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Orchestra Instruments Quiz

Can you name the instruments in a modern symphony orchestra?
According to Wikipedia
Quiz by Quizmaster
Rate:
Featured Quiz
Last updated: April 29, 2019
More quiz info >>
First submittedJanuary 27, 2013
Times taken99,333
Average score58.8%
Rating4.04
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Strings
Cello
Double Bass
Harp
Viola
Violin
Brass
Bass Trombone
French Horn
Trombone
Trumpet
Tuba
Woodwinds
Bass Clarinet
Bassoon
Clarinet
Contrabassoon
English Horn
Flute
Oboe
Piccolo
Keyboards
Celesta
(or Pipe Organ)
Piano
Percussion
Bass Drum
Chimes
Cymbals
Glockenspiel
Gong
Marimba
Snare Drum
Percussion
Tambourine
Tenor Drum
Timpani
Triangle
Vibraphone
Wood Block
Xylophone
kalbahamut
+44
Level 83
Jan 27, 2013
Definitely needs more cowbell. Can't get enough cowbell.
BlendedCow
+18
Level 50
Jan 27, 2015
Moo. Unless it's a Greek cow. Then it's Mu.
Enelabe
+2
Level 29
Dec 8, 2015
RT xD
DonTheLamplighter
+2
Level 83
Sep 12, 2016
LOL! No such thing as too much cowbell! ROFL!
Swanbabe
+1
Level 41
Sep 19, 2016
Hehehe!
typhon
+5
Level 52
Aug 6, 2018
I got a fever, and the cure is more cowbell.
RedLeaf
+1
Level 25
Jan 31, 2022
fax
Muhreeya
+2
Level 21
Jan 28, 2013
for xylophone, i kept putting xilophone
ctleng76
+8
Level 65
Feb 6, 2013
The glockenspiel is often referred to as "bells" as well. Most orchestral music I have seen refers to them as the "bells".
Athena
+1
Level 17
Mar 9, 2013
I got all of them! This was an awesome quiz, I love music!
burntfrost
+2
Level 55
May 11, 2014
Piano is actually a percussion instrument.
Arp2600
+3
Level 83
Nov 11, 2014
And a string instrument :).
ctleng76
+1
Level 65
Aug 31, 2017
If we want to get technical, you could also place the xylophone, marimba, vibraphone and the bells in the keyboard category. They are referred to as keyboards at times as well.
Tinu
+8
Level 42
May 23, 2014
Why don't you accept "violoncello" for cello?
ctleng76
+1
Level 65
Dec 12, 2018
Because it is just a cello. The violin is its own instrument.
IceJJFrish
+28
Level 22
Mar 10, 2019
A violoncello is the formal name for a cello; it's not a cross between a violin and a cello. Much of the sheet music for cellos has the label 'violoncello' instead of 'cello', so it should be accepted as an answer
ander217
+14
Level 77
Aug 3, 2014
We need more theremins.
ShefCrispie
+2
Level 42
Jan 27, 2015
I love that there is a wood block. Leaves little to the imagination.
fuanacdc
+4
Level 77
Jun 12, 2017
So you know, if you want me on wood block, I can keep perfect time. Some call me 'The Human Metronome.' You notice how I’m always on time? I’m never late for things.
BenHerman
+4
Level 69
May 3, 2018
We've been talking for 38 seconds, just, so you know.
billfettuccine
+1
Level 41
Mar 21, 2020
I see your Arrested Development reference.
ctleng76
+2
Level 65
Aug 31, 2017
Temple blocks should also be accepted for wood block.
kidibu
+1
Level 89
Jan 27, 2015
Like the changes and updates that were made. Much more accurate than previous incarnations. I can go either way with including Euphonium and Saxophone, but I think it should be a neither or both situation.
ctleng76
+1
Level 65
Dec 12, 2018
Neither or both? Euphonium is a brass instrument, very similar to the Baritone (baby tuba). The saxophone is completely different and is a woodwind instrument. Where a Euphonium is used in orchestras at times, and complements a brass section well, the saxophone's sound does not work well in an orchestra. It really is more of a jazz/solo instrument.

