Deliciously Different Music Ensembles

Let’s start our discussion on music ensembles with a question. Who wants something different for dinner tonight? Although this sounds wacky and off topic, it isn’t really. In the same way that we need diversity in our food intake, we also need diversity in the texture and feel of the music provided to us by the ensembles and instrumental combos that we listen to.

Tired of chicken again (or tofu for my veggie website visitors)? How about going a bit lighter with a large Greek salad (dressing on the side, please)! Here are some different ensembles to consider composing for:

• piano duet;
• piano duo;
• trio;
• quartet;
• quintet;
• sextet;
• septets and octets;
• string orchestra;
• chamber orchestra;
• symphony orchestra.

Within some of the above categories, there are different instruments that can be formed as a group. Take the quintet ensemble, for instance. A brass quintet has two trumpets, a French horn, a trombone and a tuba while a woodwind quintet has the following: flute, oboe, clarinet, French horn and bassoon.

More tips on instrumental ensembles can be found in the all purpose composer/pianist resource book, Ready, Set, Compose!

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