May 27, 201114 yr So I have Forsyth text on the topic, and read some of it, but i also want piston text too. The question is should keep Forsyth text and read that all the way, or but Piston? Or read both of them for double pleasure so i have twice the knowledge? Oh, a poll here If you have another text option, post that as well.
May 28, 201114 yr One is not better than the other. They're both different. The Forsyth, while slightly outdated, goes nicely into depth with a lot of obscure stuff with instruments that most books don't, especially if you're into musical instrument history. Also, the Forsyth is a much less "dull" read than the Piston with its sarcasm. The Piston's advantage is the actual "orchestration" part of the book which is far more broken down into its funadamental elements than the Forsyth. In fact, I'd say the Piston is all about "Instrumentation" and then "orchestration". Forsyth's strategy is more "orchestration" within "instrumentation" However, remember to study scores; a text is only step 1. Step 2 - 346 are score study. And step 347 is to actually write stuff.
May 28, 201114 yr Author That sums it up for me. Thanks Justin! I am looking into an affordable text that is worth my while, and is updated. My gripe with the Forsyth text is that typed Saxophones as brass instruments; while they are not. Yea, Some texts do same thing. Adlers' has that approach. His book cost more. is there a site that can scores that are not in public domain? and what is the best way to study scores? I can read them and follow along with the music, but to study them...
May 28, 201114 yr Saxophones are made of brass, that's why they're considered brass instruments in Forsyth's book. But back then they weren't "standardized" enough to warrant a solid definition of being a woodwind. After all, the whole point of the Saxophone was to bridge the gap between the wws and brasses. Buy scores or get to your local music library and peruse. Studying can mean anything form listening and following to making piano reductions to taking a piano piece and orchestrating it.
May 28, 201114 yr Author Ah okays. That makes sense then. And as to studying, thanks to for help. It it is still a toss a up for the text. There's a new reprint of it. What text would you recommend for me to read?
May 28, 201114 yr Read every text you can get your hands on. There is NO definitive text when it comes to orchestration.
May 28, 201114 yr Author Ummm...okays. That will make me a knowledgeable, but the downside is that will take awhile. I think I will start with the Forsthy text( keep the old reprint that I have), read it and study it. Then I will study scores. While I do this ,I might consider other texts to see what other witters(authors) have to say on the subject; I might or might not buy another text. Thanks Justin!
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.