Definition

Noun: An orchestra composed exclusively of musicians who play stringed instruments, such as violins, violas, cellos, and double basses. It does not include wind, brass, or percussion instruments.

Usage

A "string orchestra" is a specific ensemble type. It is used to describe the group itself, the music written for it, or performances by such a group. - The piece was composed specifically for a string orchestra. - We went to a concert performed by the chamber string orchestra. - The symphony's string orchestra section rehearsed separately.

Examples

• The city's youth string orchestra gave a magnificent performance.
• Baroque music often sounds beautiful when played by a string orchestra.
• He conducts both a full symphony orchestra and a smaller string orchestra.

Advanced Usage

• As a genre descriptor: The term can be used to categorize a type of musical composition or arrangement (e.g., "a string orchestra arrangement of a popular song").
• In contrast to full orchestra: It explicitly distinguishes the ensemble from a full orchestra or a chamber orchestra that includes winds.

Variants and Related Words

• String ensemble: A more general term that can refer to a group of any size, from a duo or quartet to a full string orchestra.
• String section: Refers specifically to the string players within a full symphony orchestra.

Synonyms

• String ensemble (though this can be smaller)
• String band (this term is sometimes used, particularly in folk or popular contexts, but "string orchestra" is standard for classical music)

Related Phrases/Idioms

(This term is a specific musical classification and is not commonly used in idiomatic expressions. Its meaning is literal.)

Noun

1. an orchestra playing only stringed instruments