Orchestration 101: Writing for Strings

[@TableTopComposer]

Hi Everyone, so a quick update about this series. When I made these videos I used a Pitch-Octave notation other than SPN (Scientific Pitch Notation, which is standard). The system I worked with has C4 as middle C, and resets octaves every "A" instead of every "C". I apologize if this is confusing. My orchestration video on transposing explains the system in greater detail. Other than this, the information is accurate and should be helpful! I'll be releasing an updated series on orchestration soon with more information (and that actually uses SPN). Thank you for your understanding and support! I'm grateful to have such a great community surrounding this youtube channel!

[@MarkSchenfisch]

Walking through double stops (possible/impossible then efficient/inefficient) and then the segue into divisi... Excellent instruction, and excellent organization!

[@Rakkoonn]

This is really useful. You don't skimp on theory too much, while keeping everything practical.

[@ImDzp]

you have no idea how helpful these videos are. thank you for the great work.

[@TableTopComposer]

My pleasure! It makes me happy knowing that people are finding them useful :)

[@titotenso9017]

Hi, man, thank you very much for your videos, they are really excellent. After "Orchestration 101", I vote for "Start to finish guide for writing a full piece of music". Best regards!

[@TableTopComposer]

Thanks, Tito! That's exactly what I'm doing. It'll be starting this Wednesday :)

[@tommynguyen7718]

Good vids as always! Please keep this series up!

[@amyevayn9828]

Writing for The String Section ---------- Default Method -4 part voicing (SATB) -soprano violin a, alto violin 2, tenor viola, bass cello and double bass Steps: 1. Assign melody to one of the voices (typically soprano) 2. Write the bass line in the bass voices -assign root notes of chords to cellos and basses 3. Assign remaining chordal tones to alto and tenor with as little movement as possible (voice leading) -large leaps between notes are distracting 4. Make sure each line is in appropriate register - strings can do open and closed voicings in their upper register ---------- Harmonic Voicing Method -gives different harmonies to each part -has more movement than default method Steps: 1. Assign the melody to soprano violins 2. Assign bass to the double bass 3. Treat the cello, viola, and 2nd violin as independent lines -Make sure not to let harmony steal the spotlight -stick to chordal tones -create variation of the full chord between your three voices and bass line frequently -use as much repetition in each voice as possible so it falls into the background ---------- Double Stops -chords with 2 notes played on a single string instrument -triple stops and quadruple stops exist, but theyll be louder because of force on the strings -not all chords are possible -golden rule: each note of a chord must be performed on a separate string -not all chords are equal, some are inefficient -Efficient chords: notes are played on adjacent strings withing a 3rd to 6th from each other, with one or more open strings ----------- Divisi -divide a section to perform a chord -divisi makes a sound quieter, not stronger (less players per note) -sound libraries dont take this into account -more notes, weaker sound ----------- Double stops -Efficient DS is more powerful -strong but not for fast tempos -best for sustained, powerful, repetitive roles, dramatic solo Vs Divisi -reduces power -best for faster -best for background material --------------- Climatic string melodies -strings are great for dramatic moments -each instrument (except bass) performs melody in their register to creat wall of sound Solo Passages -can be heard in the foreground if youre careful with differentiation (dynamic, pitch

[@JohnBartmannMusic]

Nice. My new secret weapon channel for bluffing my way into "more serious" music haha thanks!

[@coloaten6682]

This is really useful as someone completely new to orchestration. Happy to be a new subscriber :)

[@paulinewarjri705]

Thank you for all your posts. You have saved my life

[@rafeek6730]

Thanks for the video i rly like your new stuff they are really helpful i hope you keep making them :)

[@pagnag4388]

this is so good thank you for posting these

[@Xserey]

Always asked myself how strings played chords, if it was in unison or what. Thanks so much, I truly appreicate the time and effort you put into these. Consider opening a discord for the community to help each other out?

[@utkarshkokude771]

Thank you 😊

[@VivekTheMesmerizer]

I don't know to read and write music in notations, will your tutos help me out Sir?

[@TableTopComposer]

I certainly hope so. I try to keep it from getting too technical, and use both midi and notation at different points in my videos, regardless I think the strategies should be helpful :)

[@jaysonvillanueva6318]

uh this is confusing for me,,, can you use western notation instead of piano roll?

[@Thomas-zq6cn]

The boss

[@Shibshankar_Roy]

But how to write for stops on an actual daw or notation software when I'm writing music with libraries?? Most libraries will play it as a chord without splitting the strings

[@TableTopComposer]

So, a double stop is just a chord. There's nothing special you need to do in a DAW or notation so long as you've made sure it's a possible chord to play :)

[@Thomas-zq6cn]

14:17 the 3rd picture shows E3G3C4 and not "C3 E3 G3". It's very not important haha.. 🤣

[@nitishpurohit4131]

This is THE thing i have been searching for real long...thank you so much @Tabletop Composer for Sharing this piece of Knowledge with us.