Orchestration Recipes 2
by Philip Johnston
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A Comprehensive Review of Orchestration Recipes Volume 2 by Philip Johnston
Orchestration remains a cornerstone of effective musical storytelling, and for composers at any level, honing orchestration skills can lead to transformative growth. Orchestration Recipes Volume 2 by Philip Johnston distinguishes itself as an innovative educational tool, delivering orchestration instruction through a unique “recipe” method. Celebrated for its practical design and cinematic emphasis, this volume provides both inspiration and structure. In this review, we’ll dive into its features, advantages, and its influence on composers’ learning experiences.
Creative Format and Instructional Strength
A standout element of Volume 2 is its imaginative layout. The book contains 21 original orchestration recipes, each crafted around emotional or narrative-driven scenarios. These help composers translate mood and imagery into effective orchestration. Johnston’s use of a cooking metaphor adds clarity and creativity, making technical ideas more accessible. Each recipe dissects complex techniques into step-by-step instructions, enabling composers to achieve targeted emotional outcomes.
Intuitive and Accessible Design
Johnston’s work shines due to its approachable and flexible layout. Readers can either follow the structured instructions or adapt the recipes to their own creative goals. This ease-of-use demystifies the often complex world of orchestration, making it less intimidating, especially for beginners. Rather than overwhelming readers with dense theory, Johnston offers a guide that encourages creativity and experimentation.
To bolster learning, the book includes 42 brand-new orchestration examples. These examples align with each recipe and act as real-world applications for scoring. Composers can use them as inspiration or templates to better understand how musical elements convey mood and action. Through this, Johnston promotes not just knowledge acquisition but also hands-on skill development.
Immersive Learning Through Thematic Contexts
Volume 2’s strong cinematic emphasis adds exceptional value. Writing music for visual media requires careful emotional nuance, and this book directly addresses that challenge. Each orchestration recipe is tied to a specific mood or storyline, helping composers write music that resonates emotionally and narratively.
Examples of the scenarios include:
Epic Battle Scene – Methods to build dramatic intensity and scale.
Romantic Interlude – Techniques for using harmonies and textures to convey tenderness.
Mysterious Encounter – Orchestration tips for crafting eerie or suspenseful moments.
These use cases make the lessons directly applicable to film, game, or stage music, bridging theory with real-world composition needs.
Advancing Aural Skills with Audio-Only Challenges
A standout addition in this volume is its spoiler-free, audio-only section. This feature invites users to listen and transcribe before viewing the scores, offering an ear-training component often missing from written orchestration guides. It helps composers rely on auditory perception rather than visual cues, enhancing their ability to internalize orchestration techniques naturally.
Key Advantages:
Develops Listening Precision: Strengthens the ear’s ability to decode orchestration without score analysis.
Builds Confidence: Encourages trial-and-error practice, improving musical intuition.
Fosters Creative Independence: Pushes users to rely on their own judgment and musical understanding.
Affordable Pricing for Broad Reach
The pricing model of Orchestration Recipes Volume 2 makes it an attractive option. Initially priced at $30 until August 1st, its regular price of $49.99 is still a compelling value for a resource of this depth. The introductory rate is especially beneficial for students and hobbyists, providing professional-level education at a more accessible cost.
Pricing Summary:
| Feature | Introductory Price | Standard Price |
|---|---|---|
| Volume 2 | $30 (until Aug 1) | $49.99 |
| Volume 1 | (Similar deal) | $49.99 |
This strategic pricing allows emerging composers to invest in their craft without significant financial strain.
Praise and Influence in the Music Community
The musical community has embraced Orchestration Recipes Volume 2 with enthusiasm. Its mix of conceptual clarity and practical application resonates with a wide range of musicians.
Welcoming All Experience Levels:
Emerging Composers: The simplified format and scenario-based recipes make orchestration approachable and exciting.
Veteran Composers: Even experienced musicians can benefit from the inventive techniques and fresh perspectives offered throughout the book.
Johnston’s continued dedication to advancing orchestration education results in a tool that expands creative horizons and supports modern composers in mastering emotionally driven orchestral writing.
Final Thoughts
To sum up, Orchestration Recipes Volume 2 by Philip Johnston is a remarkable resource that reimagines how orchestration can be taught and practiced. Its blend of innovative structure, practical examples, and learning-by-ear features make it a standout tool for anyone pursuing orchestration mastery. Whether you're just stepping into the world of orchestral music or seeking to elevate your current skills, this book offers clear, actionable guidance.
Through this engaging and skillfully designed guide, composers are empowered to explore, create, and grow within a cinematic framework that reflects today’s evolving music landscape. This volume is a must-have for anyone serious about building their orchestration toolkit.
