How To Write and Orchestrate for Strings - Score Study

In today's episode or going to look at a just two measures of the String Section from Richard Strauss's Tone Poem Don Quixote Op. 35 from 1897. These two bars involve chord playing, staggered entrances, contrapuntal line writing, an unusual meter (8/4), odd note groupings and changing clefs.
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[@macleadg]

Excellent video, as always. As a professional violist, I hope to add something helpful here. (If someone disagrees, that’s fine, but may I ask in advance that you do so respectfully?). Composers, please consider the level of the string players who will play your piece. It takes a top-quality orchestra to do justice to complex music like the example here - or extra rehearsal time for a second-tier group (hey, budgets suck, but they’re part of life). I am often called upon to play arrangements created by someone who looks at an orchestration book, or reviews complex examples, and says “Oh! Strings can do that!”. They then hand the string sections parts that are more challenging than any solo work any of us have ever played. Well, yes, we can play the parts, but do they sound good? Will the musicians in the group play these complex rhythms accurately? Will the rapid-fire arpeggios and scales be as clean in a string section as they are on a piano? Could you achieve your musical goal with a different, more playable arrangement? Are you willing to make adjustments on the fly during rehearsal? I’m just saying there are practical considerations when writing/arranging for strings, unless you’re in the enviable position of writing for the Vienna Philharmonic or equivalent (in which case you probably wouldn’t be reading this anyway, lol).

[@Pablofrommerkwood]

macleadg thanks for the advice!!!

[@NathanQED]

Great comment, & this applies to all other instruments as well. Just because something is “possible” doesn’t mean it’s the best choice, or that other simpler options might not sound better.

[@kylejudkins754]

trust me, it drives me nuts.

[@templemu]

good points; but some of us using cheap sample libraries are living in la la land; in fact, i am composing music for the library. It is like I am one of these people that thinks milk comes out of a bottle, not a cow. What is an orchestra? It is not not what I am composing with!! Yet for film and Games music, the general point is; the audience really won't notice a thing. If I was concerned by fingering, tonguing and allegro phrases, I guess I would go with Sonokinetics' libraries, as you can create music without micro-managing articulations, etc.

[@gregdanielson9086]

macleadg: Computers take away the human element, which is both good and bad: two sides of the same coin.

[@NotRightMusic]

Excellent video Rick! A perfect study for my morning coffee (morning here in Japan). And now I have something to ponder over as I walk to my shop. Thanks so much!

[@anthonybannachmusic]

Rick, my boy! Would love to see you do more videos in this vein- straight up score analysis. Love your channel man, I watch it religiously!

[@jaijeffcom]

Having your assistant review the instrumental ranges for us is not only helpful, it’s charming.

[@AXPena]

I can't believe I've never heard of the Don Quixote piece! Those two bars sound amazing! Off to hear the entire thing!

[@danielclifton3319]

Hey Rick! :) You should do a video about the arrangement- and compositional style of Joe Hisaishi, who scores Hayao Miyazakis movies. I think he makes some very interesting and beautiful filmscores with enchanting mood and alluring atmosphere. Very sentimental and beautiful melodies. I also hear some interesting influences from both Japanese traditional music and minimalism in some of his work. And he has some quartal/quintal-ish harmony stuff going on, which i think sounds so magical and otherworldly (probably the Japanese influence). Maybe something from Spirited Away could be interesting? I would love to hear your take on him. Thanks for the great videos! P.s. Otherwise a video on Steve Reich could be super interesting! ;)

[@vaughnhale7903]

I am an aspiring violinist and composer, and I’ve got to say: this video was incredibly helpful. Thank you very much!

[@usamahBlackLove]

Also known for his 2 Horn concertos as well!!! Daddy Strauss was the most famous Horn player of his time and hated much by Wagner... But LOVE your videos and this one was true to form!!! Keep'em comin' Rick!!!

[@lampwithbulb2]

When the kid started teaching me i didnt even pay attention at any of his sayings, but instead i tried to remember what i was doing when i was on his age... 🤩💪 thank you rick!!! Blessed to enjoy your work!

[@chowellsbigpond]

This is amazing - as for your teaching strategy - ne plus ultra - bravo!

[@JariSatta]

The phrontistery for music.

[@templemu]

Thanks, food for thought: texture balance and function, I try to say these three words as I review my work. I am going to give myself the following exercise: solo violinplaying harmonics and alto flute play the melody to octaves apart; accompanied by four oboes and string section. You have to create a piece using these.

