Section 3: Chapter 6 Orchestration Flashcards
(97 cards)
1
Q
_____________________ is the practice of assigning instruments to musical lines
A
Orchestration/Scoring
2
Q
T/F Understanding the functionality of each instrument in an ensemble is necessary to apply proper orchestration.
A
True
3
Q
When scoring for woodwinds, what function may the section be used for? A. Melodic lines B. Echoing figures C. Fast and difficult lines D. Color and contrast E. All of the above
A
A. Melodic lines B. Echoing figures C. Fast and difficult lines D. Color and contrast
4
Q
Homophonic is directly translated to _______________, while Polyphonic is directly translated as ________________.
A
Same sound, many sounds
5
Q
T/F It is best to orchestrate instrument combination within the most comfortable range of the horn.
A
True
6
Q
Four techniques to homophonic voicings are _____________, _____________, _______________, and __________________.
A
Superimposed, Interlocked, Enclosed, Overlapped
7
Q
T/F A limitation to a pure unison doubling between two instruments is their individual ranges.
A
True
8
Q
Examples of polyphonic writing include, A. Solos B. Canons C. Fugues D. Both B and C E. None of the above
A
Cans and fugues
9
Q
Percussion instruments can be divided into 2 families, __________________ and _____________________ percussion.
A
Definite Pitch, Indefinite Pitch
10
Q
Indefinite pitch percussion is scored using a ____________ clef on ____ line staff or ______________ line.
A
Neutral, 5, Rhythm
11
Q
__________________ percussion produces a pitch which can be recognized
A
Definite Pitch
12
Q
T/F Vocalists rely on the ear to hear and perform a pitch. One way to help internalize the pitch for a vocalists is through establishing tonality via a harmonic cadence.
A
True
13
Q
Does the woodwind family produce homogenous or heterogenous sounds?
A
It has a heterogeneous sound due to its inclusion of non-reeds, single reeds, and double reeds.
14
Q
How do you determine which instrument or tone color is best suited for a particular theme?
A
musical taste, experience, and personal preference come into play.
15
Q
What is the practical range of a piccolo?
A
The piccolo has a practical range that spans from D4 to C7.
16
Q
What are the characteristics of the various ranges of the piccolo?
A
The low registers of the piccolo will produce a breathier, hollow tone that becomes brighter and clearer as the pitches increase. At the top of its register the piccolo can have a brilliant, piercing timbre that can cut through the rest of the ensemble.
17
Q
What is the practical range for a flute?
A
The flute is a non-transposing instrument with a practical range that spans from C4 to C7.
18
Q
How does the flute differ from the piccolo?
A
the flute differs in that its character is exceedingly appropriate when melodic lines require a warm, dark, and rich sound.
19
Q
What is the practical range of an oboe?
A
The oboe is a non-transposing instrument with a practical range that spans from B3 to F6.
20
Q
What are characteristics of an oboe
A
- At its lower pitches the oboe has a reedy, uncentered tone
- Capable of being heard through an ensemble
- It will often blend well with the flute, clarinet and muted trumpet.
21
Q
What is the practical range of a bassoon?
A
The bassoon is a non-transposing instrument with a practical range that spans from B♭1 to B♭4.
22
Q
What are characteristics of the bassoon?
A
- a reedy, uncontrolled timbre in its lower range and a brighter, clearer tonality within its mid- to upper register.
- a reedy sound that blends well with the tenor saxophone, and any member of the low brass section.
23
Q
What is the practical range of a clarinet?
A
The B♭clarinet is a transposing instrument, sounding a Major 2nd lower than written. Its written practical range spans from E3 to G6, giving it the largest range in the woodwind family.
24
Q
What are characteristics of the clarinet?
A
- In its lower register the clarinet will produce a warm, full tone that becomes brighter within the instruments higher pitches.
- At the top of its range, the clarinet will produce a much thinner and piercing characteristic.
