<P> There are more variations of set - up with the double bass section, depending on the size of the section and the size of the stage . The basses are commonly arranged in an arc behind the cellos, either standing or sitting on high stools, usually with two players sharing a stand; though occasionally, due to the large width of the instrument, it is found easier for each player to have their own stand . There are not usually as many basses as cellos, so they are either in one row, or for a larger section, in two rows, with the second row behind the first . In some orchestras, some or all of the string sections may be placed on wooden risers, which are platforms that elevate the performers . </P> <P> The size of a string section may be expressed with a formula of the type (for example) 10 - 10 - 8 - 10 - 6, designating the number of first violins, second violins, violas, cellos, and basses . The numbers can vary widely: Wagner in Die Walküre specifies 16 - 16 - 12 - 12 - 8; the band orchestra in Darius Milhaud's La création du monde is 1 - 1 - 0 - 1 - 1 . In general, music from the Baroque music era (ca . 1600 - 1750) and the Classical music period (ca . 1720 - 1800) used (and is often played in the modern era with) smaller string sections . During the Romantic music era (ca . 1800 - 1910), string sections were significantly enlarged to produce a louder, fuller string sound that could match the loudness of the large brass instrument sections used in orchestral music from this period . During the contemporary music era, some composers requested smaller string sections . In some regional orchestras, amateur orchestras and youth orchestras, the string sections may be relatively small, due to the challenges of finding enough string players . </P> <P> The music for a string section is not necessarily written in five parts; besides the variants discussed below, in classical orchestras the' quintet' is often called a' quartet', with basses and cellos playing together . </P> <P> The role of the double - bass section evolved considerably during the 19th century . In orchestral works from the baroque and classical era, the bass and cello typically play from the same part, labelled "Bassi". Since the double bass is a transposing instrument, if a double bassist and a cellist read the same part, the double bass player will be doubling the cello part an octave lower . While passages for cellos alone (marked "senza bassi") are common in Mozart and Haydn, independent parts for both instruments become frequent in Beethoven and Rossini and common in later works of Verdi and Wagner . </P>

Who sits in the back row of an orchestra