What is an arrangement of a musical composition?
Q: What is an arrangement of a musical composition?
A: An arrangement of a musical composition is a reworking of a piece of music so that it can be played by a different instrument or combination of instruments from the original.
Q: Who typically makes arrangements?
A: The person who does the arrangement may be the composer themself, or it may be someone else.
Q: What did composers in music history often do with their compositions?
A: In music history, composers often published their compositions, saying that the music could be played or sung by various instruments.
Q: How did this help to sell more copies?
A: This helped to sell more copies because violinists, flautists and recorder players might all want to buy the music.
Q: Are there any changes made when arranging for different instruments?
A: When violin or cello music is arranged so that it can be played on a viola, some changes may be necessary as the viola may be playing in a different key, or some chords may be more awkward the way they were originally written.
Q: Why have many composers made arrangements of other people's compositions?
A: Many composers have made arrangements of other people's compositions in order to learn about musical composition and also so they can play it on another instrument.
Q: Are there any other reasons why arrangements are sometimes made?
A: Arrangements are sometimes made by people who play instruments that have not had much music written for them and also because musicians think they can improve works composed by others. Additionally, arrangements are sometimes made due to disabilities and also so well-known classical pieces sound more popular for movie or theatre performances.
