The Study of Orchestration

Synopsis

Written by a renowned composer whose works have been performed by major orchestras around the world, The Study of Orchestration is the only text that explores the characteristics of orchestral instruments and shows students how a master composer approaches orchestration. The fourth edition invites students to experience the instruments through online audio and video recordings and now offers more coverage of writing for band.

Summary

Chapter 1: Instrument Families and Ranges

* Describes the four instrument families (strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion) and their typical ranges.
* Example: The violin, a string instrument, has a range of approximately G3 to A7.

Chapter 2: Basic Orchestral Texture

* Explains different orchestral textures, including monophony, homophony, polyphony, and heterophony.
* Example: A unison texture features all instruments playing the same melody, while a contrapuntal texture involves multiple independent melodic lines.

Chapter 3: The Strings

* Details the different string instruments (violin, viola, cello, double bass) and their unique characteristics.
* Example: The viola has a warm, mellow tone between the violin and cello in range.

Chapter 4: The Woodwinds

* Describes the woodwind instruments (flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon) and their playing techniques.
* Example: The flute is a versatile instrument capable of playing both high-pitched melodies and low-register accompaniment.

Chapter 5: The Brass

* Covers the brass instruments (trumpet, trombone, French horn, tuba) and their powerful, resonant sound.
* Example: The trumpet has a bright, piercing tone suitable for fanfare melodies or solo passages.

Chapter 6: The Percussion

* Introduces the wide variety of percussion instruments and their diverse roles in the orchestra.
* Example: The timpani are large, kettle-shaped drums used to create thunderous effects or provide rhythmic accompaniment.

Chapter 7: Orchestral Combinations

* Explores the different ways instruments can be grouped to create effective orchestral combinations.
* Example: A string quartet consists of two violins, a viola, and a cello, providing a balanced and intimate sound.

Chapter 8: Instrumentation for Specific Purposes

* Discusses the orchestration techniques used to achieve specific musical effects, such as creating atmosphere, portraying character, or conveying emotions.
* Example: In Wagner's "Tristan und Isolde," the use of brass and low strings creates a sense of tension and impending tragedy.

Chapter 9: Orchestration in the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic Periods

* Examines the historical evolution of orchestration, from the Baroque era's emphasis on continuo to the Romantic era's expansion of orchestral forces.
* Example: The Baroque composer Handel often used harpsichord and organ as continuo instruments, while the Romantic composer Berlioz employed a large orchestra with innovative combinations.

Chapter 10: Modern Orchestration

* Explores the advancements in orchestration in the 20th and 21st centuries, including the use of extended techniques and electronic instruments.
* Example: In Stravinsky's "The Rite of Spring," the use of polytonality and unconventional rhythm creates a dissonant and chaotic effect.