25
What is the practical range of the bass clarinet?
The bass clarinet is a transposing instrument sounding a major second higher than written. Its written practical range is E3-F5 (E♭3 with low E♭key).
sounds a major 9th lower than written
26
What are characteristics of the bass clarinet?
* has a full tone at its lower register that becomes thinner as the pitch increases.
* At the top of its highest register, the bass clarinet will produce a shrill, piercing tone.
* The bass clarinet has the unique capability of serving as the foundation of the clarinet family.
27
What is the practical range of a Eb alto saxophone?
The E♭alto saxophone is a transposing instrument that sounds a major sixth lower than written. Its written practical range spans from **B♭3-F6**.
28
What are characteristics of an alto saxophone?
* has a harsh lower register that becomes brighter and more controlled as the pitch is raised.
* The top of the alto saxophone’s range will produce a thin, shrill tone.
* It is capable of performing both melodies and countermelodies, and works well when filling out harmonies in sustained and rhythmic passages.
* capable of warming the color of any line.
* It is also effective when the quality of sound requires an edge.
29
What is the practical range of a tenor saxophone?
The B♭Tenor saxophone is a transposing instrument that sounds a major ninth lower than written. Its written practical range spans from **Bb3-F6.**
30
What are characteristics of a tenor saxophone?
* The lower and mid registers of the tenor sax will tend to produce a much fuller and richer tone than its smaller cousins but will have a similar thin, shrill tone at its highest pitches.
* However, the tenor saxophone will enhance the sonorous quality of orchestration.
* A very good timbre combination is doubling the tenor saxophone with trombone or euphonium.
31
What is the effective range for a baritone saxophone?
The E♭Baritone saxophone is a transposing instrument that sounds a Major 13th lower than written. Its written range spans from B♭3-F6.
32
What are characteristics of a Baritone Saxohpone?
* full rich lower range
* thin high range
* speaks well in lower tessitura
* Bass clarinet, baritone sax, and bassoon are likely doublings for the baritone saxophone.
33
What are effective orchestration techniques for woodwind players?
* most effective when the orchestration is not too dense
* best to voice the section within their most comfortable range.
* When combined with the brass playing performing at louder dynamic levels, consider scoring the woodwinds anywhere from the top of the comfort zone, into the upper tessitura. At these ranges, woodwinds will naturally project and balance well with the brass.
34
What are some considerations for melodic treatment for woodwinds?
* evaluate whether or not it will be strong enough to carry over the ensemble.
* If it is determined that additional support is required, unison and octave doublings within the woodwind family are viable options.
* like instruments might cause intonation problems
35
What is homophonic writing?
Homophonic writing is characterized by the movement of accompanying parts in the same rhythm as the melody or lead line.
36
What are the four different homophonic writing techniques?
There are four different ways homophonic writing techniques may be approached:
* superimposed
* interlocked
* enclosed
* overlapped.
37
What is an available option for implementing color in a woodwind section?
An available option to implement a color change is to alternate passages between two or more instrumental combinations.
38
What type of sound does the brass section provide?
homogenous
39
Can brass play as softly as the woodwinds?
no
40
What can happen if brass parts are unbalanced?
When brass parts are unbalanced, intonation problems are more likely to result.
41
What are some common uses for a brass section?
1. Emphasize accented figures.
2. Present the melody.
3. Build and create climactic points.
4. Accentuate crescendos and dynamics.
5. Act as a homophonic unit (or in combination with the woodwind section).
42
What is the practical range for a trumpet?
The B♭trumpet is a transposing instrument, sounding a Major 2nd lower than written. Its written practical range spans from F♯3 to B♭5.
43
Can a trumpet be in a supporting role in addition to being a solo instrument?
yes
44
What are characteristics of a Bb trumpet?
In its lower register the trumpet’s sound can be weak and uncontrolled. The mid-range of the horn will yield clear and rich sounds, and will become clearer and brighter as it moves into the upper tessitura. Notes beyond the practical range will have the tendency to dominate the sound.
