What instruments are used in the crescendo in the Beatles' "A Day in the Life"?

Dear Cecil:

We have a Beatles trivia question on which a dinner-for-four wager rides. The question is this: on the Sgt. Pepper song "A Day in the Life," what instruments are used for the crescendo after the singer says, "I'd love to turn you on"?

— David W., Chicago

Dear David:

The crescendo is the product of a full-scale 41-piece orchestra, conducted by one P. McCartney, with Mal Evans soloing on alarm clock.

— Cecil Adams

Send questions for Cecil Adams to: cecil@chicagoreader.com

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