orchestration

noun

or·​ches·​tra·​tion ˌȯr-kə-ˈstrā-shən How to pronounce orchestration (audio)
1
: the arrangement of a musical composition for performance by an orchestra
also : orchestral treatment of a musical composition
2
: harmonious organization
develop a world community through orchestration of cultural diversitiesL. K. Frank
orchestrational adjective

Examples of orchestration in a Sentence

the trade representatives are working towards an orchestration of the two countries' often competing economic interests
Recent Examples on the Web As much contrast as there is between Simon’s endearingly genuine voice and Shostakovich’s wry sarcasm, an affinity exists between their adventurous orchestration — bristling percussion, slingshot strings, vertiginous climaxes and crashes. Michael Andor Brodeur, Washington Post, 6 Mar. 2024 To a large degree, this is true even with stand-alone security information and event management (SIEM) and security orchestration, automation and response (SOAR). David Schiffer, Forbes, 12 Feb. 2024 The score was made to ravish, Zemlinsky being a master of breathtakingly lush orchestration. Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 28 Feb. 2024 The musical features orchestrations and arrangements by Diaz; music direction by Haley Bennett; scenery by Jason Ardizzone-West; costumes by Toni-Leslie James; and lighting by Scott Zielinksi. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Feb. 2024 To be able to see these and other images in person, with their majestic orchestration of light and either color or black and white, is quite the gift. Mark Holgate, Vogue, 16 Feb. 2024 But even as Levi’s orchestrations recede, an equally detail-rich music intrudes: bits of birdsong, echoing footfalls and, before long, dogs’ barks, human screams, crackling flames, whistling trains and the unmistakable sound of gunshots. Justin Chang, Los Angeles Times, 14 Dec. 2023 Later on, Grofé did two more orchestrations, in 1926 and 1942; the last one was for full symphonic forces and is the version most often heard today. Ethan Iverson, New York Times, 26 Jan. 2024 Rodríguez’s score uses mariachi-style orchestrations, classical opera and hints of Mexican folk songs for a musical reflection of Frida. Matthew J. Palm, Orlando Sentinel, 1 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'orchestration.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of orchestration was in 1849

Dictionary Entries Near orchestration

Cite this Entry

“Orchestration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/orchestration. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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