Can you explain the hierarchy of violin chairs first and second violin in an orchestra?

Answer 1

An orchestra's string section is generally divided into several parts, normally consisting of: Violin I

Violin II

Viola

'Cello

Double Bass

The first violins generally take the higher part playing much of the time in the top registers of the instrument and having quite often the "tune"

The 2nds have the "lower" part, and often play an echoing role with the 1sts, sometimes however they will join and play in unison.

The 2nd part is often somewhat easier to play, hence "playing 2nd fiddle... " as an expression. Although in a professional orchestra all violinists have to audition and to have reached the same standard, so the 2nd violinist are of the same quality, just playing a different role.

This is what gives the classical orchestra its distinctive sound.

<><><> In a Junior orchestra the part a violinist is given is of course dependent on the ability of the player. The first violins usually play the melody, while the second violins play the harmony. <><><> If you mean 1st violins versus 2nd violins, then there is no hierarchy really. They are two sections of violins playing different music. People often prefer to play in one or the other for different reasons, but one is not necessarily "better" than the other.

If you mean concertmaster versus assistant concertmaster, then there is competition because of salary. Concertmasters are paid more in professional orchestras because they are in charge of organizing the bowings for their section and playing the solos. The same goes for the principal second violin, principal viola, principal cello, and principal bass. They are all in charge of their own section's bowings and solos. <><><> Generally Speaking within a section it is arranged in abilities. i.e. The Concertmaster on the right and at the front of the firsts. The person on the right will play the higher notes where divisi is necessary and the person on the left always flips the pages. People in 1st do not necessarily always play "Better" than those in seconds. eg. The sectional leader of 2nds may prefer to be in seconds.

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