Description

Ebenezer Prout, a distinguished scholar from the turn of the 20th century, dedicated a decade to the completion of a series of theoretical works that garnered significant acclaim within the professional community. Among these esteemed contributions is a comprehensive treatise that explores the elements, characteristics, and functions of orchestral sound, detailing how each section of the orchestra operates both independently and in collaboration with others. The commentary is enriched with numerous examples drawn from the standard concert repertoire. Notable instances include a Berlioz piece where the string section emulates a guitar, the division of wind passages in a Brahms symphony among various instruments, and examples from Wagner and Rossini showcasing the interplay between different groups. Additionally, the contrasting colors in the music of Haydn and Tchaikovsky are examined. In his concise and approachable style, Prout provides students and emerging professionals with one of the most insightful overviews of orchestral writing available. This is an unabridged republication of the original work published by Augener, London, in 1899, complete with an Analytical Index and an Index of Musical Illustrations.