Orchestration practice. Orchestrating Erik Satie gymnopedie for strings an harp

Hey. I was wondering if i could have any feedback on this exercise? i really want to up my orchestration skills as i am a bit new to orchestration.
Thanks in advance! :)

Score erik satie.pdf

Hello

It sounds really nice and pleasant.

It’s also very straightforward.

The harp takes the place of the left hand, and the bass provides reinforcement.

The strings accompany the melody, and at times they reinforce it in homophony.

I think orchestrating this kind of “flat” music, with few dynamic contrasts, is difficult. But there are many resources in the strings that can be used.

I’m no expert at orchestrating either; I’m still learning.

On 3/30/2026 at 1:59 PM, Luis Hernández said:

I think orchestrating this kind of “flat” music, with few dynamic contrasts, is difficult. But there are many resources in the strings that can be used.

I agree here with @Luis Hernández. The music is so static that you have to get really creative to orchestrate it. Some comments:

• As a string player, the long slurs in the slow tempo are going to be near impossible. Try playing around with bowings to match phrasing

• Not sure if you're familiar with this, but Debussy already orchestrated this piece. You'll see he adds a few things here and there to keep things interesting and fresh: https://youtu.be/zbMhQjBSHvs?si=dDWWwCFhyTTcyVIs&t=188

• You'll notice in the recording that the harp arpeggiates the chords to keep things flowing.

• Also, your lower strings (violas, celli, bass) are going to hate you for writing such a boring part! But again, the music is so static that you'd have to get really creative to do that without ruining the meditative atmosphere....very tricky!