45
What is the practical range for a F horn?
The horn in F is a transposing instrument, sounding a perfect 5th lower than written. Its written practical range spans from C3 to C6.
46
Does the horn have the ability to link both a brass and woodwind section?
yes
47
What are some playing characteristics of a horn?
The lower range (pedal tones) of the horn can be uncontrolled. The timbre will however change characteristically to a more dark and rich tone. The practical range is warm and easy to blend, while the upper tessitura is bright and can be quite dominating.
48
What are good doubling combinations for a french horn?
saxophone and double reeds
49
What is the practical range of a trombone?
The trombone is a non-transposing instrument with a practical range that spans from C4-C7. Some trombones are equipped with an “F” trigger attachment which expands the trombone’s range from B♭1-B♭4.
50
Can a trombone be both warm and dark and brassy and majestic at the same time?
yes
51
Can the trombone's timbre vary from dark and uncentered to clear and expressive or bright and penetrating?
yes
52
What is the practical range of a euphonium?
The euphonium is a non-transposing instrument with a practical range that spans from C2-B♭4.
53
What are some characteristics of a euphonium?
* capable of performing solos, reinforcing harmonies, and enhancing powerful passages.
* The sound of the instrument will also bring a certain roundness to articulations, including marcato and light staccato styles.
* the euphonium’s timbre is somewhat uncontrolled at its lowest range and will have a dark, rich, and sonorous quality throughout its practical range.
* The upper tessitura will have a thin and constrained quality.
54
What is a good combination for euphonium to work with?
It is known to work nicely with the saxophones, horns and the lower clarinets.
55
What is the practical range of a tuba?
The tuba is a non-transposing instrument with a practical range that span from D1-C4.
56
What are playing characteristics of a Tuba?
Within it most practical range the sound becomes even more centered and blends easily. Beyond the practical range, the timbre is very thin.
57
What are good instrument doublings for a tuba?
Bass clarinet, baritone sax and bassoon are likely doublings for the tuba.
58
What are some homophonic writing techniques that should be considered for the brass family?
* same as woodwinds (balance, timbre, range)
* open spacing might cause intonation issues
* closed spacing might cause dissonance and sound too dense
* write in the comfortable range
59
What are some useful double cominations with brass?
1. Trumpet with clarinet, oboe or flute.
2. Trombones with bassoons or tenor saxophones.
3. Euphonium with tenor or baritone saxophones.
4. Horn in F with lower clarinets, alto and tenor saxophones.
5. Tuba with baritone saxophone.
60
What are some climatic uses for brass?
* holding back the climactic point and adding instruments sequentially.
* alternating figures between instrumental sections.
* repetition of figures.
61
What are the most notable functions of the percussion section?
1. Emphasize the rhythmic pulse and style of the piece
2. Accentuate crescendos, dynamic levels, and other effects
3. Emphasize rhythmic figures, which may be harmonized in the winds
4. Emphasize accents
5. Produce and resolve climactic points
6. Add color to passages by doubling other wind instruments
62
What are three choices for writing for percussion instruments?
1. A rhythm that duplicates that of the ensemble
2. A rhythm that contrasts with that of the ensemble
3. A long roll
63
What are examples of definite percussion instruments?
timpani, chimes, and all mallet instruments,such as marimba, xylophone, and orchestral bells.
64
What clefs do definate pitch percussion use?
treble and bass
65
What are indefinate pitch percussion instruments?
Produces a sound in which no discernible pitch can be recognized.
66
What are examples of indefinate percussion instruments?
These instruments include snare, bass drum, cymbals, temple blocks,tambourine, and other auxiliary instruments, like shakers and windchimes.
67
What is used to notate indefinate percusion instruments?
Indefinite pitch percussion will be notated using either a 5 line staff orrhythm line, both with neutral clef.
