Pit orchestra

Pit orchestra

A pit orchestra is a type of orchestra that accompanies performers in musicals, operas, and other shows involving music. In performances of operas and ballets the pit orchestra is typically similar in size to a symphony orchestra, though it may contain smaller string and brass sections, depending upon the piece. Such orchestras may vary in size from approximately 30 musicians (early Baroque and Classical Opera) to as many as 90-100 musicians (Wagnerian Opera). However,in musical theatre because of financial, space, and volume concerns the pit orchestra is considerably smaller (at most 20-30 musicians, including not more than ten string players). Typically, pit orchestras play in a lowered area in front of the stage called an orchestra pit. Inside the pit, the conductor stands towards the stage and with his (or her) back towards the audience to coordinate the music with the actions of the singers, dancers and actors, while the orchestra sits facing the conductor and audience.


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  • Pit kiln — Pit Pit, n. [OE. pit, put, AS. pytt a pit, hole, L. puteus a well, pit.] 1. A large cavity or hole in the ground, either natural or artificial; a cavity in the surface of a body; an indentation; specifically: (a) The shaft of a coal mine; a coal… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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