Learsfool, this was a play that had been made into a movie, and I had already seen the movie; that's why I was so fascinated by these guys down in the pit, where they were out of sight for the audience, because the audience looked over and past them, at the play.
Although they were referred to as "doublers", they may have up to eight instruments each. I just looked at what the reed section consisted of: Alto sax; Tenor sax; Clarinet; Flute;and Piccolo, plus an oboe.
Now this was a dramatic play, with dramatic changes, and those guys in the pit stayed glued to that sheet of music in front of them while they changed instruments. I'm impressed by a musician who can really play any instrument; I was doubly impressed by these musicians who could play a multiplicity of instruments, and never even look at the instrument they were playing. (I guess I'm easily impressed)
While they're playing, their music had to correspond with what was going on, on stage. I wonder how many "doublers" does Frogman know. Now I remember Frogman explaining that once. I was impressed then, and just the thought of what they were doing impresses me now.
Phantom Of The Opera (orchestration according to The Really Useful Group, the company that holds the license)
Woodwind 1 (Piccolo/Flute)
Woodwind 2 (Flute/Clarinet)
Woodwind 3 (Oboe/Cor Anglais)
Woodwind 4 (Eb Clarinet/Bb Clarinet/Bass Clarinet)
Woodwind 5 (Bassoon)
3 French Horns
2 Trumpets
Trombone
Percussionist
2 Keyboards
Harp
Violins (7 recommended)
Violas (2 recommended)
Cello (2 recommended)
Contrabass
Total: 27 Players
Enjoy the music.
