Arranging and Orchestration Concepts !! 107Many sampled and analog percussion sounds are included in both
software and hardware drum samplers; general MIDI patches with per-
cussion are included with most synthesizers. Percussion is an integral part
of drum programming and therefore simultaneously program percussion
with the traditional drums.
Percussion plays a significant role in both the feel and the sonority of
commercial arrangements. Percussion is an inherent member of the
rhythm section. The parts should be scrutinized to make certain that they
fit into the overall rhythmic puzzle. A part that is not quantized properly
or that is out of character with the rest of the rhythmic groove will impair
the feel.
Piano
The sound of the piano emanates when the player’s hands depress the
keys, which in turn triggers wooden hammers that strike the strings. Full-
size pianos have 88 keys. The Bo ̈sendorfer piano (made in Austria] has 92
keys. The lowest note is F0. A number of pianos, including synthesized or
sampled pianos, have fewer than 88 keys.
The piano is used as a solo instrument, as an accompanying instru-
ment, to provide ‘‘tonal colors’’ such as playing in unison or in octaves
with other instruments, or sparsely to highlight selected parts of the
orchestration. It is the most versatile instrument.
Most pianists specialize in a style, such as classical, jazz, country, pop,
rock, rhythm and blues, and so on. In all forms of music, the most impor-
tant element of a performer’s playing is being faithful to the style of a
genre. For example, most rhythm-and-blues players are rooted in gospel
music and have performed in churches; therefore, they have a traditional
background and feel for rhythm and blues, which emanated from gospel
music. Most country music performers were raised in the southern United
States, where country music is the most popular music; the music is a part
of their culture. The same concept applies to the traditions of jazz and
other musical genres. The most accomplished musicians, in all musical
styles, have an inherent affinity for the music they perform.
Range:The range of the piano is from A (8vb), written one octave
below the bass clef, to C (15ma), written above the treble clef (see example
6-8).
Celesta (Celeste)
The celesta has a small keyboard with soft hammers that hit metal bars,
creating a bell-like sound. The sound is pretty and soothing. The instru-
ment is most effective when used to create ‘‘colors’’ and should not be
overused. Melodic celesta passages, in combination with other instru-