After listening to Rimsky-Korsakov’s (1844-1908) Scheherazade (1888), his fundamentals of orchestration best practices are clearly perceived. Rimsky tells us about brilliance and imaginative orchestration. An example of this characteristic is in the second movement. He uses a wide range of instruments, sometimes performing solos like bassoon, solo oboe and solo cello and in combination like the entire woodwind section or string section. He separates colours when the characters, represented by instruments and melodies, speak to each other and combines sections to create a different palette of colours, but always preserving the space and well-defined instrumental characteristics. That itself is another fundamental practice recommended in his preface. The combination of pizzicato in strings, ornamented woodwinds and the clarity of the brass section on the fundamental and natural timbre is an example of how he creates a tonal resonance that is clear and not muddy, as heard in other orchestrations by other composers. Rismky also tells us in his preface regarding imagination. Although we must thank our predecessors for their orchestration and progression in the field, there is no wrong combination of tones. However, he aims to guide students to create uniform colours, use specific tone quality and require power in their orchestration. Overall, all the fundamentals of clarity of tone, timbral combination, imagination and vivid orchestration are apparent in his work. Regarding the approach to orchestration in the historical context, Rimsky-Korsakov lived in the post-Wagnerian and Nationalistic era. However, this work displays oriental and Islamic motifs. This feature is typical at the time in Russian works. According to Taruskin and Gibbs in the book The Oxford History of Western Music, there was an engagement throughout the nineteenth century in imperialistic expansion into neighbouring Islamic territories. They also tell us that exotic Orientalism became a distinguishing feature of much Russian music.
Reference:
Frolova-Walker, M., & Humphreys, M. (2001). Rimsky-Korsakov, Nikolay Andreyevich. Grove Music Online. Retrieved 25 Aug. 2023, from https://www.oxfordmusiconline.com/grovemusic/view/10.1093/gmo/9781561592630.001.0001/omo-9781561592630-e-60000202252.
Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade. Vienna Philharmonic. Salzburg Festival 2005. Accessed on 24/08/2023 from: https://youtu.be/SQNymNaTr-Y?si=FdpM2koJilT5mPav
Taruskin, R. Gibbs, C.H. 2013. The Oxford History of Western Music. Oxford University Press.
Orchestration and Arrangement 