Peculiarities of the Russian Orchestral Style: Orchestration - Pre-recorded Lectures

Pre-Recorded Lectures – “Peculiarities of the Russian Orchestral Style”

Explore the Unique Orchestral Techniques of Rimsky-Korsakov, Tchaikovsky, and Shostakovich
Led by Prof. Mikhail Bogdanov, Tchaikovsky Conservatory

Overview

This comprehensive lecture series dives deep into the orchestral techniques and principles of three of the most prominent Russian composers—Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, and Dmitri Shostakovich. These composers shaped the Russian orchestral tradition, and their groundbreaking contributions remain a cornerstone of music culture worldwide.

Each lecture addresses essential questions about orchestration techniques and explores how these masters achieved their signature sounds. You will gain a profound understanding of the Russian orchestral style by analyzing melodies, harmonies, orchestral textures, and unique effects. Whether you are a composer, orchestrator, or classical music enthusiast, this series will deepen your appreciation for and mastery of orchestral writing.

Course Structure

• Format: 8 Pre-Recorded Lectures
• Price: €226 + VAT €120 + VAT (total: €142.80)

What You Will Learn

• Orchestration Fundamentals:
  Understand the principles of combining instruments within individual groups and the entire orchestra, balancing texture, and achieving sonority.

• Russian Orchestral Style:
  Analyze the distinct orchestral characteristics of Rimsky-Korsakov, Tchaikovsky, and Shostakovich, and learn how their stylistic principles reflect their unique creative methods and aesthetics.

• Melody and Harmony Techniques:
  Examine how these composers approached melody and harmony across strings, woodwinds, and brass, while mastering orchestral effects and techniques for expressive diversity.

• Practical Problem-Solving in Orchestration:
  Solve orchestral challenges using methods inspired by the masters, reconstructing and understanding their creative solutions.

Lecture Topics

Rimsky-Korsakov’s Orchestration Principles (3 Lectures)

• Lecture 1: Fundamental principles and basic rules of Rimsky-Korsakov’s orchestration, orchestral functions, and melodic development in the string section.
• Lecture 2: Melody in the woodwinds and brass, and techniques for integrating strings, woodwinds, and brass sections.
• Lecture 3: Harmony and orchestral effects across strings, woodwinds, and brass, focusing on Rimsky-Korsakov’s unique approach.

Tchaikovsky’s Orchestration Principles (3 Lectures)

• Lecture 4: Core orchestration techniques, melodic development, and blending timbres in Tchaikovsky’s works.
• Lecture 5: Tchaikovsky’s harmonic thinking, textural innovations, and orchestral techniques.
• Lecture 6: Orchestral pedaling techniques and signature orchestral effects distinctive to Tchaikovsky.

Shostakovich’s Orchestration Principles (2 Lectures)

• Lecture 7: Exploration of pure timbres and melodic development across strings, woodwinds, and brass sections.
• Lecture 8: Harmony in Shostakovich’s scores, symphonic culminations, preferred orchestra structures, and the use of the piano as an orchestral instrument.

Who Should Take This Course?

This series is perfect for composers, orchestrators, and conductors seeking to refine their understanding of orchestration through the lens of the Russian orchestral tradition. Whether you are an experienced musician or a music student, these lectures will enrich your skill set and inspire your creative process.

Why Choose This Course?

With these pre-recorded lectures, you can learn at your own pace, revisit key concepts, and gain unique insights from one of the world’s leading orchestration experts, Prof. Mikhail Bogdanov.

Payment Options

• Price: €226 + VAT €120 + VAT (€142.80 total) – Limited-Time Offer
• Payments are due in full at the time of purchase.

Enroll Now!

Gain exclusive access to this deep dive into the orchestral styles of Rimsky-Korsakov, Tchaikovsky, and Shostakovich. Whether for academic study, professional development, or personal enrichment, this course will expand your understanding of the art of orchestration.