The Orchestra: a User’s Manual is a great site (though not so pretty) for all kinds of information on composing for orchestral instruments. Included on the site are:
- Instrument range and transposition charts
- Harmonic series charts
- Score layouts, seating charts
- Historical information about orchestras
- Pictures of instruments and sound files, including samples of less common instrument combinations
- My favorite part of the site is the very detailed information on all instruments including samples of sounds in different registers, articulations and their effects, videos of player tips and trips.
This project was conceived and written by Andrew Hugill in 2002-2003 during a sabbatical period from De Montfort University. It was commissioned by the Philharmonia Orchestra with funds made available by the Arts Council of England.
