Pre Baroque
This page explains the origins of the orchestra and explores the music of early composers such as Monteverdi.
Baroque
Find out more about the types of ensemble Bach, Handel and Vivaldi composed for.
19th Century
Learn how composers such as Wagner created music which required a bigger orchestra than ever before.
20th Century
On this page read about how the orchestra changed in the twentieth century.
Classical
Learn about the type of ensemble great composers such as Mozart and Haydn would have composed for.
21st Century
On this page read about the challenges the orchestra faces in the twenty-first century
