Were great composers(Bach, Mozart, Beethoven) able to play different type of ins!
Question: How were they able to compose music played by so many different types of instruments? Can they actually play all of the instruments in an orchestra? (violin,viola,cello,etc)
Or
They know how each instrument sounds and compose the song by theory? if you get what i mean...
Answers: How were they able to compose music played by so many different types of instruments? Can they actually play all of the instruments in an orchestra? (violin,viola,cello,etc)
Or
They know how each instrument sounds and compose the song by theory? if you get what i mean...
Yes it is basically your second answer...today's composers often play less instruments and write music for larger orchestras than the composers of the baroque and classical, periods. They do this through the study of orchestration - as you said they learn the ranges, transpositions, general capabilities, and extended techniques of ALL instruments. As someone else said, they do often consult other musicians for guidance (often specific musicians that will be playing their piece...sometimes some players can play with a greater range and virtuosity than others). Some composers also take a few music ed. classes (like ones for people that want to teach elementary/high school music) where they can learn how to play the basics on many different instruments. Composers also know about some basic technical elements of many instruments (breathing techniques, bowing, etc)
They did play other instruments but not all of them. I would go with your second guess.
most were able to play at least piano and violin. some flute and assorted others. it's not hard to transcribe music for different instruments. back then, everyone had some sort of musical experience.
No, they did not need to be able to play all the instruments. But Bach and Mozart could play violin and viola as well as keyboards.
Usually if a composer was writing a concerto they would consult closely with an expert in that instrument to make sure that it was playable.
Most composers develop a feel for what each instrument is capable of without having to play the instrument.