MU302 - Advanced Composition and Orchestration
The art of orchestration in the Western European tradition is tightly connected to the understanding of musical forms, harmonic language, and contrapuntal procedures. It also requires a thorough knowledge of the traditional and extended playing techniques of individual instruments. The objective of this course is twofold: 1. to explore the ranges, transpositions, capabilities and characteristics of orchestral instruments, both in solo and in conjunction with chamber and orchestral ensembles, and 2. to examine orchestration techniques with emphasis on the historical development of the orchestra from the early baroque to the twentieth century. During the course, students will study and analyze the orchestration of numerous scores, learn to extract piano reductions from large orchestral scores, and orchestrate several piano works in a variety of styles. Finally, a live performance of the scores created during the block is one of the course’s highlights. Students will learn how to adequately prepare scores and parts for actual performance. (Not offered 2025-26).
Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
1 unit
No offerings are currently scheduled.