[@lyricsronen]

I'm not sure the Don Quixote part is the best example of string writing for orchestra. It is a prime example of general string writing, but as you know this part is the beginning of the Ride through the air variation which is tutti with the entire expanded orchestra, so this entire thing is very textural and barely overheard. Great video though, keep it up!

[@TaylorMorgeson]

I love you, Rick.

[@dunehaggar7495]

This was really nice addition to your teaching style... more please:)

[@edwardlee6516]

thank you rick you are a blessing your music and teaching are such an ear opening wow

[@loomer3473]

Please do more of these!

[@likwidguns]

Thanks for this. I recently started composing classically but Im still studying how to score what I make.

[@jeffrey322]

Thank you for this tutorial! I've been seeking more training in Strings.

[@amirkahwagy7585]

You are the best! I really love it, I love the way you explain everything, simple easy!! 👏

[@RobertDannyDavis]

Just remember sample users that the slurred lines marked will be played in a single bow direction stroke(maybe point that out with examples from your cello video?), so using a spiccato patch or something to try to emulate this will not sound like the actual thing. At this tempo, those lines are easily executed with the slur lines Strauss gave them. It would sound a lot more slurry than a spiccato or staccato patch can provide. Just an observation ! :)

[@RickBeato]

I just got a bunch of new sounds that I'm trying to figure out how to use. There's a lot of work into doing this if you don't have templets made up.

[@RobertDannyDavis]

Ah cool new sounds are always fun. Yea mock-ups can be time consuming without templates, well even with templates they can be! I meant no offense by that, I just thought sample only users should know this about the execution of the lines :) Execution always sounded like a harsh way to explain a musical concept hehe.

[@RickBeato]

True! Haha!

[@greatmomentsofopera7170]

I bloody love this piece. His greatest work without voices!

[@johnvalk]

Never to old to learn, love your lessons

[@GonzaloWorl97]

What program/soundfont do you use? the sound is very close to a real acoustic orchestra!

[@TimothyReeves]

Richard Strauss ftw! His dad was a horn player, so he loved the horn, and horn players love him!

[@adarsa108]

This is AWESOME Rick! Thank you so much for all you're sharing on your channel! In an age of diminished music education (at least in schools across the us...), you are a true light. Here's to ALL of us taking time to generously share what we know for future generations!!!! Request: I'd love to hear an analysis of any portion of Einojuhani Rautavaara Symphony No. 7 ("Angel of Light").

[@1anya7d]

the range of the VIOLA

[@SamuelKristopher]

I'm loving the videos on orchestration! It's something I've needed to work on a lot in my composing. Can I request an orchestration video about Wagner too? Out of all the composers I love his orchestrations the most - he was one of the best, in my opinion, if not *the* best. Would love to see a look into the famous opening theme from Tristan, or maybe some of his motifs from Lohengrin or the Ring Cycle.

[@abstrktvisuals]

This is awesome. Didn't know how badass Mr. Strauss is.

[@zzzyzzzyzzzyxxx]

Awesome Rick. You and David Das are my current daily learning nuggets. Thanks. Typo at 8:51 "Counterpiont"

[@RickBeato]

+Stefen West Thanks! I need new glasses, I hate typos!!

[@j.lindback]

1 person is clearly deaf. Really interesting and instructive video!

[@federicozimerman8167]

Excellent! Grazie😀

[@TravisLohmannMusic]

Thank you for bringing up Strauss' Tone Poems! I wanna study Heldenleben and Til Eulenspiegel!

[@STLYRZA]

Definitely would love to see more content like this Rick!! Keep it up man!

[@Mrjononotbono]

I think your You Tube Channel might be one of my favourites. I'm studying an MA in Professional Media Composition but hope to go onto an MFA in Cinematic Orchestration and Composition and loving your videos! Thank you!

[@kirbyspencer]

Not watched yet, bit short on time atm, thank god for a watch later que. I think I've about 3-5 videos on there of yours that I still want to watch, give me a chance to catch up on this wonderful stuff!! :D I joke of course, keep it coming Rick.

[@carlotapuig]

Best utube channel ever?

[@WesleyWestMusic]

I learn so much from you! Thank you!

[@dennismenezes9423]

Great Rick , short video, a lot of information ! \o/

[@modernmusicofthedarkages296]

In the audio excerpt it sounds as if the dotted eigth, coming after the 4 16th note arpeggio in every voice, is played short although it should be held until the following 2 32nd noted right? Otherwise the counterpoint of "long" vs "short" notes in the different voices doesn't really make sense

[@wilderuhl3450]

Fascinating. Thank you for uploading.

