Benjamin Britten – A Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra

This work, written to introduce young people to orchestral instruments, is a set of theme and variations and explores each individual instrumental family. Listening to this work helps listeners new to the orchestra to hear the various timbres and makes it easier to discern between the instruments in other listening examples.

Johann Sebastian Bach - Brandenburg Concerto in F major, BWV 1046

Concerti are an excellent way to hear various instruments featured through solo and small ensemble playing. This particular concerto features woodwinds and brass against a tight string section and with harpsichord support.