Meaning of :2 d1, 0, 2, 2 - 2, 0, 0, 0, strings." in sets?

[musicnerd]

Can anyone please explain how to translate the numbers given with "set of parts" when you buy sheet music? Usually they have stuff like "For 2 d1, 0, 2, 2 - 2, 0, 0, 0, strings.", what are the rules for creating those numbers? Sometimes I even see numbers like 12, -12, it just looks so odd (especially with the letters in it).

I'll wait for some enlightenment

[kalliwoda]

Here is the explanation from the Kalmus website, if some group is not present at all you will see code like -222 (2 woodwind each, but no flutes):

INSTRUMENTATION CODE

In the standard format, the first four figures refer to woodwinds and the second four refer to brass. Other instruments are listed separately. For example: 2,2,2,2 - 4,2,3,1 timp, perc, hp, str indicates 2 each of flutes, oboes, clarinets and bassoons, four horns, two trumpets, three trombones, one tuba, timpani, percussion, one harp and strings.

Principal auxiliary instruments (piccolo, English horn, bass clarinet, contrabassoon Wagner tuba, cornet and euphonium) are linked to their respective instruments with either a 'd' if the same player doubles the auxiliary instrument, or a '+' if an extra player is required. Instruments shown in parentheses have been designated by the composer or arranger as optional, and may be omitted. Thus:

3d1+1, 2+1, 3d1(+Eb), 3+1 - 8d4, 4+2, 4, 2(d1), 2timp, perc, 2hp, str

indicates 3 flutes, one of which doubles piccolo, plus a fourth player playing piccolo only; 2 oboes plus a third player for English horn; 3 clarinets, one doubling bass clarinet, plus a fourth (optional) player for E-flat clarinet; 3 bassoons plus a contrabassoon; 8 horns, 4 doubling Wagner tubas; 4 trumpets, 2 doubling cornet; 4 trombones; 2 tubas, one doubling euphonium (optionally); 2 timpanists; percussion; 2 harps and strings.

[musicnerd]

Thank you very much, it's exactly the sort of answer I was looking for