The Contemporary Arranger: Definitive Edition Review

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(More customer reviews)This book is the best one I have yet seen on the art of arranging for jazz bands and other contemporary/pop ensembles. It is full from beginning to end not only with all the standard info about instrument ranges, which instruments sound best in which voicings, etc., but also full of interesting little gems designed to inform the budding arranger about the realities of the music industry. Things like "All professional trumpet players carry with them a straight mute, cup mute, harmon mute, felt hat, and sometimes a plunger. Any other special mutes must be requested in advance of a performance or recording session" (page 13). Also tips on how best to record particular instruments in the studio, and things to look out for in this regard. "Of all the members of the woodwind family, the bassoon is the hardest to record properly, having the tendency to become lost when combined with other instruments.... it... is most effective when the texture of the passage in which it is used is transparent enough for the bassoon to be heard clearly."

To all of those reviewers at this site and the other page for this book, the CD *does* in fact match the examples in the book. The book specifies between regular written examples (not included on the CD), and *recorded examples*, which are on the CD. The listing on pages viii and ix accurately reflect the listing on the CD and the appropriate text in the book that matches each example.

The examples of various sounds possible on the stringed instruments and the French horn, are particularly helpful in matching up the standard musical terms "detache," "parlando," etc. with that particular sound.

Overall, an excellent book both for beginners and folks with some background who are looking to expand into jazz-style sounds.

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Product Description:
An authoritative, easy-to-understand text covering all aspects of arranging. This beautifully bound edition contains a compact disc with examples performed by jazz greats such as George Benson, Freddie Hubbard, Hubert Laws and Don Sebesky's complete orchestra.

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Advanced Techniques for Film Scoring (Book and CD) Review

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(More customer reviews)I was excited by the description of this book but disappointed by it's contents. The techniques are totally outdated. It goes on at length about analog recording technique which is nearly inapplicable to the beginning composer. Not recommended except as a minor resource for your library. Buy "The Guide to MIDI Orchestration" by Gilreath or the Jeff Rona Film Scoring book and the general orchestraion books by Adler and Blatter first.

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Product Description:
Earle Hagen has written an excellent sequel to his sensational best-seller Scoring for Filmsproviding composers with additional advice regarding more advanced scoring techniques for film orchestration.

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Sounds and Scores : A Practical Guide to Professional Orchestration Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought this book before learning any of the technical aspects of arranging, and it left me wanting more.After I found the books that cover the techniques of arranging, I went back to this book and found it way more beneficial.

You get to 1.) read Mr. Mancini's commentary about a particular score example, then 2.) listen to a CD of the example while looking at the score.Not every example comes with an audio track, but the CD has well over 50 tracks, so you still get an abundance of examples to see AND hear.To be able to see the brass/sax/French horn voicings at the end of 'Peter Gunn Theme' and the string and horn parts in 'Mr. Lucky' is pretty amazing.

So, if you know basic techniques of writing for several instruments and sections, and you'd like to see and hear how a master of the craft puts it all to use, consider this book a worthwhile investment.

If only it had the vocal arrangement to 'Bachelor In Paradise', but that's just me being greedy.

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Product Description:
A practical guide to professional guide to professional orchestration featuring recorded musical examples performed by Henry Mancini. Included in the book are sections on the woodwinds, brass, the rhythm section and the string section. A recording is included to follow along with the printed scores.

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The Reel World: Scoring For Pictures-Updated And Revised Edition (Music Pro Guides) Review

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(More customer reviews)I browsed Amazon for a number of film scoring books, and chose this one because it looked very practical and helpful -- and I was right!! If you're even thinking about a career in film music - big leagues or no - this book is a MUST. Rona covers every nook and cranny, from the spotting sessions to setting up a studio, and the different jobs (not just composer!) that are offered in film music. He's been "through the system" so to speak, and knows what he's talking about! Five stars!!!

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Product Description:
This updated how-to guide takes you inside the world of creating music for film and television. Packed with case studies and insider's tips, The Reel World - 2nd Edition lets you learn by example how to ensure musical aesthetics, use the most effective technology and techniques, understand the business side of things, and nurture positive relationships with music editors, directors, producers, recording engineers, musicians, and music executives. The author uses his real-world experience working as a composer in television and film to show you what it takes to do the job, how it's done, and how you can do it, too. If you want to work as a composer, scoring for film, television and other visual media, The Reel World - 2nd Edition is just the guide you've been looking for to help you get started in this fascinating and rewarding industry. The books's companion website, lists updates, additions, resources, and more!

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