I think including Euphonium (or baritone) makes complete sense, but including saxophone makes no sense at all..

mikeyq6
+4
Level 32
Apr 29, 2019
Euphonium is almost exclusively a band instrument rather than an orchestral one. Wouldn't make sense to include it here.
UnitJJ
+1
Level 46
Nov 18, 2021
That seems highly subjective. In general, neither a euphonium nor a saxophone are present in standard orchestra set-up, but are usually featured in a typical concert band. I think that was the rationale behind OP's thinking it should be neither or both.
maxism
+3
Level 67
Jan 27, 2015
Where can I become a professional triangle player?
Malbaby
+5
Level 72
Jan 28, 2015
cedric you can become a professional triangle player when you are proficient in all other percussion instruments, if your a good boy you may get to bang the gong sometimes as well.
balok
+1
Level 46
Nov 17, 2015
Or you can be George Plimpton.
JackintheBox
+2
Level 75
Nov 29, 2019
you're* ;)
kalbahamut
+2
Level 83
Aug 31, 2017
the same place I learned to make farting noises with my hands probably.
morgoth7
+6
Level 78
Aug 31, 2017
"Rex Stardust, lead electric triangle with Toad the Wet Sprocket, has had to have an elbow removed following their recent successful worldwide tour of Finland." (Monty Python, of course.)
ctleng76
+6
Level 65
Dec 12, 2018
People make fun of the triangle, but if you don't have rhythm or coordination, it can be challenging to play properly.
Damangio
+1
Level 65
Aug 10, 2021
You have to hit it at just the right angle to keep it from rotating and messing up your next strike.
oiuytre
+1
Level 31
May 2, 2022
Look up "triangle lessons with Leonard Bernstein" on Youtube. I wouldn't want to be a triangle player when he was conducting!
joesoap
+1
Level 41
Oct 8, 2021
You could join a reggae band; just stand at the back and ting.
RyanSem
+2
Level 38
Jan 30, 2015
Grand Piano didn't give a point for Piano, and I feel that Glock should be adequate as I had no idea how to spell the rest.
Moosefight
+4
Level 67
Feb 4, 2015
I think a cannon is more common than a glock.
Relbore
+1
Level 28
Apr 22, 2015
No Saxophones are not in orchestras they are mostly jazz instruments and should not be added to this quiz.
AnikaM
+2
Level 39
Aug 4, 2015
the english horn is a cor anglais omg so fricjken rasist kwizmasta
Chutney
+4
Level 58
Apr 11, 2020
I'm sorry, what?
Osmium13
+4
Level 39
Jun 23, 2021
He had a stroke
jat250
+1
Level 33
Sep 14, 2015
There certainly are some percussion instruments that should be added. Tambourine, Cowbell, Castanets, Guiro, Timbales, Mark Tree, to name a few. Also Cymbals is quite a generic answer. Why not Crash and Ride Cymbals, or even Splash and China?
ctleng76
+1
Level 65
Dec 12, 2018
or suspended cymbal
Sifhraven
+1
Level 67
Dec 12, 2018
Ever seen castagnettes in an orchestra?
ctleng76
+1
Level 65
Dec 13, 2018
Yes! Latin music calls for castanets at times.
happyviolinist1
+2
Level 33
Oct 17, 2015
i have a violin and a glockenspiel
WhittleMario
+1
Level 24
Dec 9, 2015
Fortepiano should be accepted for piano.
WhittleMario
+1
Level 24
Dec 9, 2015
Oops, actually pianoforte.
TheNewPotato
+1
Level 48
Jan 23, 2016
Why are you talking about dynamics in such a way? :P I didn't know it was called that until I saw this comment. That's rather interesting.
kenpo17
+2
Level 67
Aug 31, 2017
Yes, and sackbut should be accepted for trombone as well, if we're going with archaic names.
KiwiQuizWhiz
+1
Level 38
Sep 3, 2020
XD
TheNewPotato
+3
Level 48
Jan 23, 2016
I feel sad when I look at the stats and see that only 57% of people get bassoon...
TheodoreE45
+5
Level 86
Jul 29, 2017
It's up to 64% now! The bassoon and the viola are the most underrated instruments ever!
ctleng76
+5
Level 65
Aug 31, 2017
You should read about what violin players think about viola players. Not only are they unerrated, they are also mistreated and underappreciated!
brandybuck96
+5
Level 80
Jan 28, 2018
Violas are gorgeous. The violin is just the viola's squeaky younger sibling.
randomkid3dhusf
+1
Level 46
Apr 4, 2021
Spelling
Findlay
+2
Level 80
Aug 17, 2016
Needs canons if it wants to perform the 1812 Overture. Also, in my experience the English Horn is more commonly called the Cor Anglais, while the French Horn is just called a French Horn, not Cor Français (or Cor d'harmonie as I believe the French themselves call it). This seems the wrong way around to me.
Malbaby
+1
Level 72
Feb 23, 2017
As I mentioned above the Cor Anglais / English Horn is not French or English, it originated in Silesia in the 18 Century.
JackintheBox
+1
Level 75
Nov 29, 2019
