Composer v. Orchestrator — Page 3

Thanks for that,

I know that Lionel Bart and Mel Brooks were in this situation. Bart never played an instrument, but composed "Oliver!" and (presumedly) the rest of his musicals through a means of A Capella. Just how expensive, and complicated, this process is I'm not sure. But it would be pretty formidable. I just hope there are enough (passionate) people out there willing to do it. If not, then that's a bad thing.

But yes, I know of people who try and add as much as they can to the thing: but have not been successful in finding any kind of arranger to do the rest. Actually I've been told they're as rare as dinosaur-eggs

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Right, that's basically what I said. If you know you want a certain mood etc you should probably write out a basic harmonic accompaniment with your melody or the end result could be infinitely different from what you intended. The composer's job is more than just writing a melody...oy.

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Actually Best12bars I have done it. I've done it continuously too. I write my own art songs and choral music. So I do know what I'm talking about a little bit. It's not that hard for me to do. That's what arranging is. Example: Sondheim on Jazz. Have you ever heard these recordings? It's just the melody and the arranger does something wonderful. It really isn't that hard to do for the very reason you mentioned. There are a million and one possiblities. Sorry but it's not hard for me to do at all. Sure it takes time and work but it comes naturally. The melodies are hard for me. I think that's hitting upon the differences between orchestrator and arranger. An arranger could do all of that.


Just out of curiosity who makes up William Finn's accompinaments if he doesn't write them?

If all Finn does is melody, then Michael should get partial credit. I'm under the impression that Finn does more than just melody though.