Are there any examples of music where each note in the piece is played by a different instrument?
I am interested in information pertaining the following questions:
To what extent do you have to use a consistent set of instruments when composing? Can one make music where each note in the piece is played by a different instrument?
It can be toneless or tonal, doesn't matter. Any instrument will do and, in fact, you would probably need a lot of different sounds to accomplish this.
My Question
Are there any examples of music where each note in the piece is played by a different instrument?
(4)4 Comments
Sorted by latest first Latest Oldest Best
Not exactly "notes", but some percussionists develop entire pieces based solely on percussion instruments (e.g. orchestral percussion sets, or drum kits complemented with additional instruments or implements).
An example is Glenn Kotche (of Wilco fame) who has a number of pieces for percussion only, either solo or for ensembles, like this one.
This example isn't quite as strict as you're thinking, but check out Webern's arrangement of a Bach ricercare. This particular video clearly shows how often Webern switches between instruments.
This is a famous example of what Arnold Schoenberg called Klangfarbenmelodie (often translated as "tone-color melody"). The idea is that the different timbres (i.e., tone "colors") added a new layer to the melody.
It seems to me what you are asking about is best exemplified by Klangfarbenmelodie. A striking example would be Frank Zappa's Amnerika on Civilization phaze III.
Hocket, where a melodic line is split between two voices, can be seen as a precursor.
Conceivably there could be a conceptual piece that does just what you describe. The idea of displaying a catalog of object appears to have appealed to some conceptual artists, for instance there is a catalog piece containing all possible chords by Tom Johnson ("The Chord Catalog").
Handbells
Also, depending on the precise definitions, marimba and xylophone might qualify.
Terms of Use Privacy policy Contact About Cancellation policy © freshhoot.com2026 All Rights reserved.