Customer Reviews

Arranging Music for the Real World: Classical and Commercial Aspects (Book & CD set)

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Where was this masterful book "Arranging Music For the Real World" when I needed it" As a young "road" musician, early in the stages of arranging, I used to ask reputable arrangers how they had become so knowledgeable and learned to write so well. Unequivocally they all gave the same answer, "I studied and analyzed scores of the 'Masters.'" The author of this excellent book, Vince Corozine, uses this unique concept (the basic principles of arranging and orchestration), as the basis of his book, showing how composers of the past used them and how they effectively may be used today to achieve a fresh contemporary sound. Mr. Corozine has fulfilled his goal admirably, with the inclusion of music of all genres: jazz, symphonic, pop, choral, Broadway, film, and television scores. Not only does he display samples of his own compositions and the "Masters," he demonstrates his works beautifully on a CD which comes with the book. If you feel your arrangements and compositions lack the excitement, tonal color and sophistication that you so desire, then this book is your answer. As a professional musician and music educator, I highly recommend "Arranging Music for the Real World."

Corozine's text has been sorely needed by studying arrangers for quite some time; classical focused books have addressed instrument ranges and effects applicable to those specific instruments through orchestral literature, and commercial ones give little information on practical uses of specific techniques. Corozine's text not only covers these two areas, but also is careful to contrast different treatments of arranging the same music. The accompanying compact disc is very helpful in illustrating Corozine's points. In all, a book I wish I had while studying for my own master's degree in arranging in the mid 1990s. Well done!

I have to admit to some personal bias in posting this review. A few years ago, I commuted from my home in Hampton, Virginia, down to North Carolina to take some composition lessons with Vince Corozine. Vince showed me some preliminary chapters from a book he was working on and asked me to read and make some comments on what he had done. His goal was to discuss contemporary arranging techniques and compare those techniques with the compositional style of the great composers of the western European tradition. I have just finished reading the complete book for the first time and I think that Vince fulfilled his goal admirably. In addition to being a master composer/arranger and an inspiring teacher, Vince is also a warm and generous person. These traits are in full bloom in this book. Along with providing a wealth of information about arranging and composition, the tone of the book reflects Vince's joy of music making and his willingness to share his encyclopedic knowledge of the subject. I especially liked Chapter 6, A Brief Historical Survey of Orchestration, where Vince compares orchestration styles from the Baroque to the Impressionistic periods. Vince has included numerous examples from his own arrangements and original compositions, which reinforces the fact that this is no mere academic exercise. There are abundant musical examples in the text and an accompanying CD, which includes selections, most or all, arranged or composed by Vince. This book is sure to be a welcome addition to the literature , as both a manual of instruction and as a reference work in itself- a great contribution from one of America's outstanding composer/arrangers.

As a rock guitarist who reads and writes music, I bought Arranging Music for the Real World hoping to expand my knowledge and discover new techniques for using brass, woodwinds, and strings to enrich recorded songs. Packed with practical and timeless information, Corozine's book-and-CD package exceeds my expectations. The audio examples are beautifully recorded and performed, and make the book's notation come alive. If you've wondered how to get those lush sounds from the golden era of big bands, swing ensembles, and classic movie scores, this book provides the answers. Most importantly, it will give you the confidence to work with trained musicians and express your ideas using their vocabulary.

It isn't an introduction to music theory. To benefit from this material, you need to read music notation and understand keys, scales, intervals, and harmony. But if you're looking to unlock the secrets of arranging for acoustic instruments, this book offers a lifetime of study and inspiration. Just be sure you have a piano or keyboard handy to explore the hundreds of examples Corozine uses to illustrate essential concepts and techniques.

Excellent book, lots of examples in the CD. The book gives you tons of useful tips for the working or weekend musician. I gave it 4 stars because it already starts with concepts like open or closed position, and doesn't explain them, making this book a bit advanced for a beginner. If you're not a beginner, this book is for you!

I highly recomend this book to be in your collection if you want to learn arranging and orchestration. It covers alot of ground. Make sure you know your theory first, as a fair knowledge is assumed here, which I liked. I'ts in-depth and has many many great points and wise advice on what to do in various situations. The author is a Jazz guy so the use of the word "Commercial" in the title meas "Jazz". Theres nothing for arranging rock or pop and only a little on film-scoring. The CD's have audio examples but not of every example in the book - just the ones composed by the author, however they are great to have and read-along with.

Excellent text book. Author is disolutioned as to who is reading the book. Tries to explain (in quotes) what you should know about history and theory couses after second year theory in college. Great book for those with at least two years of music theory in college. It is beyond the quarter unit course that I taught, in orchestration, with seniors, at a four year institution. If you have the information of a graduate college student it is excellent. I would love to take a graduate course from this gentleman. He has a very diversified education in many musical venues.

Great book. Covers the basics and yet is not boring to the experienced musician.

I"ve little experience with orchestration and this book helps, giving solid foundation and there's alot to "get" as a beginner. The attached CD also helps. I've gone through the book once. Planning to go through it again.

I found this to be an excellent book on arranging for the person new to it or for someone like myself who hasn't done much lately and wishes to get back into it. The recorded examples help a lot as I can remember when the books only gave the written music and you had to hunt down the recordings to hear the actual music played. The book is well done and has many examples of different musical styles and a variety of different voicings. I enjoy this book very much.