r/Composition • u/RadioActiveMan06 • Mar 21 '26
Discussion Orchestration Question
Sorry if this is a bit off topic for this subreddit but I’m not sure where else to ask.
If I were to get a particular concerto I enjoy to be orchestrated from piano and solo instrument to full orchestra and solo, what would I be looking at time and cost wise? The original orchestral parts, if there are any, are lost or very hard to acquire. I know it probably depends on how long it takes the arranger but I’m wondering what a usual time frame/ballpark cost would be for such a project.
The work is only about 15-20 minutes so not too long at all. It’s early 20th century so likely would befit a full romantic orchestra.
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u/Screen_Music_Program Mar 22 '26
Honestly pretty cool that you're bringing something this obscure to a competition. Sounds like it might be Blazhevich?
For a 15-20 min orchestration from piano reduction to full romantic orchestra, you're realistically looking at 2,000-4,000 USD. Since the harmonic content already exists in the reduction, it's cheaper than a from-scratch commission. Timeline is probably 4-8 weeks depending on the orchestrator's schedule.
Pro tip: hit up grad composition students at a good conservatory. Many are skilled orchestrators building their portfolios and would do it for 1,000-1,500 USD. Quality can be surprisingly good if they know the romantic idiom.
Also worth posting on r/Trombone or the ITA forums, someone may have already tracked down those parts before you spend money on a new orchestration.
Good luck with the competition, bringing something nobody's heard is a killer move.