Orchestration

I really want to learn how to better write orchestral music, but I don't know how to start. I want to build a strong foundation in writing for the orchestra but I do not know where to start.

Does anybody know of something which might help me such as a book focusing on composing for orchestra, or even a book on composing as a whole?

I really don't know where to look, so if you guys have any suggestions, they would be much appreciated. :(

also, is this something I should read into with something like a book, or should I just learn to write for the orchestra through trial and error? :D

Many orchestration books have been recommended here, not the least being Rimsky-Korsakov's and Piston's among some few others.

I wouldn't suggest doing a "stab in the dark" or "trial and error" method in learning orchestration. I admit I learnt orchestration by listening very carefully to the composers I idolised (Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, Mendelsson, etc) and emulating them. I got lucky in that I did very well in learning orchestration that way. Notably, however, I could not learn proper counterpoint that way. It might be best to learn from a well-recommended text.

My advice, as always, is start small. Practice your orchestration skills by writing small ensemble pieces, familiarizing yourself with the timbres of the instruments. Experiment with the way instruments sound together - this will determine how you double tones in orchestration. Really, that's all orchestration is - picking which instruments double which notes. These doublings affect everything from which part sounds most prominently to overall dynamic.

An orchestration book will most likely tell you which instruments "sound good" together. I urge you to experiment and find which ones work best for you. My orchestration book didn't like the mixture of oboe and violin, but I love it. It really brings out the overtones of each instrument. Find your unique sound! It has nothing to do with style.

As far as counterpoint, though? Get the book.

I know next to nothing about counter-point, so for sure that is my priority. :ninja: I'll check out a book on that as soon as I can.

I think that I'll look into some different books on orchestration as well as simply experiment to see what fits me best.

Thanks, I'll look into some of those books you guys suggested. ;)

Alfred published some small orchestration books for about $7.00 each. They are quite handy and easy to use. They show you how to correctly write stuff and what each instruments range is along with it's capabities and stuff. Easy to understand. If you need the titles...just send me a message.

The Piston book is definitely worth it if you are serious about orchestration, giving (for the majority of the book) details on individual sections and instruments and then (my favourite bit) some analysis of how the orchestra as a whole can be (and has been, by composers) manipulated in terms of texture and counterpoint. Very useful.

Berlioz & Strauss "Treatise on Instrumentation"

^ Comes to mind! :)

There's always my little list I made some time ago. Here is the link: composing books (don't pay attention to the comments, they're far from correct)

Just because it hasn't been mentioned in this thread: Samuel Adler's book is one of the best.