Instrumentation and form by Philipp Dangas

Introduction to the instrumentation and Form

The importance of the instrumentation as a form-creating force is great. It can create form or create form with it. Their form-creating power can perhaps be ascertained since Richard Wagner. The prelude to Richard Wagner's "Rheingold" is probably the beginning of form-creating sound thinking.

Contribution to instrumentation and form

Musical form (the outer garment) has its counterpart in the musical idea (the inner content) and the instrumentation can determine the formal structure of a composition influence. In addition, the instrumentation can make the formal structure tangible and comprehensible.

Its main task in relation to the formal structure of a composition is the tonal expression of its form parts. Due to the timbre of the Char acterization of the molded parts. As an example, structures are formed or clarified.

On the other hand, it is possible through the instrumentation to enrich a musical work with timbres in such a way that the form can be loosened up or loosened up. It can support the structuring and ordering function of the harmonics. But also the harmonies in question appear according to their function.

It makes form-creating sound thinking possible and thus acquires its own relevance as a compositional undertaking. It can be seen as a guide to internal logic.

Instrumentation as a principle of structuring

Musical forms mean, among other things, relating elements to others. The prerequisite for the musical formation is the creation of "boundaries". The structure is an important point. The formal structure requires the presence of at least 2 separate elements. These elements, e.g. chords, can have different relationships to each other.

As soon as an element, e.g. a chord, requires another chord, an orderly sequence is created. So a process and thus a musical form. Another example of the outline principle would be the repetition of 2 parts that are the same. These can be disguised by the instrumentation. Another structuring principle, like that of the variation (2 parts are similar to each other) can clarify them. Also sharpen the outline principle of contrast (2 parts are different). It can be used as a means of clearly developing the formal structure of a composition.

A piece of music is divided into several ordered [form] parts that form a well-harmonised unit. Each molded part can have its own color characteristics. This clarifies or forms the principle of order and thus the structure of the molded parts. It can (the sound color characteristics of the parts) have a special influence on the clear development of the form.

Instrumentation and form in the context of "symphonic world music"

The clarification of the formal construction of a composition through instrumentation is an additional possibility, the form to better perceive the composition. In doing so, one should not confuse between the external variety and the clarification of the form.