Arranging Techniques for Synthesis

Rating:
Summary: A nice overview with stuff to bring you back frequently
Review: Had this book for several years and keep opening it up for the breath of intelligent simplicity that breaks me out of bad habits I might be developing. Contains excellent gems about not overwriting, about keeping clarity of line, about writing realistically. Also has a thousand handy charts and diagrams on such things as part-writing, vocal ranges, counterpoint, basic instrument techniques, basic brass voicings...
Should not be the only book you own...but might be the only one you pack on a vacation where you mean to get a little composing in.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent introduction to arranging
Review: This book is an excellent introduction to the theory and application of arranging techniques, geared to the synthesist. It contains chapters on melody, percussion, harmony, strings, and vocals. It comes with a CD that plays the examples in the book - really helpful, IMHO.