Classical Music Arrangements have played a significant role throughout their history, giving musicians a breath of new life into old works and making them accessible to a wider audience. From early transcriptions to modern arrangements, classical music has been adapted for different instruments and settings to showcase the music in a new light. While some may criticise arrangements as altering the original intent of the composer, it is undeniable that they have helped to keep classical music relevant and accessible to generations of listeners. As music arrangements are a big part of our daily interaction with music, let us explore here the role of arrangements in classical music, and their benefits to both performers and audiences.
"A transcription is essentially the adaptation of a composition for an instrument or instruments other than those for which it was originally written. An arrangement is a similar procedure, although the arranger often feels free to take musical liberties with elements of the original score. This is especially true of arrangements for jazz or rock groups and arrangements of popular compositions or songs from musical comedies." Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia. "arrangement." Encyclopedia Britannica, July 20, 1998. https://www.britannica.com/art/arrangement.
Historical Context
Dating back to the Baroque era, vocal music was often transcribed for instruments such as the keyboard, lute, and guitar. Composers like Johann Sebastian Bach and George Frideric Handel were known for arranging their own music for different instruments. Other composers like Antonio Vivaldi and Arcangelo Corelli had their music transcribed for other instruments during their lifetimes.
Later on, during the Romantic era, arrangements became more common as musicians sought to tailor the music of their favourite composers to their own instruments and preferences. Famous virtuoso pianists, Franz Liszt and Sigismond Thalberg, were known for their arranged works for solo piano. And as symphonic concerts gained popularity, chamber music was often arranged for larger ensembles.
"Good composers borrow, great composers steal." - Igor Stravinsky (often paraphrased as "Good composers borrow, great composers steal, but only the best composers arrange.")
Throughout the 20th century, arranging classical music repertoire continued to be an integral part with composers such as Igor Stravinsky and Arnold Schoenberg creating arrangements of their own works and other composers' works. Today, classical music is frequently adapted into a variety of platforms, including film scores, Broadway musicals, and video games, packaging it in more accessible formats for people of all ages.
"When I sit down to compose, I do not write for the organ or the orchestra or the piano. I compose for the ear which demands some intelligible organisation of sound." - Camille Saint-Saëns
In the 21st century, classical music arrangements have expanded beyond blending classical and popular styles. They have assisted musicians of different genres to connect with diverse audiences through popular digital platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Take Lizzo, for instance, whose unique flute playing and performing style has led to her incredible popularity across social media platforms. Her ability to combine classical music with contemporary elements creates an engaging and captivating musical experience for audiences. Similarly, renowned musicians like Nigel Kennedy, Vanessa Mae, and 2Cellos have mesmerised millions of viewers on YouTube, captivating hearts and minds with their virtuosic performances. These outstanding artists have achieved widespread popularity by effectively bridging the gap between musical genres. Increasingly, digital platforms are making classical music more accessible to a diverse audience, which has sparked a newfound interest in this genre.
Benefits of arranging music
Arranging classical music offers numerous advantages for both performers and the audience. As we have already discussed in this article, arrangements are opportunities for performers to show off their skills and creativity. Additionally, it allows them to broaden their repertoire by playing beloved melodies that the audience already knows and loves. And what about the audience? They can enjoy fresh and distinctive ways of experiencing familiar music. Moreover, arrangements are remarkable for introducing new audiences to classical music by bridging the gap between different music genres. They also enable musicians to experiment with diverse composing styles and playing techniques, adding even more richness to their artistry.
Arranging classical music can make this beautiful art form more accessible and enjoyable, especially for those who may be new to it. These arrangements shed light on different aspects of a musical piece, drawing attention to intricate details that might have been missed in the original composition. Moreover, they offer a fresh perspective on familiar works, allowing listeners to experience them in a new and thrilling way. Furthermore, arranging music serves as a valuable tool in music education. It helps introduce young people to classical music, igniting their curiosity and inspiring further exploration of the genre. Through tailored arrangements designed for younger musicians, composers and educators create an approachable and captivating gateway to classical music. This nurtures a new generation of classical music enthusiasts.
It is true that some might frown upon the idea of cross-genre arrangements of classical music, but even its strongest critics would not deny the role classical music arrangements play in keeping classical music alive and relevant.
Criticisms of Arrangements
Arranging music, while offering numerous benefits, has not been immune to criticism from those who argue that it alters the original intention of the composer. Some critics assert that arrangements can modify the meaning or emotional impact of a piece, potentially detracting from the composer's artistic vision.
