Principles of Orchestration. Rimsky-Korsakov Nikolay

may be considered as an harmonic element particularly rich in resource.

      B. Wind instruments.

      Wood-wind.

      Apart from the varying number of players, the formation of the string group, with its five constituent parts remains constant, satisfying the demands of any orchestral full score. On the other hand the group of wood-wind instruments varies both as regards number of parts and the volume of tone at its command, and here the composer may choose at will. The group may be divided into three general classes: wood-wind instruments in pair's, in three's and in four's, (see table on page 13).

Arabic numerals denote the number of players on each instrument; roman figures, the parts (1st, 2nd etc.). Instruments which do not require additional players, but are taken over by one or the other executant in place of his usual instrument, are enclosed in brackets. As a rule the first flute, first oboe, first clarinet and first bassoon never change instruments; considering the importance of their parts it is not advisable for them to turn from one mouth-piece to another. The parts written for piccolo, bass flute, English horn, small clarinet, bass clarinet and double bassoon are taken by the second and third players in each group, who are more accustomed to using these instruments of a special nature.

Wood-wind in pair's	Wood-wind in three's	Wood-wind in four's
(II—Piccolo).	(III—Piccolo).	1 Piccolo (IV).
2 Flutes I. II.	3 Flutes I. II. III.	3 Flutes I. II. III.
	(II—Bass flute).	(III—Bass flute).
2 Oboes I. II.	2 Oboes I. II.	3 Oboes I. II. III.
(II—Eng. horn).	1 Eng. horn (III).	1 Eng. horn (IV).
	(II—Small clarinet).	(II—Small clarinet).
2 Clarinets I. II.	3 Clarinets I. II. III.	3 Clarinets I. II. III.
(II—Bass clarinet).	(III—Bass clarinet).	1 Bass clarinet (IV).
2 Bassoons I. II.	2 Bassoons I. II.	3 Bassoons I. II. III.
	1 Double bassoon (III).	1 Double bassoon (IV).

      The formation of the first class may be altered by the permanent addition of a piccolo part. Sometimes a composer writes for two piccolos or two Eng. horns etc. without increasing the original number of players required (in three's or four's).