Scoring the Score

"Drawing on historical and commercial contexts as well as technological and creative processes, Scoring the Score is a pioneering tome and veritable guide to modern film scoring. A comprehensive reference for both scholar and practitioner, grounded by extensive research, interviews with leading practitioners, and a close consideration of industrial practices, this book explores the myriad interactions that transpire between composer, orchestrator, copyist, and music editor. Sapiro delivers a robust and cogent account of the collaborative art of film orchestration."

—Ronald Sadoff, New York University, USA

"The role of the orchestrator in the film industry has long been shrouded in mystery, lacking rigorous scholarly attention. But in this engaging book, Ian Sapiro examines the porous boundaries between transcription, arrangement, and orchestration to reveal the vital role the orchestrator plays. Numerous first-hand accounts shine light on a little-understood profession, providing great insight into the film-scoring process."

—Miguel Mera, City University London, UK

"Meticulously researched and expertly written, Scoring the Score fills an often overlooked gap in film music studies, providing a thorough exploration of the purpose and significance the craft of orchestration has in the film industry. Charting the changes the profession has undergone since the classical era to meet the demands of contemporary scoring practices informed by music technology, Sapiro’s book offers much-needed insight into the responsibilities of the job, the working practices, and the often hidden or unacknowledged contributions orchestrators make to the film industry."

—Danijela Kulezic-Wilson, University College Cork, Ireland