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How Do I Choose the Best Orchestra Songs?

D. Grey
D. Grey

Choosing the best orchestra songs depends on your personal taste and what you plan to use the music for, whether simply the enjoyment of listening to the songs or for another purpose, such as learning how to play an instrumental piece or in order to learn about the works of historical composers. You may also wish to use orchestral music in an artistic project, like a video montage or to use samples in your own music, in which case you would need to select songs that you can legally use, many of which are in the public domain. There are many orchestral songs, both old and contemporary, and it is up to the listener to determine what he or she prefers. Ultimately, choosing the best orchestra songs will be determined by what you like and how you plan to use the music.

If you are planning on learning an instrumental piece for an orchestra song and don't know where to begin, often the best course of action is to simply start listening to all kinds of instrumental ensemble music. Research popular compositions that include your instrument of choice, whether it is a woodwind, string, or percussion instrument. Music of any kind is highly subjective, and many musicians may find the task of learning a song easier and more enjoyable if they enjoy the piece in question. Choosing the best orchestra songs to learn or listen to only requires the time necessary to explore this vast musical genre.

Choosing the best orchestra songs may be based on personal taste or appropriateness for a particular occasion.
Choosing the best orchestra songs may be based on personal taste or appropriateness for a particular occasion.

Many orchestral music listeners may find that their appreciation of the music is deepened by having a knowledge of the composer, especially in the case of historical works. For example, you may find the music of a favorite composer, such as Beethoven or Mozart, more enjoyable to listen to after learning about their lives and influence on music history. The best orchestra songs for you may be determined by a connection that you feel with the artist.

Knowledge of a great composer, such as Beethoven, might increase the enjoyment of his work.
Knowledge of a great composer, such as Beethoven, might increase the enjoyment of his work.

You may also wish to learn about the different kinds and formations of orchestras in order to determine what you think are the best orchestra songs. For example, a chamber orchestra usually contains far fewer musicians than a symphony orchestra. The music played by a 50 person chamber orchestra can be very different than the performance of a 100 person symphony orchestra. By listening to many different songs, played by a variety of instrumental configurations, you will be able to decide which are your favorites. Orchestral music has a long history and a large contemporary presence, as well, so finding the best orchestra songs, can be an enjoyable and ongoing experience.

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    • Choosing the best orchestra songs may be based on personal taste or appropriateness for a particular occasion.
      By: kirvinic
      Choosing the best orchestra songs may be based on personal taste or appropriateness for a particular occasion.
    • Knowledge of a great composer, such as Beethoven, might increase the enjoyment of his work.
      By: Georgios Kollidas
      Knowledge of a great composer, such as Beethoven, might increase the enjoyment of his work.