What is orchestral literature?

Question

I have to do a report of classical music but i really want to know what orchestral literature is? thanks to anyone who can help!

Answer 1

Orchestral literature refers to music written specifically to be performed by orchestras.  Examples are Beethoven's symphonies, Ravel's "Bolero", Resphigi's "The Pines of Rome" and "The Fountains of Rome", etc.  One might also consider the term to include works not originally written for orchestra but later arranged for orchestral performance, such as Moussorgski's "Pictures at an Exhibition", originally written for piano but later arranged by Ravel and at least one other musician.  (So many people know only the Ravel arrangement for orchestra that they are stunned or simply unbelieving that it was originally for piano.)