Hello,
I've created an A3 sized wall reference chart for the common instruments of the orchestra.
It includes written and sounding ranges; dynamic ranges; timbral characteristics; additional comments outlining the strengths and weaknesses of each group.
[url=https://www.dropbox.com/s/wqepbz9jx8555ap/InstrumentReferenceChartv6.1.zip?dl=0]Instrument Reference Chart v6.1 (zipped file via Dropbox)[/url]
Both PDF and Sibelius formats are included. The included font is not required, but the chart will not look as intended without it. Of course, you are free to change anything to suit your own needs.
I would recommend that you get it laminated for longevity. Use good quality paper, possibly glossy, which will aid clarity.
The exact ranges of the instruments are always a bone of contention, as no 2 books agree completely. But all the ranges I have settled on represent the extremes of each instrument, which are obtainable with professional players. In some cases, the ranges can be extended beyond that shown, with a good player.
Most, if not all, instrumentation books always list the written ranges first. I have listed the sounding ranges (other than the octave transposing instruments) first, because I always write my scores at concert pitch. Therefore, I find it much easier to look down the list and see the actual sounding range whenever I'm writing a part. I'm sorry if this bothers you, but that's my preference.
Finally, not everyone may agree with all the remarks made in the 'Additional Comments' column. These comments have been collated from the bibliography cited on page 2, and they are the views of the respective authors. I have printed them here as a guide only; if you have a good reason to disregard these comments then by all means do so.
All the best,
Darren
[I could not edit my original thread from 2005 so created a new one. Original thread here: https://www.vsl.co.at/community/posts/t7714-Orchestral-Instrument-Reference-Chart-version-4 ]
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