Reorchestration of Brahms’ Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 68, 1st movement (Master's thesis)
- bettywithmusic
- May 10, 2024
- 1 min read
Abstract
Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) is a distinguished German composer who stands as a prominent figure among the composers of the Romantic era. Brahms is renowned for his musical compositions, including those pieces for piano, voice, chamber ensembles, concertos, and symphonies. His enduring works are cherished by with both contemporary performers and audiences, showcasing his profound impact on the field of music during his time and beyond. Despite extensive studies on Brahms’ compositions, I realized that the orchestration, particularly the utilization of woodwinds components, in some part of the first movement of Symphony No.1 in C minor, Op.68, could be enhanced with some rearrangement. Therefore, this paper will explore these aspects by comparing various orchestral arrangements, which may involve adjustments, additions, and/or eliminations of notes and phrases. The focus will be on the use of woodwinds, although not exclusively, and their contribution to the overall sound. Through this comparative exploration, the study aims to propose methods for positioning notes within the preferred registers of instruments to strengthen the sound while preserving the original sonority created by Brahms. The reading session with University Symphony Orchestra of Texas Tech University will aid in understanding the differences between the original and reorchestrated pieces. Furthermore, this experiment will expand comprehension of note arrangement for achieving the desired timbre.
