What is the 2nd chair violinist called?

the concertmaster
After the conductor, the concertmaster is the second-most significant leader in an orchestra, symphonic band or other musical ensemble.

What does it mean second chair violin?

The second and sometimes third and fourth chairs are “assistant concertmasters,” and they are paid less than the concertmaster, but more than other section players. They have to sub for the concertmaster when needed.

Is first chair second violin better than last chair first violin?

Usually, first violins are better… The thing is that the first violins consist of first chair through about third (depends on size of orchestra) an second violins are just the rest of them. First violins usually get the most solo parts and second is the ‘echo’.

What does 3rd chair mean in orchestra?

In and of itself, third chair means you sit two chairs away from the principal player; if your band seats players in order of proficiency and you have a bunch of clarinets, this means you’re quite a good player.

Where does 2nd chair violin sit?

In a typical stage set-up, the first and second violins, violas and cellos are seated by twos, a pair of performers sharing a stand being called a “desk”, Each principal (or section leader) is usually on the “outside” of the first desk, that is, closest to the audience.

What is section violin?

Noun. 1. violin section – the section of an orchestra that plays violins. string section, strings – the section of an orchestra that plays stringed instruments.

Is violin 1 or 2 better?

The simplest answer is to say that usually the second violins play a supportive role harmonically and rhythmically to the first violins which often play the melody and the highest line of the string section. All first violinists appreciate the value and hard work of the second violins.

Are 1st violins better than 2nd violins?

Yes – the first violin middle seat would be better than any second violinist. Technically speaking, any first violinist in a standard orchestra is better than any second violinist. Even the last chair first violinist would be better than the first chair second violinist.

Is violin 1 or 2 harder?

That said, the first violin part is often considered “harder” because typically it shifts to higher positions and can have more virtuosic stuff in there. Easy or hard, it is true that first violin parts tend to have the melody and spotlight much of the time, with the second violin in a more supportive role.

Why is first chair violin so important?

The first chair violinist of an orchestra—known as the concertmaster—is a vital musical leader with widely ranging responsibilities, from tuning the orchestra to working closely with the conductor.

How do you seat a 2nd violin in an orchestra?

Seating of second violins may vary in accordance with the conductor’s wishes. They may sit next to the first violins and next to the violas or be placed directly opposite the first violins. The first configuration seats them between the treble and bass sections and supports their role as the “inner” voice of the orchestra.

What is the difference between first and second violins?

Let’s explore their differences. In symphony orchestras there are two sections of violins. The first violin section is always on the conductor’s left. Seating of second violins may vary in accordance with the conductor’s wishes. They may sit next to the first violins and next to the violas or be placed directly opposite the first violins.

What are the duties of a second violin?

Because second violins play a supportive role harmonically and rhythmically to the first violins, which play the melody and the highest line of the string section, they must know the score front to back and be totally immersed in the music.

What are the qualifications of a second violinist?

All violinists are required to play at a virtuoso level and be prepared to fit into either position. Because second violins play a supportive role harmonically and rhythmically to the first violins, which play the melody and the highest line of the string section, they must know the score front to back and be totally immersed in the music.