Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Orchestration: meaning, definitions and examples

🎻
Add to dictionary

orchestration

 

[ˌɔːrkɪˈstreɪʃən ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

music composition

Orchestration is the arrangement of music for performance by an orchestra. It involves assigning different musical parts to different instruments, ensuring that each instrument has a suitable role to play. The goal of orchestration is to create a balanced and harmonious sound.

Synonyms

arrangement, instrumentation, scoring.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
orchestration

Used in a musical setting when referring to the specific way instruments are combined to create a harmonious piece. Often involves the detailed craft of assigning musical parts to different instruments in an orchestra.

  • Her skillful orchestration brought the symphony to life.
  • The orchestration of the piece was complex and entrancing.
arrangement

Commonly used in both musical and general contexts. In music, it refers to the adaptation of a piece for different instruments or voices. It can also mean any kind of organization or setup, including non-musical situations.

  • He made an arrangement of the song for a string quartet.
  • The floral arrangement on the table was beautiful.
scoring

Primarily used in film and theater to describe the process of composing music specifically for a movie, show, or play. It can have a specialized meaning in sports for recording or keeping track of points.

  • He is known for his excellent scoring in blockbuster films.
  • The scoring of the game ensured fair play by keeping track of each team's points.
instrumentation

Specifically refers to the particular combination of musical instruments used in a composition. Also used in scientific or technical contexts to describe the specific tools or equipment involved.

  • The instrumentation of the piece included unique and rare instruments.
  • Advances in instrumentation have greatly improved scientific research.

Examples of usage

  • The orchestration of this symphony is truly masterful.
  • His skill in orchestration is evident in the richness of the musical textures.
  • The composer spent hours perfecting the orchestration of the piece.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term comes from the Greek word 'orchestra,' which referred to the space in front of a stage where musicians played.
  • In the late 18th century, 'orchestration' began to describe the specific arrangement of music for an orchestra.

Music Theory

  • Orchestration enhances music composition by choosing which instruments play each part, affecting the sound's texture and balance.
  • Great composers like Beethoven and Stravinsky were known for their innovative orchestration techniques, allowing them to create unique soundscapes.

Film and Media

  • In film scores, orchestration plays a crucial role in enhancing emotions; for instance, a soft strings section might evoke sadness.
  • Modern film composers often blend electronic music with traditional orchestration to create new sound experiences.

Technology

  • In computer programming, 'orchestration' refers to automating and managing software components to work together efficiently.
  • Cloud computing has introduced orchestration as a concept where resources are managed to optimize performance and cost.

Educational Arts

  • Music education often includes orchestration classes, teaching students how to write and arrange music for various instruments.
  • Orchestration is an important skill for conducting, as it helps conductors understand how to balance different instruments during performances.

Translations

Translations of the word "orchestration" in other languages:

🇵🇹 orquestração

🇮🇳 व्यवस्थापन

🇩🇪 Orchestrierung

🇮🇩 orkestrasi

🇺🇦 оркестрування

🇵🇱 orkiestracja

🇯🇵 オーケストレーション

🇫🇷 orchestration

🇪🇸 orquestación

🇹🇷 orkestrasyon

🇰🇷 오케스트레이션

🇸🇦 تنظيم

🇨🇿 orchestrace

🇸🇰 orchestrácia

🇨🇳 编排

🇸🇮 orkestracija

🇮🇸 útsetning

🇰🇿 оркестровка

🇬🇪 ორკესტრაცია

🇦🇿 orkestrləşdirmə

🇲🇽 orquestación

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,136, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.