The "Colors" of the Orchestra

[euphony131]

Need clarification --

I'm taking a friend to his first ever CM concert, and was thinking to use Beethoven's Ode to Joy instrumental theme to show off the sounds of each orchestral section.

I'd always assumed the progression as they build up to the explosive climax was --

1. Bass & Double-Cellos (start the theme)
2. then violas & woodwinds (together)
3. then the violins (both sections)
4. finally the Precussion & Horns (for the Climax)

Have I got that right? Or have I have I just come down from another planet?

[Peter]

Basically right -
The theme is first presented on 'cellos and bass.
Then the Violas & 'Cellos have the theme,accompanied by Bass and a glorious counter melody in the Bassoon.
The 1st Violins take up the theme next, accompanied by the other strings and the Bassoon adding touches of colour.
This leads to the full Orchestra entry, where the theme is in the woodwind and Brass accompanied by the Strings and Timpani.

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'Man know thyself'