---
title: "Orchestration and Ostinato (Conversations in Audio)"

description: "Different instruments have different strengths and weaknesses. How can we lean into each? Or how do we break expectation? Following the last pod about film scoring, let's dig deeper into orchestration, multi-instrumentalism, and making the music theory work for us as composers."

status: complete

date: 2023-10-03

kind: solo

guestSlugs: []

listenUrl: "https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lovemusicmore/episodes/Orchestration-and-Ostinato-Conversations-in-Audio-e29r7qk"
appleUrl: "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/orchestration-and-ostinato-conversations-in-audio/id1567355195?i=1000630039279&uo=4"
spotifyUrl: "https://open.spotify.com/episode/1DSax3h5XAe79svtIqXZ0c"

topicsDiscussed:
  - "Scoring for picture"
  - "Collaboration"
  - "Creativity"
  - "Music theory"
  - "Orchestration"
  - "Voice Leading"
  - "Polyphony"
  - "Ostinato"
  - "Instrumental Strengths"
  - "Composition Techniques"
  - "Multi-Instrumentalism"
  - "Creative Choices"

hostNote: |
  In this solo episode, I delve into the intricacies of **orchestration** and the significance of understanding different instruments' strengths and weaknesses. Drawing from the previous discussion on film scoring, I explore essential music theory concepts like **voice leading** and **polyphony**. By leveraging these principles, I aim to illustrate how composers can make bold creative choices, breaking traditional expectations in their arrangements.
  
  I also share my personal journey with learning various instruments, emphasizing the **dual approach** of understanding a piece through both practice and collaboration. This episode is packed with insights on how to elevate your composition skills, ultimately leading to richer soundscapes and more engaging music-making experiences.

selectedMoments:
  - label: "Exploring Orchestration"
    startSec: 0
    note: "I discuss the role of orchestration in music and the importance of leveraging different instruments' strengths."
  - label: "Understanding Instrumental Range"
    startSec: 135
    note: "Thoughts on how knowing an instrument's range influences composition, including insights on writing for cello."
  - label: "Dual Approach to Learning"
    startSec: 227
    note: "The value of both playing an instrument and hiring someone more skilled for higher-level arrangements."
  - label: "Breaking Expectations"
    startSec: 364
    note: "Insights on how musicians can push past typical boundaries to explore unique sound possibilities."
  - label: "Ostinato in Music Composition"
    startSec: 992
    note: "Reflections on the use of ostinato as a technique within compositions and its impact on rhythmic structure."
  - label: "Learning from Masters"
    startSec: 725
    note: "A discussion about great musicians like Paul McCartney and the importance of exposure and practice."

excerptQuotes:
  - text: "So today let's talk about orchestration, let's talk about things, those vocab words like ostinato and Euro rack and modular synth..."
    startSec: 90
    reviewed: true
  - text: "By leveraging those you can create a fuller, richer sound, and by inverting them you can break expected parameters..."
    startSec: 46
    reviewed: true
  - text: "You're exploiting it; an overblown saxophone something that is reaching way, way higher than it's technically supposed to..."
    startSec: 98
    reviewed: true
  - text: "It's like learning grammar; you're gonna be a better writer if you understand the grammar and then also understand the slang."
    startSec: 1174
    reviewed: true

faq:
  - question: "What is orchestration in music composition?"
    answer: "Orchestration refers to the method of arranging music for different instruments, focusing on their distinct strengths and how they can work together."
  - question: "How does ostinato function in music?"
    answer: "Ostinato is a repeated rhythmic or melodic phrase that stays consistent while harmonies around it change, adding depth and interest to music."
  - question: "What are voice leading and polyphony?"
    answer: "Voice leading involves the way individual melodic lines or voices move and connect, while polyphony refers to multiple independent melodies being played simultaneously."

transcriptPublished: false

draft: false
---