Treatise on Instrumentation

Grand Traité d’Instrumentation et d’Orchestration Modernes, abbreviated in English as the Treatise on Instrumentation (sometimes Treatise on Orchestration) is a technical study of Western musical instruments, written by Hector Berlioz. It was first published in 1844 after being serialised in many parts prior to this date, and had a chapter added by Berlioz on conducting in 1855. The text was later revised by Richard Strauss in 1904 to include more modern instruments. The book discusses the various technical aspects of instruments, such as chromatic range, tone quality, and limitations. An explanation of the role of particular instruments within the orchestra is also provided. The book also provides orchestral excerpts from classical scores to give examples of techniques discussed. These examples are often of works by Berlioz himself, while Mozart, Wagner, Beethoven, and Gluck are also frequently cited.

Many composers studied the work closely, such as Mussorgsky, Mahler, R. Strauss, and Rimsky-Korsakov.

Instruments discussed

Strings:

• Violin
• Viola
• Viola d'amore
• Viola da gamba
• Violoncello
• Double bass

Plucked strings:

• Harp
• Guitar
• Mandolin

Keyboards:

• Pianoforte
• Organ

Wind instruments:

• Oboe
• Oboe d'amore
• English horn
• Bassoon
• Tenoroon (Bassoon Quinte)
• Clarinets (including Alto and Bass clarinets)
• Basset-horn
• Flute (alto flute)
• Piccolo
• Serpent
• Russian Bassoon

Brass instruments:

• French horn
• Valve horn
• Trumpet
• Cornet
• Trombones
• Tubas (bass tuba)
• Bugle
• Key bugle
• Valve bugle
• Ophicleide (Bass, Alto, Double-Bass)
• Bombardon

Voices: (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass etc.)

Percussion:

• Timpani (Kettle drums)
• Bells
• Glockenspiel
• Glass harmonica
• Ancient cymbals
• Bass drum
• Gong
• Tambourine
• Side drum
• Tenor drum
• Triangle
• Crescent

New instruments:

• Saxophones
• Saxhorn
• Saxotrombas
• Saxtubas
• Concertina
• Melodium organ
• Octobass
• Pianos and Melodiums with prolonged sounds

Other topics discussed

The orchestra - an overview of how the orchestra functions as a whole, and its development throughout history.

On conducting - a brief discussion of conducting practices in Europe during Berlioz's day. It should be noted that Berlioz was also known as a great conductor in his time, in addition to a composer.

External links

Excerpts from the Treatise on Instrumentation & Orchestration

Treatise on Instrumentation & Orchestration complete, with additions by Richard Strauss, in English, on IMSLP.org