This quiz asks for instruments commonly used in a full orchestra. Also, it's cannons*.
DonTheLamplighter
+3
Level 83
Sep 12, 2016
What, no bagpipes?!! Whoever heard of an orchestra without bagpipes?!! :-P
Carry
+3
Level 64
Sep 19, 2016
Hard to say. People outside of Scotland maybe? Though I can imagine that Scottish orchestra consist of only Bagpipes. :D
Maladroit
+1
Level 54
May 11, 2017
That, as the internet would lightly and forgivingly put it, is racist.
FudgyOreo111
+1
Level 43
Sep 5, 2021
How?
ctleng76
+3
Level 65
Aug 31, 2017
I know right, and what about the accordion? Why wasn't that included!?
Sifhraven
+2
Level 67
Dec 12, 2018
Hurdygurdy!! Definately needs to be on there...
Sifhraven
+1
Level 67
Dec 12, 2018
I admit... I tried it.... I had too many blanks so started typing all the instruments I knew..
dewey1971
+1
Level 67
Feb 23, 2017
clave?
buck1017
+5
Level 75
Jun 12, 2017
Wow...and I thought beer snobs were bad. You music snobs are WAY worse.
jmellor13
+3
Level 67
Aug 31, 2017
Beers snobs are the worst because they're trying to seem sophisticated without actually *doing* anything. At least band snobs learn their instruments and master difficult performance pieces, so they have some right to feel their opinion is superior. Beer snobs are people who love drinking and want to somehow make it seem cultured. I love a quality microbrew as much as anyone, but the snobbish culture that has developed around drinking beer, watching movies, and eating "artisanal" food in the past years is laughable.
burtviile
+6
Level 87
Jun 13, 2017
How is cannon not accepted? No orchestra worth it's salt omits cannons from its ensemble.
ctleng76
+4
Level 65
Aug 31, 2017
Insurance became too expensive, and therefore cannons became a liability.
DasCreamy109
+2
Level 53
Nov 5, 2017
Good answer.
kailu11
+1
Level 24
Jun 27, 2017
what about the sitar, banjo, or the glockenspiel?
Flutel
+1
Level 49
Aug 24, 2017
Euphonium?
ctleng76
+2
Level 65
Aug 31, 2017
It's interesting that the baritone or euphonium are not included in a typical orchestral brass section. While they do mimic very closely the range of a trombone, they also provide a more mellow sound that is useful in situations where the trombone might be too brash. I wasn't aware they weren't included until coming across this quiz.
kenpo17
+1
Level 67
Aug 31, 2017
I was about to express my surprise at this as well. I played euphonium in high school band, and there were a lot of songs we played that had parts for me distinct from the trombones.
DasCreamy109
+1
Level 53
Nov 5, 2017
I was also surprised not to see baritones.
svitapeneela
+6
Level 64
Aug 31, 2017
No Otamatone? Gutted.
Soph1
+1
Level 47
Aug 31, 2017
Good quiz and it's good that many alternative words for these instruments are accepted
cwasims
+1
Level 60
Aug 31, 2017
Whip must be added to the percussion section. Numerous pieces (notably Ravel's Piano Concerto in G Major) use it prominently.
DasCreamy109
+1
Level 53
Nov 5, 2017
Not part of the traditional orchestra, buddy. We can't have everything that has been used before, otherwise the list would be pretty big.
ctleng76
+1
Level 65
Dec 12, 2018
Also Sleighride is known for its whip sound. Since it is the season, sleigh bells come to mind as another percussion instrument.
Sifhraven
+1
Level 67
Dec 12, 2018
How about (bumble)bees... or what did they use for "flight of the bumblebees"?
Baltimorean
+1
Level 71
Aug 31, 2017
I would not have known that "wooden block" was an orchestral instrument if I had not read https://chris-lamb.co.uk/posts/the-truth-about-orchestral-players the other day. It will deepen your appreciation of the orchestra to know something about the performers.
musiclistsareus
+4
Level 63
Sep 2, 2017
Why are the celesta and Pipe organ listed together. The celesta is like orchestral bells (or glockenspiel if you prefer) with a keyboard-while a pipe organ is a wind instrument with a keyboard.
mpmusic
+1
Level 58
Sep 2, 2017
Looked up the wikipedia article on orchestral percussion and the tenor drum is not listed. If you didn't use the orchestral percussion page, what reference did you use?
undeadwarrior
+1
Level 60
Nov 1, 2017
There are several pieces of classical music (most famously Rodriguez's Aranjuez Concierto) that use guitar, so if you are going to be overly pedantic with your "bass trombone" and "bass clarinet" - you may as well add in the guitar as well.
DasCreamy109
+1
Level 53
Nov 5, 2017
It is not "overly pendantic," bass trombones and (especially) bass clarinets serve their purpose just as well as any other instrument.

