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Orchestration

Definition

Orchestration refers to the art of arranging and assigning musical parts or instruments in an ensemble or orchestral composition. It involves selecting specific instruments, their combinations, and assigning them appropriate roles within a piece of music.

Analogy

Imagine you are planning a big party with different activities. Orchestration is like deciding which friends will participate in each activity - some may play games, others may prepare food, while some may provide entertainment. The goal is to create a balanced and cohesive experience for everyone involved.

Related terms

Instrumentation: Instrumentation refers to the selection and arrangement of specific instruments used in a musical composition.

Score: A score is a written or printed representation of a musical composition that shows all the individual parts for each instrument or voice.

Arrangement: Arrangement involves adapting an existing piece of music for performance by adding new elements, modifying instrumentation, or changing its structure.

"Orchestration" appears in:



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© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.