orchestration

[ awr-kuh-strey-shuhn ]

noun

1. the composition or arrangement of music for performance by a band or orchestra, or the music so composed or arranged:

   Holst's iconic musical portrayal of the planets and their astrological significance delights audiences with its rich orchestration and memorable melodies.

2. the instruments used in such a composition or arrangement; instrumentation:

   Handel's original orchestration was for strings and continuo with occasional trumpets and drums.

3. the plans or planning necessary to arrange something or cause something to happen:

   The book chronicles the Empress Dowager’s selection as a concubine and her orchestration of the coup that made her the de facto ruler of China.

4. Computers. an automated series of processes to configure, coordinate, or manage computer systems, data, or software:

   A successful cloud strategy requires orchestration of on-demand provisioning processes and coordination of cloud resources.

Other Words From

• re·or·ches·tra·tion noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of orchestration¹

First recorded in 1830–40; orchestrat(e) ( def ) + -ion ( def )

Example Sentences

“That’s why I chose that orchestration that is very what I call ‘aerial,’ and Wagnerian, and kind of also Hollywood — which I never knew that I could do.”

From Los Angeles Times

The orchestra, discreetly visible on the set’s upper level, brings out the vibrancy of Tom Kitt’s arrangements and orchestrations.

From Los Angeles Times

On Sunday night the Friedman sisters’ production won a Tony Award for best musical revival, as well as acting prizes for two of its stars, Daniel Radcliffe and Jonathan Groff, and another for its orchestrations.

From New York Times

Set to a triumphal score by Amelia Warner, there’s a hint of Bruckheimer’s “Pirates of the Caribbean”-style jauntiness to the powerful orchestration that adds to the sense of melodrama at play.

From Los Angeles Times

The orchestration calls for many instruments not typically heard in opera, including two guitars, high cowbells, chimes, maracas, gongs known as temple bowls and a synthesizer that plays back a wide variety of recorded sound.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• composition