They are considered part of a traditional orchestra, whereas guitars are not.

ctleng76
+3
Level 65
Dec 12, 2018
Bass trombone is an official instrument in most orchestras. The guitar is not.
ChowPizz
+7
Level 44
Dec 16, 2017
Cannons?
Confabulously
+4
Level 75
Mar 1, 2019
Okay Tchaikovsky.
Bubblecat
+2
Level 67
Mar 8, 2018
Surprised not to see euphonium on there - there've been euphoniums in every orchestra I've played in.
SpicyChicken
+2
Level 38
Mar 18, 2018
Got 69% ;)
Vexcrate
+1
Level 43
Apr 20, 2018
You should accept baritone for bass trombone.
Vexcrate
+1
Level 43
Apr 20, 2018
And Wind Chimes for chimes
Hamburgler
+1
Level 48
Apr 25, 2018
wind chimes and chimes are different; chimes are like a bigger and louder glockenspiel that you hit with a mallet that looks like a hammer, whereas wind chimes are just a bunch of metal sticks that hang off of a rod that you push and they cling all at once. Look them up.
ctleng76
+2
Level 65
Dec 12, 2018
Not the same at all. A baritone is not even a trombone. A bass trombone is a trombone with a larger bore and extra tubing for the lower notes. If you are confused, look for the long slide to determine if it is a trombone or not.
BlackToadKillerGames
+1
Level 67
Aug 25, 2019
I hope you are joking. Bass Trombones are quite different from Baritones. Only similarity is that they are both low brass instruments, but baritones can be a more higher instrument sometimes. Do your research kid
ericsp23
+2
Level 92
Apr 25, 2018
What, no Lion's Roar, or Brake Drums, or Sirens?

Edgard Varese is rolling over in his grave!

ctleng76
+2
Level 65
Dec 12, 2018
vibraslap, finger cymbals, clave, gourd, cabassa, agogo bells, mark tree, maracas, slide whistle, temple blocks, I could go on.

There are so many percussion instruments it is hard to think of them all.

GreenYoshi88
+1
Level 44
May 2, 2022
Yeah, I tried so many percussion instruments and so few were there. I can't believe they left out so many percussion instruments like the djembe, bongos, bulb horn, castanets, crotales, field drum, sleigh bells, or guiro!

Again, Percussion has a very large array of instruments.

(Also, responding to a comment from 4 years ago lets go)

GeoJay1420
+2
Level 49
May 9, 2018
What about the euphonium? I looked up the answers on Wikipedia, and euphonium was on the page. Why isn't it there?
Fresco3
+4
Level 67
Jul 30, 2018
Based on my guesses my Orchestra would be very interesting 😂

We've got the bongos, guitar, saxophone, digeridoo, drums, banjo and a rainstick......

Sifhraven
+1
Level 67
Dec 12, 2018
Might I add a singing saw to that (or whatever it is called in english when you produce sound from a saw)
Sifhraven
+1
Level 67
Dec 12, 2018
Tried some of those, also djembe, congos, panflute, sousaphone (I thought I read it somewhere that was an english name for a musical instrument)
Richard75
+1
Level 32
Oct 24, 2018
There are a few things missing on here. e.g. Tubular bells and Saxophone. Yes, there are examples of their use in orchestral music.
BlackToadKillerGames
+2
Level 67
Mar 6, 2019
When your instrument is the least guessed answer...
OmriRahat
+1
Level 70
Apr 29, 2019
Ha! I just solved and you just update and changed the Harp's location!

