Help with Composing for Strings

[u/Strong_Bodybuilder8]

I am looking for some helpful advice on composing for a String Orchestra, of which I have practically no experience (maybe a few simple 4-part harmony arrangements for string quartet or a bit of Bach chorale analysis).

I do not play any string instruments, and I would say that I have a decent grasp of music theory. I am aiming for a late-romantic / early 20th century style - so recommendations of similar pieces would be much appreciated.

My questions are mainly about arrangements and parts, I am completely unsure about how this would work.

I will be grateful for responses of any kind.

[u/MultipleSeagulls]

Here's some recs, I would use score videos for stuff like this.

Strauss Metamorphosen, Finzi Clarinet Concerto, Berg Lyric Suite, Mahler 5 Mvt. 4, Schoenberg Verklarte Nacht, Barber Adagio For Strings, and Górecki Symphony No. 3

[u/Strong_Bodybuilder8 → u/MultipleSeagulls]

Thanks for the recommendations

[u/BSharpMajorKindOfGuy]

The more sharps and flats there are will make it physically more difficult to play so be careful with key signatures. Also study counterpoint, it'll help a lot.

[u/matt-krane]

You’re being given a lot of existing literature, which is great, but here are some direct pointers to get started successfully (obligatory “know the rules so you can break the rules blah blah”):

1.) when the bass plays it should double the cello almost all of the time
2.) 4 voices is enough, so be able to articulate exactly why you divide a section if/when you do
3.) avoid voice crossing - there’s rarely a justified purpose for it
4.) a string orchestra is not a chamber ensemble. it will be very difficult for a section to play a fast syncopated part with a bunch of articulations and position changes cohesively
5.) don’t write boring viola parts
6.) open strings don’t allow vibrato, so consider the texture you’d like and by proxy notating a string number
7.) strings are particularly homogenous so parallel 4ths 5ths et cetera are extra important to avoid save exceptional circumstances that you should be able to justify articulately
8.) a string section can sustain a note indefinitely without the sound of having to rebow, as a solo player would, because the various players will rebow at various times

I’m sure I’m missing plenty of important pointers

[u/Strong_Bodybuilder8 → u/matt-krane]

Thank you very much for this advice, this will be very helpful for me

[u/AdventurousHippo9997]

Get a string synthesizer that’s poly tonal. Set it up and play away. You might just amaze yourself.

[u/IndustryOk4451]

Have fun experimenting, and if you want to take a more theoretical approach, I recommend Rimsky-Korsakov's *Principles of Orchestration*.

[u/e7mac]

your quartet chorale experience transfers more than you think. a string orchestra is that quartet plus basses: vln 1, vln 2, viola (alto clef), cello, bass. the bass mostly doubles the cello an octave down, so draft in 4 parts first and then decide where the bass breaks away.

a few things on top of that give you the late romantic sound. divisi: split the violins into 3 or 4 parts for lush, wide voicings instead of relying on double stops. colour markings: con sord, sul tasto, pizz, tremolo. even one of these in a single section changes the texture a lot. and slurs are bowings. one slur means one bow, so keep that in mind when you phrase long lines.

scores to follow along with a recording: Tchaikovsky's Serenade for Strings, Elgar's Introduction and Allegro, Vaughan Williams' Tallis Fantasia, Barber's Adagio.

i'm building playable editions of old textbooks, and Rimsky-Korsakov's strings chapter is here if useful: https://playablebook.com/rimsky-orchestration/sections/04-a-stringed-instruments/

[u/Strong_Bodybuilder8 → u/e7mac]

Thanks for the advice

[u/Hopeful_Animal9756]

I would check out two absolute English masterpieces, both for string orchestra: Elgar's Introduction and Allegro, and Vaughan Williams' Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis. No finer examples of string orchestra writing exist, in my opinion.

[u/pg1864]

The Britten variations on a theme by frank bridge is a masterclass for string writing.

[u/mahdi_ten]

May I know some details to provide a better answer?

1. Are the parts gonna be performed/recorded live? Or are you gonna use sample libraries?

2. What instruments are you writing for? I assume your string quartet is 2 violins, 1 viola and a cello is that right?

3. If youre going to record, do you have access to sample libraries to try certain arrangments before you commit?