Do you think that there should be more high pitched intruments in an orchetra or more low pitched

Thanks, Pro! I am very excited to accept this debate since it such an interesting subject (to me)! As I said earlier, good luck to you!Higher pitched instruments do not always play the melody All high pitched instruments are not generally playing the melody. For instance, 1st part violin/trumpet generally has the melody, 2nd part supports the melody. As I’m sure you’re aware, there may even be divisions within the parts themselves in which all 1st parts are not necessarily playing the melody – at least not in the same octave. Considering these multiple parts, and divisi within the parts, clearly higher register instruments do not always play the melody. Increasing the number of high register instruments (which play melody) demands more support, and this support is generally provided by lower register instruments or by higher ranged instruments playing in a lower register. The melody and the harmony will not generally (if ever) be represented by equal numbers of instruments. In most compositions, the majority of the orchestra will be playing harmonics/chords in order to provide a fuller sound, and a minority stands out with the melody. The melody stands out Consider a song written for 8 cellos. Which part do you hear clearly? If you listen closely, you can ascertain the other parts, but the melody is the most obvious. This is a really good example of the melody being heard even when it is 1 out of 8 parts and by instruments within the same register. The moving notes are what we hear first (unless it is intentionally subdued). This also shows how many parts/instruments might be used to support the melody. In other words, there are many more possibilities to provide support since harmony is not committed to a single note, but an entire chord. However, there is only one melody. Imagine how this piece would change if there were 2 parts for chords/harmony, and the other six played the exact same notes demanded by the melody. The depth would be gone. Solos Higher register instruments typically have solos. Piccolos, flutes, trumpets, and violins have a majority of solos. That is because the higher ranged instruments are capable of singing above the lower ranged instruments. Here is a great example of piccolo (unmic’d) playing with full orchestral accompaniment and we have no problem hearing every note. Of course, there are times when trombone, viola, bass, tuba, etc., have solos, but the accompaniment must be modified in order for these instruments to be heard. Compare the horn solo (with entire orchestra laying out) at 1:18 to the piccolo solo. The piccolo is much easier to understand. *I intentionally compared a wind instrument to a wind instrument given the typical amplitude difference between wind and string instruments. Also, it should be noted, the horn is not generally thought of as a low pitched instrument, but it is in a lower register than the piccolo. Conclusion To recap, higher register instruments are not guaranteed to play melody – increasing the amount of higher pitched instruments will demand more accompaniment from other sections and/or more accompaniment parts within the enlarged section itself. Melody stands out even when played with other instruments in the same range. Finally, higher register instruments are more easily heard, and if we intend to increase the size of the orchestra it should be in the lower register sections. Back to you, Pro!