Didn't read the comments, so if nobody wrote it before - you should add "Contrabass" for Double bass :)

bridog8456
+1
Level 49
Apr 29, 2019
I think obo should be acceptable for oboe.
Quasicrystal
+6
Level 47
Jul 6, 2019
The rest of us think you're wrong.
Arii78
+1
Level 46
Apr 30, 2019
Why no cannons ? I want to play the cannons ! :P
Quasicrystal
+1
Level 47
Jul 6, 2019
Everyone's all like "cannon cannon cannon" and I'm wondering where the hammer is. It's used in more than just one piece, unlike the cannon. Mahler 6, the Ring Cycle, Il Trovatore off the top of my head, not sure what others if any.
Hollywood
+1
Level 65
Aug 3, 2019
No synthesizer? 🤪
musiac123
+1
Level 22
Sep 23, 2019
Fyi saxophone is as much an instrument as any of the others so I am confused as to why it has been left out of the woodwind section
BlackToadKillerGames
+1
Level 67
Feb 23, 2020
It's a WW Instrument yes; however, it's not a "common" orchestra instrument. The others listed are commonly seen in orchestras then and now, while saxophones aren't.
FatSpartanJediLlama
+1
Level 59
Jan 18, 2020
I got tenor drum when guessing tenor saxophone lol
ooftownroad
+1
Level 48
Apr 9, 2020
how about the bass bass tuba?
Aegidrom
+1
Level 41
Apr 28, 2020
As a musician, this quiz makes me nauscious.
iRDM
+2
Level 51
Jul 11, 2020
This quiz is missing Euphonium/Baritone in the Brass section. If you include bass trombone, a prominent subdivision of trombone, you have to include baritone, a just-as-prominent subdivision of tuba.
ericsp23
+1
Level 92
Aug 2, 2020
The euphonium is not considered a standard part of the orchestra. The only well-known piece that I know of that has a part scored for it is Holst's The Planets.

The bass trombone is very commonly used in large orchestral works from the late Romantic period and later.

ericsp23
+2
Level 92
Aug 2, 2020
Fair warning, this comment is going to be very pedantic. Apologies in advance lol. As an orchestral musician (cellist), there are a couple of things that really bug me about this quiz. Why mention the pipe organ parenthetically along with the celeste? That pairing makes no sense whatsoever. If you want to include another keyboard instrument along with the piano I would have added the harpsichord before the organ, which is very commonly used as part of the continuo in Baroque/early Classical era music, and in some 20th century orchestral music as well. The organ does appear as a solo instrument occasionally, but it is rarely an integrated member of the orchestra.

My other quibble would be about the gong. A gong is a class of percussion instruments. The specific type that is common in orchestras is called a tam-tam, and that is typically how it is referred to in scores. I think "gong" would be acceptable is a type-in, but I'd prefer to see the tam-tam as the correct answer in the quiz.

HendogJP
+1
Level 50
Oct 7, 2020
I forgot French Horn... To be fair it is hard to play very very well
Damangio
+1
Level 65
Aug 10, 2021
And therefore forgettable.
Myloufa
+1
Level 63
Oct 21, 2020
No octobass? Every good orchestra has one...
ribboncrasher
+2
Level 41
Dec 14, 2020
tenor drum, marimba, vibraphone and woodblocks aren't standard orchestral percussion instruments despite being used in some pieces.
PeregrineFalcon
+1
Level 74
Feb 28, 2021
Yeah, these should certainly be removed. Personally I would also remove the celesta, piano, chimes, glockenspiel, gong and xylophone. Definitely not as rare as the four you mentioned, but in my opinion more 'guests' than standard orchestra instruments.
Oatmeal11
+3
Level 67
Mar 1, 2021
*Murderous Euphonium Noises*
Damangio
+3
Level 65
Aug 10, 2021
Thanks. You've given me the title for my next composition.
zachie101
+1
Level 49
Jun 20, 2021
This quiz is very misleading. Though some of these instruments can be seen in a standard orchestra, a lot aren't used all the time like the quiz implies.
Damangio
+1
Level 65
Aug 10, 2021
As many have pointed out, lots of other instruments have been used in various orchestral works. But the basic makeup of an orchestra has remained largely unchanged for 150 years. That's the list we see here. Orchestral musicians and composers have been content to stick with Romantic-era tradition even though many other instruments are available. The logistics of operating an orchestra are much simpler that way. But there is one recent addition to the list: the vibraphone, and electronic instrument invented in the 20th century. How did it ever land a spot on the list of "standard" orchestral instruments?
Jango
+1
Level 60
Oct 5, 2021
There are two types of clarinet in every symphony orchestra, A and Bflat.

As well as bass clarinet (which is much less common, except for example in Stravinsky), there is Eflat clarinet, for example Copland's Appalachian Spring.

You need to research your woodwind more thoroughly; we're much more important in a symphony orchestra than the various inanimate objects hit by percussionists!

THEAilin
+1
Level 16
May 2, 2022
drum set????
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