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Listen While You Read: When Kennan references a specific score (like a Mozart symphony or a Debussy tone poem), find a recording. Hear the "shimmer" or "darkness" he describes.
1. Structural Logic and Systematic PedagogyThe book is noted for its exceptional organization. It begins by examining instruments individually, then by section (Strings, Woodwinds, Brass), and finally within the full orchestral context. This "bottom-up" approach ensures that students master the technical limitations and idiomatic strengths of each instrument before attempting complex textures. Chapters are specifically dedicated to problems like transcribing piano music, which bridge the gap between theoretical composition and practical performance.
B. Scoring and Combination (The "Dynamic" Approach)
The latter sections of the book distinguish it from simpler texts. Once the student understands the individual parts, Kennan moves to combination:
2. Core Principles: Clarity, Balance, and InterestKennan identifies three primary goals for any orchestrator:
- Title: The Technique of Orchestration
- Author: Kent Kennan
- Publisher: Prentice Hall
- Publication Date: 1959 (with later editions)
1. Executive Summary
Regarded as a standard text in university curricula for over five decades, The Technique of Orchestration serves as a bridge between basic music theory and the practical art of writing for the orchestra. Unlike strict reference manuals that merely list instrument ranges, the Kennan textbook focuses on the "technique"—the methodology of combining instruments to create specific textures, colors, and effects. It is prized for its clear, concise prose and its systematic approach to the limitations and capabilities of orchestral families.
Book Details:
- Easy Access: The pdf version provides easy access to the book's contents, allowing users to search, navigate, and print specific sections.
- Comprehensive Resource: The book is a comprehensive resource on the technique of orchestration, covering a wide range of topics and providing practical advice.
- Established Authority: Kent Kennan's book is an established authority on the topic, widely used and respected by composers, arrangers, and music educators.