Orchestration Study

The second edition of this highly successful orchestration text follows the approach established in its innovative predecessor. The most effective way to learn orchestration is through familiarizing oneself with the orchestral literature, which can be accomplished by studying the music notation in combination with the recorded sound. Throughout the book, there are numerous musical examples provided.

The text is divided into two main sections: Instrumentation and Orchestration.

The Instrumentation section covers the following topics:

1. The orchestra – yesterday and today: This chapter explores the historical development of the orchestra and its current composition.

2. Bowed string instruments: This chapter delves into the various bowed string instruments, including their characteristics and capabilities.

3. Individual bowed string instruments: This chapter examines each bowed string instrument in detail.

4. Plucked string instruments: This chapter focuses on plucked string instruments and their roles within the orchestra.

5. Scoring for strings: This chapter provides guidance on how to effectively score for the string section.

6. The woodwind choir – reed aerophones: This chapter introduces the woodwind instruments, including their classification as reed aerophones.

7. Individual woodwinds: This chapter explores the unique qualities and capabilities of each woodwind instrument.

8. Scoring for woodwinds and woodwind-string combinations: This chapter discusses the principles of scoring for woodwinds, both individually and in combination with string instruments.

9. Introduction to brass instruments: This chapter offers an overview of the brass instruments and their characteristics.

10. Individual brass instruments: This chapter delves into the individual brass instruments and their distinct features.

11. Scoring for brass and brass combined with strings and winds: This chapter covers the techniques of scoring for brass instruments, both independently and in conjunction with strings and winds.

12. The percussion ensemble: This chapter examines the diverse percussion instruments and their roles within the orchestra.

13. Keyboard instruments: This chapter discusses the integration of keyboard instruments into the orchestral setting.

14. Scoring for percussion with keyboard alone or in combination: This chapter provides guidance on scoring for percussion, both with and without the inclusion of keyboard instruments.

The Orchestration section includes the following topics:

1. Scoring for orchestra: This chapter focuses on the principles and techniques of orchestral scoring.

2. The orchestral transcription: This chapter explores the art of transcribing musical works for the orchestra.

3. The orchestra as accompanist: This chapter discusses the role of the orchestra as an accompaniment to various musical forces.

4. The preparation of score and parts: This chapter addresses the practical aspects of preparing orchestral scores and parts.

The text also includes two appendices, which provide additional resources and information for the reader.

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