68
Where is a snare drum notated on a neutral clef?
3rd space
69
Where is a bass drum notated on a neutral clef?
1st space
70
Where is a gong notated on a neutral cleff?
1st space
below 1st space
71
Where are cymbals notated on a neutral cleff?
* below the first space
* 1st and 4th space
* directly above 1st space
72
Where is a tambourine/triangle notated on a neutral cleff?
* 3rd, 4th space
* directly above the 5th line
73
What are characteristics of a snare drum?
* Its most typical characteristic is a sharp staccato sound achieved by striking the top head with a stick.
* commonly played with a set of wooden sticks however brushes or rutes can be used to produce a more subdued sound when the drum is struck.
* can be switched to playing a raw drum
74
What are characteristics of a bass drum?
* vary in size
* commonly played with a heavy, felt covered mallet
* two mallets for rolls
* hand muffle mallet head, knee muffle resonant head
*
75
What are characteristics of cymbals
* crash
* will resonante until muffled by player
* The cymbals can be played dynamically to create soft, medium or loud crashes.
76
What are characteristics of timpani?
* The most common sizes are 30”, 29” 26” and 23”.
* can cover a range from around D3-A2
* Timpani drums can be played dynamically by using different mallets, playing different areas of the drum and using different muffling techniques to enhance articulation.
* Timpani drums are non-transposing.
77
What are characteristics of a xylophone?
* is non-transposing, however, sounds an octave higher than written.
* written range is F3-C7
* dry timbre
* played with soft or hard mallets
78
What are characteristics of a marimba?
* a non-transposing instrument
* Its written range is C3-C7.
* similar to xylophone, but has resonator tubes which make it louder
*
79
What are characteristics of a vibraphone?
* The Vibraphone is a non-transposing instrument, with a written range of F3-F6.
* comes equipped with a sustain pedal that can help create even more resonance
* Common mallets used can be either hard rubber for a crisp, bright tone or yarn wrapped for a duller, mellower tone.
80
What are characteristics of a piano?
* non-transposing
* covers the full spectrum of the grand staff A0-C8
* typically placed by the percussion
* both melodic and harmonic capabilities
*
81
What is the instrumentation of a small fleet band manning?
82
What is the concert band instrumentation for a major command band?
83
What are concerns with unison and octave tutti writing?
The primary concern is instrument range and how sound characteristics change throughout the range of each instrument.
84
What are some likely melodic instrument doublings in a concert band?
a. Flute, clarinet, oboe
b. Clarinet, flute, horn and trumpet
c. Oboe, flute, muted trumpet
d. Bassoon, horn, trombone, euphonium
85
What is the most important aspect of arranging for a vocal ensemble?
arranger must clearly establish key center and tonality and ensure that each vocal entrance is clear.
vocalist must pre hear tonality
86
What should you avoid when writing for a vocal ensemble?
Avoid thick harmonized background pads or overly active counter lines in the vocalist's register while they're singing.
Try to stay above or below their primary register--or score the parts relatively thinly, possibly moving at a slower pace rhythmically than that of the main melody.
Place more active counterpoint or rhythmic punctuations by the ensemble during breaks in the soloist's melodic phrases.
87
What is the voice range for a soprano?
c4-c6
88
What is the voice range for a mezzo soprano voice?
a3-a6
89
What is the voice range for an alto voice?
f3-e5
90
What is the voice range for a contra alto?
e3-d5
91
What is the voice range for a tenor?
c3-B4
92
What is the voice range for a baritone?
g2-f4
93
What is the voice range for a bass?
e2-e4
94
What is the voice range for a jazz female voice?
g3-c5
95
What is the voice range for broadway tunes voice range?
c4-e5
96
What is the voice range for a female classical arias?
c4-a5
97
What is the comfort range for a vocalist?
* The middle fifth of a singer's range is the comfort zone.
* Music that is written here is easy to sustain over long periods of time.
