REQ: Orchestration 1: from Sketch to Orchestra

In order to get a rich and full orchestral sound out of our musical ideas, we need to have a solid understanding of the basics:

#1– The distinct features of each instrument

What are their best ranges?
Do they stand out and cut through the orchestral mix or do they blend?
How does the timbre change depending on the range?

#2 – Timbre management

How to combine instruments to create new colors
When to and when not to use specific blends
When adding an instrument actually subtracts and lessens the sound

#3 – How to voice each section

#4 – How to use orchestral techniques to achieve separation and a good distribution of the different musical lines

#5 – Understand the weight of each section to achieve orchestral balance


That’s what you’re about to learn in this course.