Orchestra musicians and their instruments

A key player in orchestras outside the U.S., the instrument’s profile is tended to by Nick Ariondo, Samuel Zyman and others.

For players, the instruments set the gold standard with an ethereal `carpet of sound.’

Whether its tones are signaling dread or enforcing the ensemble’s pitch, it makes an unmistakable mark. Just don’t try to fly with one.

Elusive but essential, the instrument gives its fellow woodwinds a bracing backbone.

Think sax and you probably won’t think symphony. But it’s just not ‘Bolero’ without one.

They don’t get much respect, as an entire genre of jokes proves. But try building a quartet without one.

The curvy instrument requires its player to pack a lot of wind -- the better to produce those sad sounds. And watch out for the razor blades.

New music and technology have them taking up a whole new world of noise toys, but L.A. pros agree that one thing hasn’t changed: Accuracy is key.

Tuba players may be the Rodney Dangerfields of the orchestra, but the instrument has come a long way since its creation in the 1830s.