There are concerns about arrangements being perceived as a form of plagiarism or appropriation, where credit may be taken away from the original composer, thereby diminishing the value of their work. Musicians and scholars who hold this viewpoint emphasise the significance of preserving compositions in their authentic forms, rather than adapting them to different instruments or settings.
Critics also highlight the potential for arrangements to simplify complex music, leading to accusations of "dumbing down" the original composition. This issue becomes particularly problematic when arrangements are created primarily for commercial purposes, such as boosting album sales or ticket revenue, rather than driven by genuine artistic intent.
Nevertheless, it is crucial to emphasise that arrangements have been a fundamental cornerstone of classical music for centuries, captivating and enticing fresh audiences to embrace the genre. When approached thoughtfully and with deep respect for the original composition, an arrangement has the power to breathe fresh life into a piece and provide a novel perspective on the work.
Successful Arrangements
There exist numerous examples of successful arrangements in classical music, where musicians have taken a composition and skilfully adapted it for a different instrument or setting. One such instance is Liszt's piano transcription of Schubert's famous art song "Erlkönig". Liszt's virtuosic adaptation captures the intensity and drama of the original vocal work and has become a favourite of the audience.
Another notable illustration lies within Johann Sebastian Bach's Goldberg Variations.
Originally intended for the enchanting sounds of the harpsichord, this extraordinary composition has transcended boundaries through ingenious arrangements for a multitude of instruments, including the guitar, string trio, and even the accordion.
We can also appreciate the success of "Carmen Fantasy" by Georges Bizet, originally written for the orchestra but later arranged and brought to fame by the legendary violinist Jascha Heifetz in his version for violin and piano of Franz Waxman's arrangement for the 1946 movie Humoresque. This arrangement has become a cherished staple in the violin repertoire, delighting audiences worldwide with its captivating performance by many accomplished violinists even to this day.
Arrangements for the flute
Many noteworthy examples can be found within the realm of flute music where arrangements have succeeded in infusing the flute repertoire with new perspectives and captivating nuances. One shining example is the beloved "Carnival of Venice," a popular Italian folk tune that has been skilfully arranged for flute and piano by the renowned composer Giulio Briccialdi. As a testament to the flute's exceptional technical ability, this arrangement has gained immense popularity as a captivating performance piece for flutists worldwide. The flute's nimble agility and expressive capabilities shine through, allowing musicians to dazzle audiences with their technical abilities and interpretive finesse. Similarly, other pieces such as Sergei Rachmaninoff's evocative "Vocalise", Fantasia on 'Greensleeves', Fantaisie Brillante on Themes from Bizet's 'Carmen, and "The Flight of the Bumblebee" from Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov's opera "The Tale of Tsar Saltan", are just a few of the adaptations for the flute that have caught the audience's hearts.
It is also important to emphasise the role that prominent flute players have played in the promotion of these arrangements. Galway's performances have greatly enriched and enhanced the flute's repertoire, both original and arranged. He and other prominent flute players such as Jean-Piere Rampal, Emmanuel Pahud, Emily Beynon, Timothy Hutchins, Marina Piccinini and more, have helped in bringing these pieces to the forefront and in creating a larger appreciation for the flute repertoire. By performing and recording these arrangements, they have inspired a new generation of flute players to explore the instrument's potential and contributed immensely to the flute's growing popularity. It is through such innovative arrangements that the flute repertoire continues to evolve, captivating hearts and minds with its expressive beauty and enchanting performances.
In Conclusion
Arrangements have held a significant place within the realm of classical music for countless centuries, enabling musicians to skilfully adapt and re-envision compositions for alternative instruments and settings. While criticisms of arranged music surrounding authenticity and the potential divergence from the original intent exist, its benefits are plentiful. By approaching adaptations with meticulous regard for the original work and a thoughtful mindset, arrangements have the potential to manifest a novel, distinctive musical experience that cherishes the essence of the original while simultaneously expanding the boundaries of classical music.
Furthermore, it is important to recognise that arrangement extends its influence beyond the classical music world, and finds expression in diverse genres such as jazz, pop, and rock. The underlying principles of arranging music remain consistent, regardless of genre, and the ability to adapt and reinterpret existing works is a treasured skill for musicians across the board. With advancements in technology and the ever-evolving landscape of musical tastes, arrangements will continue to play an indispensable role in introducing classical music to novel audiences and unveiling innovative reinterpretations of established compositions.