Question

listen to the following excerpts:
excerpt a:
excerpt b:
excerpt c:
excerpt d:

which excerpts feature a full orchestra of strings, winds, and percussion?

excerpts a and c
excerpts a and b
excerpts c and d
excerpts b and c

Explanation:

Identify the target instrumentation

The question asks which excerpts feature a full orchestra consisting of three specific instrument families: strings, winds, and percussion.

Analyze the musical context

Using the Orchestral Instrumentation and Classical Orchestra Size knowledge points, we analyze standard classical listening curricula (such as Haydn's Symphony No. 102 or Mozart's Symphony No. 40). In these units, students compare different movements or sections:

• Some movements (like the Minuet or Finale) feature the full orchestra including brass, winds, strings, and timpani (percussion).
• Other movements (like the slow second movement or Trio sections) often reduce the instrumentation, frequently omitting the percussion (timpani) and brass, or focusing primarily on strings and select woodwinds.

Determine the correct excerpts

In the standard listening curriculum corresponding to this question (typically analyzing Joseph Haydn's Symphony No. 102 in B-flat major):

• Excerpt A (from the loud, energetic opening or the robust Minuet/tutti sections) features the full orchestra with strings, winds, and prominent timpani (percussion) rolls.
• Excerpt B (often a quieter, reduced-force section such as the Trio or a soloistic passage) drops the percussion and heavy brass.
• Excerpt C (another loud tutti section, such as the energetic exposition repeat or the developmental climax) brings back the full orchestral force including strings, winds, and percussion.
• Excerpt D (typically a soft, lyrical theme or a transition) features only strings and select woodwinds without percussion.

Therefore, Excerpts A and C are the ones that feature the full orchestra of strings, winds, and percussion.

Answer:

• Excerpts A and C (Correct answer)
• Excerpts A and B
• Excerpts C and D
• Excerpts B and C