How To Fake An Orchestra

orchestra:
An orchestra is a sizable instrumental ensemble that contains sections of string, brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments. The term orchestra derives from the Greek ορχήστρα, the name for the area in front of an ancient Greek stage reserved for the Greek chorus. The orchestra grew by accretion throughout the eighteenth and 19th centuries, but changed very little in composition during the course of the 20th century.
A smaller-sized orchestra for this time period (of about fifty players or fewer) is called a chamber orchestra. A full-size orchestra (about 100 players) may sometimes be called a "symphony orchestra" or "philharmonic orchestra"

The classical orchestra can provide some of the most evocative and expressive sounds available to the modern producer; however, the cost of hiring even one classically trained performer may be prohibitive for most project studios. Nonetheless, there are ways of adding a bit of symphony without breaking the bank…

Symphony In A Box

There are plenty of software packages that aim to emulate classical instrumentation; popular choices would be Garritan Personal Orchestra, or Native Instruments Kontakt, for which there are (in addition to its own ample sample banks) a wide range of third-party bundles available.
No matter how hard you try, you are never going to truly replicate the depth of expression achieved by a virtuoso human performer, but with a bit of judicious tweaking and some deft arrangement, a respectable emulation can be achieved.

Putting It All Together

A knowledge of the instruments available to you is a good starting point. The Vienna Symphonic Library provide a useful overview of typical orchestral instruments in four main sections – woodwinds (flutes, oboes…), brass (trumpet, trombone…), strings (violin, cello…) and percussion (timpani, xylophone…).
However, knowing your instruments is not enough – being able to put them together effectively is the key. Although competent orchestral arrangement requires extensive expertise and skill, a basic knowledge of arrangement techniques can greatly improve even the simplest project. This guide to MIDI orchestration might provide a good starting point for budding bedroom Salieris…

Symphony orchestra (philharmonie): large musicians ensemble playing musical work dating mostly from xviii century up to now.
Bass drum: the biggest drum of the set, it produces a deep low sound.
Trumpet: brass instrument having 3 valves and producing up to 12 notes.
Trombone: brass instrument generally having a slide to produce a variety of sounds.
Double bass: the largest instrument of the violins family, producing the most bass notes.
Cymbals: metal discs that are hit with a mallet or stick, or one on the other to produce a sound.
Tuba: instrument made of a curves tube ending with a bell, it produces the most bass sounds of the brass family instruments.
Bassoon: conical double reed instrument of the oboe family.
Oboe: woodwind double reed instrument with a conical bore.
Cello: violin shaped instrument, larger than a violin, that is placed upright between the knees to play.
Music stand: lectern that supports the score.
Viola: larger version of the violin producing notes of one octave lower.
Second violin: support the melody of the first violin. Usually plays the harmony.
First violin: plays the melody.
Recorder: instrument of which the sound is produced with a whistle mouthpiece.
Clarinet: reed instrument with a large flared bell.Woodwind double reed instrument with a conical bore.
French horn: conical brass instrument made with a tube coiled in a circle and ending in a flared bell.
Piano: stringed instrument played with a keyboard that makes hammers strike tuned strings to produce the sounds.
Harp: asymmetrical triangular instrument having different length strings that are plucked to play.