[@user-rv6py8cd6p]

I need to learn more about this "Counterpiont"

[@colorandair]

you do

[@tonylancer7367]

This might sound silly, but did you manage to? If you did, what helped you to do so?

[@bjb48336]

OK Rick.....your next challenge with Dylan is breaking down the chords in Jacob Collier's " In the bleak midwinter" ;)

[@eddiegeorge4047]

Much gratitude, sensei

[@chessematics]

I can't find these videos in total when I glance through the timeline of this channel

[@69angelico]

Very good useful videos, straight to the point excellent! Really appreciate all those tutorials. Can I ask you what library you are using for that strings demo, I like the articualtions a lot. thanks a lot, all the best! Christophe

[@davesapien]

I second this question. Thanks.

[@carlpowell0]

Fantastic! Thanks rick!

[@joshscores3360]

In case you were wondering, the excerpt is from the "Ride in the Air" variation.

[@alanwilson2089]

Brilliant! Thanks for this...

[@kouadioangebasile8530]

great video!!!! thanks Rick

[@alexmantua]

The best way "how write for strings?" is to know a string quartet, visit them with your music and wait for their feedback. Thats how I learn to write for strings. Good luck and thx for uploading.

[@aaa_aa7607]

lol I love your editing

[@heavenlyboy34]

Rick-Traditionally, a bass with an extra low string is tuned to B, not C. This maintains the parallel 4ths tuning and just sounds good. Keep up your contributions to youtube.

[@EB0322]

It's Extension for 4th string(E) not an additional Low B string

[@republiccooper]

Excellent!

[@minemilx2702]

Can you please make a video on the orchestration of some parts in the album Tubular bells 2. Sentinel in particular

[@imado1999]

German sheets! 😂 cool to understand what is written on those music sheets.

[@jackwilmoresongs]

I think I get the idea of how Strauss gets that incredible burst of energy upward in Don Juan.

[@vleevision7787]

Thank you !!!

[@pieterfransmarialoose7873]

score studies seems a very interesting subject - will you do more on this subject ?

[@StephenShareski]

Great video! I love Strauss! Just wondering about your transcription of violin 1 and 2...there seem to be a couple of minor mishaps, like violin 1 the first note after the arpeggio should be an a (thus altering the notes following) and the scale in violin 2 also ends on an a, not an f. Just fyi;)

[@mrjessewatt]

Part 1 of 200.. its a lifetime of study!

[@pietroviviani_composer]

Great video Rick! I agree: the best way to learn orchestration is to study the scores of the old masters. This Richard Strauss excerpt is virtuoso orchestration! What's your take on why he decided to write this passage as one 8/4 measure instead of two 4/4 measures ?

[@RickBeato]

+Pietro Viviani It's either because of what came before it or more likely it's easier to read with these groupings all in one measure.

[@Aio-Project]

most basses do have the range to about a C5, solo rep often goes higher by use of extended techniques, but i think in the world of modern orchestration it should be important to understand that good bassists are comfortable far above the range in the video. Great video as always though!

[@golafs]

it´s true that Double bass with extension goes to C. but find it more common these days that DB players, expecially in orchestras, simply have 5 string bass. So going down to H (B).

[@pieterfransmarialoose7873]

what would be also interesting to me at least - is like analyse and reconstruct certain soundtracks - or orchestral pieces with the insight of someone like you - as to understnad the why and so .. :)

[@Danny-fs1hk]

Beato!

[@jaked.8388]

Are you usinga special program to separate the different staves in your orchestrated themes - if so WHAT IS IT ? thanks Jake

[@alejandrorivera3068]

Thank you, Rick I think you are a good person and that you care about others. Music is great.

[@aidanrabinowitz6555]

Please tell me what software you are using to play the synthetic strings?

[@santana2420]

What about a Beato Book teaching songwriting, composing and arranging for pop/rock band?

[@maplefoxx6285]

I see Kontakt in your tracks, I wonder what orchestral libraries Rick Beato like using.. I recently got CSS and CSB and they are amazing.. Also Tokyo Scoring Strings by far is the most intuitive library out there from Impact Soundworks. My friend uses those libraries from Best Service called Emotional Cello and Emotional Violin, they are really crazy how many articulations and settings there are. I am currently saving up to get Josh Bell Violin by Embertone.

[@BarnibusMaximusMusic]

Amazing :D

[@recordman555]

Thanks, Rick! I couldn't help but notice your pump organ - you'd mentioned it before. Is it a Mason & Hamlin, by chance?

