Customer Reviews

Arranging Techniques For Synthesists

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

 

 

This book is an excellent introduction to the theory and application of arranging techniques, geared to the synthesist. It contains chapters on melody, percussion, harmony, strings, and vocals. It comes with a CD that plays the examples in the book - really helpful, IMHO.

The book starts with Music theory basics: Rhythm, Styles, Melody, Harmony, Advanced Harmony Substitution and voice arrangement, etc. Then It takes a structured look at the different sections of the band (Rhythm, Brass, Woodwinds, Strings) Explaining how each works, instrument ranges, how to write parts for each, etc. I have had this book for several years, and although I consider myself an accomplished musician/arranger, I refer to it often, especially when it comes to unfamiliar instruments/ensembles. This book is a must for beginning/aspiring arrangers.

Had this book for several years and keep opening it up for the breath of intelligent simplicity that breaks me out of bad habits I might be developing. Contains excellent gems about not overwriting, about keeping clarity of line, about writing realistically. Also has a thousand handy charts and diagrams on such things as part-writing, vocal ranges, counterpoint, basic instrument techniques, basic brass voicings...
Should not be the only book you own...but might be the only one you pack on a vacation where you mean to get a little composing in.

I bought a whole stack of books on arranging, every one I could find. This is 1 of the few I found remotely helpful. If what you want are chapters on orchestral instrument ranges, then there are truckloads of books on that. Anyone can write one of those books, because all you'd have to do is copy the info from one of the tiresome pile of books already out there. It's also one of those things you can figure out yourself, without even going to music school. But to actually deal with the problem of making a good sounding song, there is a BIG difference between "discussing" a subject, and giving you USEFULL info. The more books I read, the more I realize anyone can write a book on any subject and actually get away with it. And there will always be someone who thinks it's brilliant. Most books are like the 'Windows' help files - tell you everything you can figure out yourself, and would have had to figure out to get as far as finding and opening them, then leave you standing there, wondering WHY IS THERE NEVER AN INTERMEDIATE LEVEL? There only seems to be "incredibly stupid beginner" level, and "Doctorate degree advanced level". Anyway this book actually throws in a little intermediate level stuff. There is more I'd like to know, but for the price, it's well worth it.