The Art of Orchestration – Rimsky-Korsakov’s guide to sonic color.
By Nicholas Jenkins, published by Oxford University Press in 2013, available on Amazon.
Orchestration is the art of arranging a musical composition for orchestra. Orchestration involves selecting and combining various types of instruments to convey different emotions, moods, and ideas through sound. In order to write an orchestral piece, one must know which instruments will best express the desired mood or theme.
1. Timbre
Timbre refers to the unique tone color or “tone quality” of a particular instrument. Orchestration is deeply concerned with timbre. For instance, the violins should be used sparingly in the first movement of our Fantasia on Russian Themes since their bright, piercing sound might make the piece seem too cheerful. On the other hand, the cellos can stand out because their rich and mellow sound will give a darker atmosphere to the music.
2. Dynamics
Dynamics are the loudness or softness of the music. There are several dynamic markings used in orchestration – from piano (very soft) to fortissimo (very, very loud). These markings help control the volume and add variety to the music. For example, if we want a dramatic effect, we could have the strings play pianissimo during an intense emotional moment.
3. Articulation
Articulation refers to how notes are attacked and released. Legato (smoothly connected) and staccato (short and detached) articulations can greatly change the character of a piece. Staccato articulation is often used in fast passages, while legato articulation is more suitable for slow movements.
4. Form
Form refers to the overall structure or arrangement of themes within an orchestral piece. The most common forms are ABA, Rondo, and Sonata. In our Fantasia on Russian Themes, each movement follows the sonata-allegro form which consists of an exposition, development, and recapitulation.
5. Texture
Texture is a term used to describe how instruments overlap or intersect in time. There are several types of textures – monophonic (single melodic line), polyphonic (multiple melodic lines), homophonic (one main melody with accompaniment), and free texture (unstructured). Orchestration often involves creating different textures throughout a piece to enhance its emotional impact.
“The art of orchestration is the creation of a musical language, and like all languages it must be mastered before one can use it to express the deepest feelings.” – Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Russian composer.
Instrumentation in Orchestration
The choice of instrumentation is crucial in orchestration. Each instrument has its unique characteristics, and by selecting the right instruments for a particular section, we can create the desired mood or atmosphere. For example, brass instruments are often used to add brightness and cheerfulness to music.
Conclusion
Orchestration is an art that requires creativity, patience, and practice. By understanding different techniques such as timbre, dynamics, articulation, form, texture, and instrumentation, a composer can create a rich and emotive orchestral piece. As Rimsky-Korsakov said, “The art of orchestration is the creation of a musical language,” and mastering it will open doors to new possibilities in music composition.
References
1. Jenkins, N (2013) – The Art of Orchestration. Oxford University Press.
2. Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov – Russian composer and conductor.
Suggested Citation
Jenkins, N (2013) The Art of Orchestration – Oxford University Press.