Expansion of the orchestra

It was the demands of Beethoven's symphonies that brought about the dramatic expansion of the orchestra during the Romantic period. Beethoven's First Symphony is the real beginning of the modern orchestra. It was scored for:

• 1st and 2nd violins
• violas
• cellos
• double basses
• 2 flutes
• oboes
• clarinets
• bassoons
• trumpets
• horns
• kettledrums

Note that in Beethoven's orchestra:

• the keyboard instrument was replaced by strings.
• the development of the valve meant that brass instruments now had greater range and flexibility.