A
string orchestra is an
orchestra consisting solely of a
string section. The instruments of such an orchestra are most often the following: the
violin, which is divided into first and second violin players, the
viola, the
cello, and the
double bass. String orchestras can be of chamber orchestra size ranging from between 12 (4.3.2.2.1 = 12) and 21 musicians (6.5.4.4.2 = 21) sometimes performing without a conductor, or consist of the entire string section of a large symphony orchestra which could have 60 musicians (16.14.12.10.8 = 60;
Gurre-Lieder calls for 84: 20.20.16.16.12).