* No. 90. _Shéhérazade_, 4th movement [[U]]--2 Cl./'Cellos + 2 Horns] 8.
In the case of a melody in the low register demanding a sweet soft tone, the violoncellos and double basses should be made to progress in octaves, the former doubled by a bassoon, the latter not doubled at all: 'Cellos + Fag./D. basses] 8. Sometimes a composer is obliged to use this method on account of the very low register of the double bass, especially if a double bassoon is not included in his orchestral scheme.[14]
[Footnote 14: The process of doubling strings and wood-wind in octaves: Fl./Vns] 8, Ob./'Cellos] 8, etc. often used by the classics to obtain balance of tone, is not to be recommended, as the tone quality of the two groups is so widely different. As a result of the ever-increasing tendency to profusion of colour, this method has recently come into fashion again, notably among the younger French composers. (Editor's note.)]
No. 91. _Tsar Saltan_ [[92]]--Violas + Fag./'Cellos + Fag./D. basses] 8/8.
Owing to the dissimilarity between the quality of string and brass tone, the combination of these two groups in unison can never yield such a perfect blend as that produced by the union of strings and wood-wind. When a brass and a stringed instrument progress in unison, each can be heard separately, but the instruments in each group which can be combined with the greatest amount of success are those whose respective registers correspond the most nearly; Violin + Trumpet; Viola + Horn; 'Cellos/D. basses + Trombones/Tuba (for heavy massive effects).
The combination of horns and 'cellos, frequently employed, produces a beautifully blended, soft quality of tone.
* No. 92. _The Golden Cockerel_ [[98]]--Violas _con sord._ + Horn.
The combination of members of the three groups in unison is more common, the presence of the wood-wind imparting a fuller and more evenly blended tone. The question as to which group will predominate in timbre depends upon the number of instruments employed. The most natural combinations, and those most generally in use are: Vns + Ob. (Fr., Cl.) + Trumpet; Violas (or 'Cellos) + Cl. (Eng. horn) + Horn; 'Cellos/D. basses + 2 Fag. + 3 Trombones + Tuba.
Such groupings are used for preference in loud passages or for a heavy _piano_ effect.