The Baroque orchestra was much smaller than our modern orchestras. Is this statement True or False?

The statement is true because the Baroque orchestra typically consisted of a limited number of musicians compared to modern orchestras, which can be quite large. During the Baroque period (approximately 1600 to 1750), orchestras were usually comprised of strings, along with a few woodwinds, brass, and percussion instruments. The size of a Baroque orchestra often ranged from about 10 to 30 musicians, depending on the specific work and context.

In contrast, a modern symphony orchestra can contain anywhere from 60 to over 100 musicians, including a broader range of instruments and sections, such as multiple woodwinds, brass, and a larger percussion section. The evolution of orchestral music and performance practice has introduced greater complexity in instrumentation and arrangements, leading to the significantly larger ensembles seen today. Thus, the comparison highlights not only the difference in size but also how musical composition and performance have transformed over time.