Mr Piston is one of the few authors I have come across who has a thorrough understanding of the limitations of the instruments he chose to write about. One can see this especially through hid portrayals of reach, uses, effects, etc.

However, it is worth noting that he could have used a bigger variety of examples from different composers. He also abides to the most common and stereotypical manners of combinations, etc.

The best book on this subject, the one that I actually sometimes refer to when composing, is Kennan's. Piston's book, however, should definitely be carefully studied by anyone wanting to master the art of classical orchestration. Piston goes deeper into each instrument than Kennan does, establishing a root level of knowledge on top of which Kennan can then serve as a handy daily reference. Piston relies heavily on examples from the core classical repertoire (well into the early 20th century but not beyond), so access to a good CD library will go a long way in bringing this book to life.

This is by far the best orchestration book ever published. I am particularly appreciative just now considering that I have in my hands the third edition of Samual Adler's clumsily composed "The Study of Orchestration", which has several errors on almost every page. Unlike Adler and Blattner, Piston knew precisely what he was talking about and put it succinctly and appositely. Note to the silly "reviewers" who call this "dated": the orchestra HAS NOT CHANGED.

Composer Ignacio Calvo suggested to me that I read this book, and I'm glad I did. Even though it's dated, and written in an academic style that is somewhat difficult to read, and doesn't cover newer instruments, innovations or styles in the field of orchastration, this is a must-read for new and aspiring composers who want to know what instruments to use and mix for the sound they're going for. This book tells you which instruments sound right together, also covering things like tone, pitch, tempo, etc. Musicians too will get good ideas and learn things about playing their instruments. It covers everything--keyboard, woodwind, strings, etc etc. You have to really concentrate to comprehend some of it, but this is nevertheless an essential and comprehensive teaching tool.

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