ORCHESTRA (Gr. ỏρχήστρɑ, i.e. a dancing place; Ital. Orchestra; Germ. Orchester; Fr. Orchestre).
That portion of a Theatre, or Concert-room, which is set apart for the accommodation of the Instrumental Band—in the latter case, of the Chorus also.
The word is of Greek origin, and in classical times denoted an open space, in which Dances were performed, to the sound of various Instruments. This space was situated between the seats for the audience, and the κοῖλον (from κοῖλος, concave),...