogie]

Hi !! 

In an orchestra, do each group of instruments play the same notes?
I mean, take the violins, for instance. Let suppose you have 20 violinists on the orchestra. Do all the 20 play USUALLY the same notes?

I think it depends on the piece.

[xvimbi]

Yes, it depends, but usually, they do, sort of. The violins are generally split into two sections (first and second violins). They do sometimes play together, sometimes not. These sections can be split even further. The most excessive example I know of is Wagner's Tannhäuser Overture, where the first violins are at some point split into five parts (if I remember correctly). This poses interesting questions, such as which violins form a subsection. For example, all violins on the right side (viewed from the conductor) can form one group, all violins on the left side form the second group. Or, the first two rows form one group, etc. It often has to do with making the bowing look aesthetically pleasing.

Other sections are also very often split depending on the music. Next time you see an orchestra, pay careful attention.

[squinchy]

I think the violas in Strauss's Rosenkavalier were split into 1st desk, 2nd desk, 3rd desk, and "everyone else" for about 2 measures. It was like a viola quintet, since one of the voices had 2 lines. Also, winds tend to have particular significance in the 1st chair, since they get the solos.

[Tash]

wasn't there someone who just went crazy and had like 50 different violin parts and stuff? agh i can't remember who it was!