Why Symphonic Orchestras Use Pairs of Wind Instruments: A Historical and Practical Perspective

When one looks at a symphonic orchestra, particularly in the classical era, one often notices pairs of wind instruments. This practice was adopted for both practical and historical reasons. The underlying principles of these pairings can be traced back to the ideals of the Enlightenment period, which emphasized order, reason, and symmetry.

The Purpose of Pairs in Wind Instruments

Wind instruments are often placed in pairs in the orchestra for several reasons:

To allow each instrument to breathe at different places in the music To enable each instrument to play different parts To achieve a fuller, richer sound at higher volume To serve as a backup in case either instrument falters

The Historical Context: The Classical Era

The classical era, which spanned from around 1750 to 1820, was characterized by the ideals of the Enlightenment. This period was marked by a focus on order, reason, and symmetry. Composers like Haydn, Mozart, and early Beethoven wrote music that reflected these ideals, often employing a symmetrical form.

Following these enlightened principles, composers and musicians began to include pairs of wind instruments in the orchestra as a tribute to that evenness and symmetry. The orchestra became a testament to the harmonious balance and order that were central to the Enlightenment ideas.

Observing the Reality

When I recently observed a symphonic orchestra, the pairing of wind instruments was less pronounced than one might expect. In my section, for instance, there were three flutes, and I noticed the following configuration:

Woodwinds: In the woodwind section, there were three bassoons clustered together, with one struggling with a contrabassoon. The two clarinets had a companion bass clarinet, and the pair of flutes was joined by a piccolo, making them quite a vibrant group. Brass: The brass section featured off to the right three trumpets and four horns, while on the left was a solitary tuba. Strings: The string section, particularly in the back of the orchestra, was arranged in neat pairs, with a music stand holding two string players.

The string section’s neat arrangement in pairs is indeed more common, as they are more often grouped in pairs due to the physical makeup of the instruments and the need for even spatial distribution. In contrast, the wind instruments, especially on the edges of the orchestra, are less likely to be paired.

Conclusion

The pairing of wind instruments in a symphonic orchestra may seem unnecessary, but it serves several practical and historical purposes. It helps achieve better sound distribution, allows for more intricate musical arrangements, and fosters a sense of order and symmetry that were highly valued during the classical era.

While the reality of an orchestra’s instrumentation may not always conform to the ideal of pairs, the practice remains significant in understanding the historical and practical aspects of orchestral composition and performance.