The percussion instruments used in the orchestra vary a lot depending on the work being performed.
The percussion section can be found at the very back of the orchestra. An orchestral percussionist will usually be required to know how to play all of the instruments in the section, and be able to move between them very quickly!
The instruments can be divided into two types: pitched (i.e. play notes) or unpitched (i.e. do not play specific notes).
In the section below are a few famous works with prominant (or solely) percussion sections.
| Instrument | Type | Invented |
|---|---|---|
| Glockenspiel | Pitched | 1600s |
| Timpani | Pitched | 1700s |
| Xylophone | Pitched | 800s |
| Bass Drum | Unpitched | 1900s |
| Drum Kit | Unpitched | 1900s |
| Tambourine | Unpitched | 1700 BC |
| Triangle | Unpitched | 1500s |