orchestration

American  

[awr-kuh-strey-shuhn] / ˌɔr kəˈstreɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the composition or arrangement of music for performance by a band or orchestra, or the music so composed or arranged.

   Holst's iconic musical portrayal of the planets and their astrological significance delights audiences with its rich orchestration and memorable melodies.

2. the instruments used in such a composition or arrangement; instrumentation.

   Handel's original orchestration was for strings and continuo with occasional trumpets and drums.

3. the plans or planning necessary to arrange something or cause something to happen.

   The book chronicles the Empress Dowager’s selection as a concubine and her orchestration of the coup that made her the de facto ruler of China.

4. Computers.  an automated series of processes to configure, coordinate, or manage computer systems, data, or software.

   A successful cloud strategy requires orchestration of on-demand provisioning processes and coordination of cloud resources.

---

Other Word Forms

• reorchestration noun

Etymology

Origin of orchestration

First recorded in 1830–40; orchestrat(e) ( def. ) + -ion ( def. )

Example Sentences

Martin invested himself and his time wholly in the endeavor from the jump, including collaborating on the orchestrations.

From Los Angeles Times

“Phantom Island” is a really distinct record in your catalog for using so much orchestration.

From Los Angeles Times

He tended to leave orchestration to others, more concerned with highlighting the fabulous improvising soloists in his band.

From Los Angeles Times

Paltrow keeps a straight face while gently steering the narrative back to Astronomer’s actual product: data pipeline orchestration.

From Salon

Once that mystery is solved, the ghost is free to leave the house with a soar of dramatic orchestration.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• composition