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RadioNZ: Mozart

RadioNZ: Mozart

The Contrapuntal Mozart http://on-demand.radionz.co.nz/appt/appt-20141009-1900-contrapuntal_mozart-064.mp3 Thomas Goss reveals that deep in the DNA of Mozart’s greatest works is a sense of emotion and conflict that comes directly from J.S. Bach (RNZ). The Financial Mozart http://on-demand.radionz.co.nz/cow/cow-20131110-0915-composer_of_the_week_-_wolfgang_amadeus_mozart-064.mp3 Thomas Goss looks at Mozart as the first freelance composer. Composers on Camera – How Amadeus Changed Everything http://on-demand.radionz.co.nz/sonic/sonic-20140106-1200-composers_on_camera_-_how_amadeus_changed_everything-064.mp3 Thomas Goss…
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Heckelphone/Bass Oboe – The Realities

Heckelphone/Bass Oboe – The Realities

My recent experiences in booking wind players for my orchestration course has brought up a very important tip about heckelphone and bass oboe, a factor involved in the use of these instruments that you also won’t find in the orchestration manuals. I realise, of course, […]

2014 August Orchestration Challenge

2014 August Orchestration Challenge

The Evaluations for the 2014 June Orchestration Challenge have been uploaded to the Orchestration Online Blog page. For a massive dose of orchestration training, insights, feedback, and score-reading, I invite you to check it out for yourself. Read over all the entries, develop your inner ear in the process, and examine my own orchestration along…
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2014 June Orchestration Challenge Evaluations and Archive

2014 June Orchestration Challenge Evaluations and Archive

Our second Monthly Orchestration Challenge has stretched on more than twice its anticipated length, due to both my heavy schedule over the past two months, and the complexity of the challenge. Furthermore, since so many entrants had put so much energy and commitment into their entries, I felt obligated to comment on each and every…
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Diary of an Orchestrator: Five Decades in Music

Diary of an Orchestrator: Five Decades in Music

This is a special birthday post from your orchestration teacher at Orchestration Online. A couple of years ago, I uploaded a video about turning 50, and charted my own development as a composer. Today, I want to contemplate the punctuation of decades. Where were you musically a decade ago[…]

Diary of an Orchestrator – Coming Back to Yourself

Diary of an Orchestrator – Coming Back to Yourself

I’m starting the morning like I usually do: propped up against some pillows, typing away with my laptop rested on a carved chest from Singapore, my cat happily purring his fool head off on my lap. Through the lounge windows, the lights surrounding Wellington harbour gleam as they surround its inky darkness […]

2014 June Orchestration Challenge [Closed]

2014 June Orchestration Challenge [Closed]

Thanks to everyone who submitted an entry to the 2014 May Orchestration Challenge! The Evaluations [link] have been posted in the Orchestration Online Blog. Please go have a look to see all the entries, including mine, along with some analysis and orchestration tips. 2014 June Orchestration Challenge This month’s challenge is the opening of “Reflet dans l’eau” from Book…
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2014 May Orchestration Challenge Evaluations and Archive

2014 May Orchestration Challenge Evaluations and Archive

For my first Monthly Orchestration Challenge, the entries totaled 60 scores, including my own. Nearly all of these are included in the archive below. It was terrific receiving so many scores for the start of this challenge. The entrants represented a wide array of interests and experience, from near-beginners to professional orchestrators, but every entry…
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