instrumentation
[in-struh-men-tey-shuh n]
- the arranging of music for instruments, especially for an orchestra.
- the list of instruments for which a composition is scored.
- the use of, or work done by, instruments.
- instrumental agency; instrumentality.
- the science of developing, manufacturing, and utilizing instruments, especially those used in science and industry.
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Origin of instrumentation
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for instrumentation
Contemporary Examples
But each time, we change the instrumentation very drastically.
The band sounds more mature, like a fuzzier T. Rex, and the instrumentation here is awe-inspiring.
Historical Examples
"Just your instrumentation," he explained to the appalled red-headed man.
The Pirates of ErsatzMurray Leinster
The instrumentation is brilliant and the climax overwhelming.
Contemporary American ComposersRupert Hughes
It is not pianistic in instrumentation, and will appeal to violinists.
Contemporary American ComposersRupert Hughes
The instrumentation is ill-balanced, ineffective, thin and noisy.
Wagner as I Knew HimFerdinand Christian Wilhelm Praeger
This is true regarding the personality of every voice and instrumentation recorded.
instrumentation
- the instruments specified in a musical score or arrangement
- the arrangement of a piece of music for an orchestra; orchestration
- the study of the characteristics of musical instruments
- the use of instruments or tools
- means; agency
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for instrumentation
n.
"composition and arrangement of music for instruments," 1845, from French instrumentation, from instrument (see instrument + -ation).
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper