Shorthand for orchestra instrumentation

The shorthand in the cast of a classical symphony orchestra makes it possible in particular to make the required wind section of a work clearly. The shorthand is based on the list of the instruments in classical orchestral score, read from top to bottom.

To this end, the orchestra is divided into four groups and given in the following order:

• Woodwind: flutes, oboes, clarinets, bassoons
• Brass: horns, trumpets, trombones, tuba
• Timpani, percussion, piano, harp, etc.
• Strings: Violine1, Violine2, violas, cellos, double basses

There is no unified system to record deviations from the standard instrumentation. The following examples illustrate conventional solutions.

Examples

If soloists or a choir belong to the head, that are mostly in the score between drums / keyboard instruments and the strings. In shorthand, they are usually not included.