Due Tuesday, 9/1:
Produce two orchestrations of the following Bach chorale according to the instructions provided below.
Orchestration A: choose a relatively homogeneous instrumentation (based on timbre of instruments used).
Orchestration B: choose a diverse timbral collection of instruments.
Both orchestrations should be for 4 – 8 players (you may double some, or all the parts). Each orchestration should be done in a computer notation program such as Finale or Sibelius. (If you use Sibelius in Bracken, go to the Music Listening Desk to check out a MIDI keyboard to enter notes.) You should provide a score and individual parts for each player. The title should be the title of the chorale. You should list J. S. Bach as the composer, and underneath the composer you should list “orchestrated by your name.”
Homogeneous and diverse are best thought of as relative terms that outline opposite points on a continuum. The most homogeneous instrumentation would usually consist of all the same instruments (four violins, four clarinets, etc.). The next most homogeneous would usually be comprised of instruments from the same family (bowed strings, brass). Woodwinds, however, are a more diverse group. While a string quartet (2 violins, viola, cello) is homogeneous, a woodwind quintet (flute, oboe, clarinet, horn, bassoon) is quite diverse. You can listen to instruments on the isfee web site. Ranges are quickly available on the musicarranger site. Be prepared to discuss and explain your choices.
The available instrumentation is:
- flute (can only be combined with one trombone, and no tuba)
- 2 Bb clarinets
- bassoon
- trumpet
- 2 trombones (including bass and tenor)
- 1 tuba (if only one trombone used, and no flute)
- 3 violins
- viola
- double bass
For this first assignment do not use guitar, percussion, piano, harp or singers.
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