GC633NM Orchestra 22 - Strings (Unknown Cache) in Kwazulu Natal, South Africa created by Waldo

GC633NM ▼

A cache by Waldo Message this owner

Hidden : 1/16/2016

Difficulty:

Terrain:

Size: Size: other (other)

Join now to view geocache location details. It's free!

Watch

How Geocaching Works

Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions in our disclaimer.

Geocache Description:

Another in the Orchestra Geo Art series. Urban caches all within Durban Metro. BYOP. Some cannot take swag. Random caches hold clues for a Bonus Cache! Find all 26!

Have Fun and Enjoy! Please return cache as found :)

Stringed instruments are classified as Chordophones. Their characteristics are a string vibration which creates sound. By design, they fall into Lutes – strings held in a frame; or Zithers – strings mounted on a body.
Sound is produced by plucking the string, bowing the string, or striking the string. Plucking the string restricts the overtones to the fundamental tone, while bowing allows for an expanded array of overtones to be created. This eases the tone and broadens the compatibility with other tones, as in a composed piece.
Bowing is the rubbing of one string – like material against an opposing string, thus creating vibrations and thus sound.
Striking the strings occurs in the case of a Piano. Within an orchestral context the piano is classified as a percussive instrument.
The Gourd or 'sound box' of the Lute instruments does not amplify the sound produced by the vibrating strings. Rather it allows for a symbiotic containment of air to vibrate, thus increasing the total vibrating surface, and thus creating a greater sound. This is often percieved as the string sound being amplified.
There are 3 ways of altering the vibrations of the string. The length of string available for vibration can alter, thus altering the vibratory frequency. The string tension can change, resulting in a pitch difference (loose string = low pitch). The third method is to alter the density or gauge of the string. Of these methods, rapid changing during play is achieved by changing the length of the string. This is done by terminating the end point along the neck with a finger or fret. This can be achieved dynamically and is the quintessential skill of the string player.
The string tension is adjusted by changing the binding agent of string to frame neck. This obviously cannot happen dynamically, but is easily undertaken between performances.
The changing of the string density or gauge, is not easily accomplished, and is done only after thorough consideration.

The string players are usually found seated closest to the conductor, or toward the front of an orchestral setting. Violins, 2nd Violins, Violas, Cellos and Basses spread from the conductors left to right. If a harp is required, it would be found usually between the Cellos and Double Bass toward the back of the orchestra.