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Glite Dictionary
to instrumentate

to instrumentate

9.9
To write parts for different instruments in a piece of music
  • verb
  • /ˌɪnstrəˈmɛnˌteɪt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : instrumentar
  • The composer was asked to instrumentate the opera for a chamber ensemble.

Examples

  • She skillfully instrumentated the piece to highlight the woodwind section.

  • The composer instrumentated the piece for strings and woodwinds.

  • It can be challenging to instrumentate music originally written only for piano.

  • She will instrumentate the new symphony next month.

  • The composer was asked to instrumentate the film's score for a large orchestra.

  • She plans to instrumentate her latest song for a jazz band during the summer.

  • After receiving feedback, he decided to instrumentate the arrangement for strings and brass.

Synonyms

to arrange
vsto instrumentate
26 4.6

To change a song or other work so it can be performed in a new way

is limited to making versions for played parts rather than general adaptation
to orchestrate
vsto instrumentate
  • Specialized
4 6.8

To arrange music for an orchestra to play

is more general covering composing for played parts not only large ensembles
to instrument
vsto instrumentate
  • Specialized
7.9

To write music so different instruments can play together

has identical meaning but uses a less common verb form
to instrumentalize
vsto instrumentate
  • Specialized
8.1

Make a song play without singing

focuses on composing for played parts rather than removing vocals

How Orchestrated

to orchestrate
  • Specialized
4 6.8
to instrumentate
  • Specialized
9.9
to arrange
26 4.6
to adapt
178 3.2

Surface Forms

instrumentate infinitive
instrumentated past
instrumentated past participle
instrumentating present participle
instrumentates third person singular

Morphology

instrumentate = instrument (transparent) = instrument + ate

Formed directly from the noun 'instrument' with the verb-forming suffix '-ate', so the meaning 'to arrange or provide for instruments' is predictable.

Etymology

The word instrumentate starts with instrument, which means 'musical instrument' or 'tool', and ends with -ate, which means 'to make'. So to instrumentate a piece of music is to 'make' it for instruments — to arrange or write the parts so different instruments can play it.