An interactive guide to different registral intensities of common orchestral instruments, with audio and score examples.
Ranges given are as written — i.e. transposed, not sounding/concert pitch. Click on each range to hear an audio excerpt of the instrument playing in that range.
flute
oboe
clarinet
bassoon
horn
trumpet
trombone
b. tbn. →
tuba
violin
viola
cello
bass
LEGEND
High intensity: sound has a sense of power, shrillness or strain, even at low dynamics. While strings can play softly in this register, winds and brass will struggle to play less than mf. Unsuited for quiet, accompanimental wind/brass parts.
Medium/flexible intensity: comfortable register, with a fullness of tone, and can be used for both soft and loud passages. Suited for accompaniment, though be careful if accompanying an instrument in a soft dynamic (e.g. mid-register trumpet will overpower a mid-register flute).
Weak intensity: weak register, with a 'thinness' or ’fragility’ of tone. Some instruments can't above an mp in this register. Excellent for soft, accompanimental parts, but may not be appropriate for louder dynamics.