What does "3d1,3d1,3d1,3d1,- 4 , 3 , 3 , 1" mean?
Hi! Maybe I'm not in the right place to be asking this but, I need some help.
Well, as a homework, I have to write a piece of music for orchestra.
It says that, the line up is "3d1,3d1,3d1,3d1,- 4 , 3 , 3 , 1 - t i m p a n i, etc..."
If I understand it well, "- 4,3,3,1" means - 4 horns, 3 trumpets, 3 trombones, 1 tuba, right?
But, I don't know what "3d1" means. I've been looking it up on google and I still have my doubts.
I don't want to ask my class mates because they're mean to me and my teacher avoids explaining
this kind of things. So, here we are.
Does it mean that the use of 3d1 is mandatory for the musical piece?
Or it's like a "limit" thing, you know, like you can use 2 flutes but max 3d1.
It's my first time seeing this, is there a book where I can get more info about it?
Anyway, I hope you guys can help me out with this one.
Thanks for your time and for reading.
Peace.
Comments
3d1 means something along the lines of 3 flutes, 1 doubling as piccolo, 3 oboes 1 doubling as English horn, 3 clarinets, 1 doubling as Bass clarinet, 3 bassoons 1 doubling as contrabassoon. Your 4-3-3-1 analysis is correct.
These numbers indicate the number of parts the score is written for. They aren't optional unless a part says ad libitum (or something similar. I actually saw non obligato for the first time last week).
In reply to 3d1 means something along… by mike320
Interesting! We learn something everyday!
So, it technically is a regular orchestra line up? Or am I missing something?
Also, when you say "doubling" do you mean that I have to write the actual part for the Piccolo?
That's the only thing I'm not getting at all.
My homework says that the line-up could be a maximum of "3d1,3d1,etc..." as I mentioned on the original post, So, is it or isn't optional the use of 3d1 or I could use only a couple of flutes?
Anyway, Thanks for the help! (:
In reply to Interesting! We learn… by Eric Vera
Normally the parts are written with 2 flutes on a staff and 1 flute on a staff with instrument changes to piccolo and back as needed. The order of these flutes varies from score to score.
The others are normally written with 2 instruments on one staff followed by the 3rd instrument with instrument changes as necessary.
MuseScore accommodates these with the instrument change text in the text palette and starting in version 3.5 will bring up a dialog box that pretty much automates the process except choosing the new instrument.
There is currently a bug when changing between flute and piccolo. The automation (which cannot be prevented) enters an unnecessary clef and key signature. You can delete both of these from the piccolo/flute staff. To get rid of the unneeded key signatures in the other instruments save, close and reopen the score.
One nice thing is that the key change between oboe and English horn is done for you. I haven't actually tried the automation with bass clarinet and contrabassoon so they may need you to do the same things as the flute & piccolo.
In your instruction it says Max 3d1, 3d1... To me this means you may do the instrument doublings but they are not required and you could limit yourself to the classical template if you want. This is the minimum I would use to satisfy the requirements. You have a lot of flexibility. You may use 2 of each woodwind with only one oboe doubling English horn as an example.
I've seen almost every combination of instruments from the classical templates instruments up to the full number permitted in your assignment (and a some with even more). My final piece of advice is don't over do it if your not used to orchestrating.
In reply to Normally the parts are… by mike320
I didn't knew how to write the 2 flutes and the piccolo, thanks!
The bug you mentioned I saw it when doing some Scores a few months back. I didn't wanted to delete the clef or key signature out of fear of ruining the progress of the score, but now I know how to do it. Thanks!
Yeah, I always get confused with the instructions but that's what I love about the assignments, they are really flexible. I like to keep things simple and listenable. It's my 3rd assignment like this so, let's see how it goes.
I really appreciate all your help, it means a lot to me, thank you so much. Thanks for everything. (:
In reply to I didn't knew how to write… by Eric Vera
No problem :)