Acoustic and MIDI Orchestration for the Contemporary Composer, 2nd Edition

7 Writing for Various Ensemble Sizes and Other Final Considerations

 

 

7.1 Atypical Instrumentation—Its Relation to Budget and Technology

The commercial music writer in today’s production market must often conform to atypical instrumental combinations. This is due largely to a mix of multiple styles in one ensemble and, more importantly, budget restrictions. Even in high-profile venues such as a Broadway pit orchestra, quite often the size of the group has been substantially reduced from the full complement of musicians that might have been required for an original score of the 1960s or earlier. Electronics has had a significant effect on the musical environment too. Some acoustic instruments are miked while synthesizers replace other acoustic ...