Belkin has a series of e-books on composition, which are available for free download on the internet, covering Form, Harmony, and Counterpoint. This particular book isn’t really a manual, nor is it essentially systematic. Rather, it’s a monograph in the old style, a collection of observations about a particular topic, that stretches out over 65 pages. What I really appreciate about Belkin is his approach to orchestration as a series of understandings about character and craft. It’s definitely worth a read, though as part of a reading list of many perspectives and approaches. Click through for a free download.
Related Posts
Orchestration Tip: Horn Middle Register
For better control in delicate scoring, use the horn’s middle register, especially in the octave bet
Woodwinds: Optimal Registers for Seamless Dovetailing between Instruments of the Same Family
While dovetailing a line between woodwind instruments can feel very natural, truly seamless doubling
Harp: Spectrum of Harmonics vs Normal Notes
Comparing the spectrum of normally played harp notes with harmonic tones reveals a wealth of informa
Extreme Dynamics, Part 2: A Systematic Approach
While the application of extreme dynamics varies widely in musical meaning between composers, eras,
Extreme Dynamics, Part 1: Realities & Limitations
Use extreme caution when applying extreme dynamics, and be aware of the physical realities and limit
Orchestration Tip – Horn Bumping
EVERYTHING YOU DON’T NEED TO KNOW (BUT MAYBE SHOULD) ABOUT HORN BUMPERS If you were to ask the avera
Orchestration Tip – Hobbits in the Horn Section
Recently in the middle of the current ongoing massive run of 165 evaluations for the 2021 Orchestrat
Orchestration Tip: Clarinet Textural & Melodic Blending
The clarinet is an excellent resource for supporting and colouring harmonic and melodic texture. (Ti