Writing For The Orchestra: An Introduction To Orchestration [Paperback]

Merton Shatzkin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 25, 1993 | ISBN-10: 0139534318 | ISBN-13: 978-0139534317 | Edition: 1st

This reference details the basics as well as the refinements of writing for the symphony orchestra, the band, and string orchestra. Focuses on the difficulties of performance of an instrument, the things to avoid when writing for instruments, how to accomplish basic necessities, guidelines for scoring, preparing the score and parts, and unusual uses of instruments. Ideal for introductory and intermediate courses in Orchestration.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Comprehensive in scope, this text covers the basics as well as the refinements of writing for the symphony orchestra, the band, and the string orchestra.

From the Back Cover

Key Benefit:This reference details the basics as well as the refinements of writing for the symphony orchestra, the band, and string orchestra. Key Topics: Focuses on the difficulties of performance of an instrument, the things to avoid when writing for instruments, how to accomplish basic necessities, guidelines for scoring, preparing the score and parts, and unusual uses of instruments. Market: Ideal for introductory and intermediate courses in Orchestration.

Product Details

• Paperback: 388 pages
• Publisher: Prentice Hall; 1st edition (June 25, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0139534318
• ISBN-13: 978-0139534317
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 7.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,317,289 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I great beginning to this subject., February 13, 2008

By 

Joel Grizzel (kansas city, mo United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Writing For The Orchestra: An Introduction To Orchestration (Paperback)

This book on orchestration is very well done. I have gone to it many times. It has some unique touches in the book in regards to suggestions to beginning composers that help get the imagination going. It is unique in other areas such as how long can a certain player hold a note for a given instrument. Gives an insight into the amount of breath that the instrument requires. Has special techniques for each instrument as well. Warns you of using them that will damage an instrument or that are difficult technically. Full of hints like this. Also gets into notational issues where needed. Its a good thorough book written by someone who has been in the orchestra his entire adult life as a composer, conductor and primarily a principle violinist. Recommend it.