[@MetalUmbreonX]

Could you do a whole video on Holst?

[@tb6265]

Your videos are so awesome Rick, thank u so much. Could u analyse a Run from a John Williams Track. I don't really understand what is allways going on those runs. you have that nice celesta & over that those crazy Violin Runs.... Are that random notes or make that all sense? Harry Potter for example: Hedwigs Theme 0:35 min, kind regards

[@marcoricci5868]

So it's like if this five instruments bass cello viola violin second and violin first are the five finger of a hand on a piano?

[@instinctbrosgaming9699]

How would you orchestrate in any scenario when writing a film?

[@charlescoleman5509]

What’s with the staccato on the dotted 8ths?

[@glamfolk]

Great information! I'm sure this has been covered, and I hate to be that guy, but I'm compelled to say that that's an alto clef, not a tenor. :)

[@wormtownpaul]

Are these just stock Pro Tools sounds?

[@Diggsblues]

That looks like pro tools, is that the notation program in pro tools ? The samples are great are they in pro tools?

[@carlrennie1141]

sounds lush :D

[@charlesgaskell5899]

Would violin 1 play the first four notes on the four strings, or would they play the first 2 notes on the open D and A strings, before playing the 3 note also on the A string?

[@RaymondHng]

Charles Gaskell A beginning student will play as many open strings as possible because it is easier to play. However, notes played on open strings sound more nasal or more shrill compared to their fingered equivalents. An advanced string musician will be able to finger every note and never play open strings. Also, if a string were to go slightly out of tune during a performance, you are stuck playing that note out of tune as an open string for the duration of the performance. If the note were fingered, you can re-adjust on the fly.

[@Qermaq]

Why are dotted quartets short?

[@James-wf8nu]

No wonder why people hate on viola - never realised it only has the four extra notes than cello on top.

[@colinhedges-stoops4142]

this is good but the bass range is much larger than C4, I've seen an E7 written in a Bottesini piece (Technically E8 but transposition makes it E7). It's uncommon for the bass to play that high but C4 is not even close. Especially for a professional.

[@matijakrunic7498]

Anyone know what section of the composition this is from?

[@kaaiplayspiano7200]

8:51 Counterpiont.

[@tomaspalazzi]

On your transcription violin II have a Am arpeggio, and not a Dm ;)

[@RickBeato]

I wrote it wrong but played it right in the video. Haha!

[@alfonshomac]

High Five!

[@zizoumonk10]

Hey Rick, do you produce and edit your videos yourself?

[@RickBeato]

+zizoumonk10 Yes I do. Can't you tell :)

[@zizoumonk10]

Rick Beato tbh, if you told me you paid a pro to do it, i'd probably believe you.

[@johnnynoirman]

What computer program are you using?

[@G_Force_27]

johnnynoirman pro tools

[@matteogenerani5097]

0:48, 1:28, 1:35... Don Kehote??... Don Kishot!! (Don Quixote) Profound admiration for your great channel anyway!

[@itznoxy7193]

Is a Cello called a Violone in German?

[@RaymondHng]

iTzNoxy _Cello_ in German is _Violoncello_ . It is abbreviated as _Violonc._ in the conductor's score.

[@CelloSeanMuller]

The cello range is not correct, take the saint saens cello concerto no 1 in a minor the third movement, there is a part where the solo cellist goes from the C2. to the F above C7, granted it does use artificial harmonics, but the range is much higher than the falsely informed C6

[@CelloSeanMuller]

But great video otherwise!! very informative!!

[@Trebotable]

If you write within the mentioned ranges you don't necessitate players with extended range instruments (*the low C extension on double bass is common) or advanced techniques (artificial harmonics on a fretless instrument at the edge of its range? hello?).

[@ApplepieFTW]

As a violist, that clef changing is just annoying

[@jonathankupper1793]

Good video for beginners, Rick. But didn't you know that your name should actually be pronounced "Bay-Ah-To" (Italian for "blessed" or fortunate)...? Just sayin'. :-) Keep up the good work. Cheers... -J

[@eTwCSGO]

Dahn kihoetay

[@GeorgeZwierzchowskipianomusic]

I don't think your DAW is playing the cello properly starting from the C clef. Is it my ears or should everything be a fourth lower so it does what the viola copies. sorry, dont want to be a dick or anything.

[@stavrospapadimitriou7631]

Counterpiont? Are you sure?.....

[@khabriel]

Can I envy your son? :D