"Orchestral Combinations demonstrates specific instrumental combinations that have intrigued past and present composers and suggests other groupings that may prove to be of equal validity and tonal interest. This book is a thesaurus of orchestral combinations, a lexicon of the science and art of fusing timbre and sonority in symphonic scoring. Few standard manuals devote such attention to this fascinating subject as it directly relates to the imaginative deployment of orchestral instruments."--Résumé de l'éditeur.

Thorough treatise on elements, character, and function of orchestral sound defines how each section of the orchestra functions both alone and in concert with others. Includes generous examples from standard concert literature.

Orchestral works are the central pillars of classical music. In A Concise Guide to Orchestral Music, 1700 to the Present Day, David Fligg evaluates this great music, and explores why so many masterpieces continue to fascinate music lovers. As well as discussing individual composers, the book places orchestral music within a historical context, providing essential reading for music students, and enthusiasts of all ages.