The History of Orchestration

By Adam Carse

Book Overview

2022 Reprint of the 1925 Edition. Includes illustrations. Exact facsimile of the original edition and not reproduced with Optical Recognition Software. This well-known study by an eminent musicologist constitutes one of the best mid-level explorations of the nature and function of the orchestra. Tracing the beginnings of modern music from the seventeenth through early twentieth centuries, the survey presents forty-four musical excerpts and thirteen sketches of instruments, plus appendices and quotations related to conducting methods. Featured composers include Purcell, Scarlatti, Bach, Handel, Gluck, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Berlioz, Wagner, Debussy, Elgar, and many others. The author examines the evolution of individual musical instruments along with varying performance techniques and concepts of instrumental color. He further explores the recognition of major instrumental groups and their musical distinctions, decisions regarding volume and balance of tone, the influence of musical subject matter upon orchestration, and many similar topics. This volume represents a splendid resource for music students, enthusiasts of musical history and classical music, and music lovers of all ages.

Contents: Orchestral instruments in the seventeenth century -- Sixteenth century. Early works -- Seventeenth century. The initial period -- Seventeenth century. The initial period (continued) -- Purcell-Scarlatti: the four-part string orchestra -- -- Bach and Handel -- Transition: Gluck -- The period of Haydn and Mozart -- Orchestral instruments in the nineteenth century -- Nineteenth century, first quarter. Beethoven; Schubert; Weber; Rossini -- Nineteenth century, second quarter. Meyerbeer; Berlioz; Mendelssohn; Glinka -- The period of Wagner -- The period of Brahms-Tschaikovsky -- Strauss; Debussy; Elgar - Conclusion.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1684227321
• ISBN13: 9781684227327
• Release Date: July 2022
• Publisher: Martino Fine Books
• Length: 364 Pages
• Weight: 1.23 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.1" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Great information, but don't read late at night....

This is an excellent source for learning about the development of the symphony orchestra from its genesis through the modern era. The book is presented chronologically, but Carse identifies different periods by the prominent composers/orchestrators of the day instead of using the normal lines of demarcation (Renaissance, Baroque, etc.). He gives equal time to discussions of the development of the entire ensemble, the development of the individual instruments (especially brass and woodwind), and the common vs. revolutionary practices in orchestration of each particular period, as well as describing the regional differences in orchestration throughout the book (i.e. German vs. French vs. Italian vs. British). I would make two recommendations when reading this book: 1) don't read it before going to bed! It is written in a very dry manner that makes it difficult to completely comprehend under drowsy conditions (those of you who had to study the Grout know what I'm talking about!), and 2) take the time to study scores and recordings along with the discussion; while there are several printed musical examples given, they are extremely concise and do not add much to the point. A thorough score analysis along with listening study of the works and/or composers being discussed will make the material come to life!Keep in mind that this book was originally published in 1925; when discussing the 19th century he refers to it as "last century" and you will find you have to constantly remind yourself what century he's referring to. Also, the book stops at about 1900, so it does not discuss any of the important works of the 20th century (i.e. Le Sacre du Printemps, The Planets, Bolero, etc.).Overall, this is a very informative text.

The History of Orchestration

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