Composers and Orchestration

[Rosalba]

Is it possible to compare a violin sonata with a symphony by Mahler that requires a factory-load of musicians to play it? Does somebody get brownie points if they are able to write parts for lots of other instruments - but their work is just a bit plonking in the tune department?

I know 'it all depends' and that in any case one shouldn't rank composers, as opinion is subjective.

Nevertheless, I'd be interested in hearing people's ruminations - as a personal response or because they know a bit about composing or orchestras - as to how important the arrangement of a piece for orchestra is for a composer's reputation or effectiveness.

[relm1]

I frankly don't think it matters.  A big part of my profession is orchestration so I hear through the instrumentation.  For example, I can hear Rachmaninoff's piano preludes are orchestral works written for the piano.  So when I hear a symphonic work that was composed for piano I understand an intention or subtext in the music.  Another example, Shostakovich's Suite for Two Pianos (op. 6) is a very symphonic work.  I can even hear the percussion.  In contrast, Mozart's Piano Sonata No 11 is very much a piano work.

[pjme]

This is still (fun) & interesting after  ca; 50 years...

https://bernstein.classical.org/features/ypc3-what-is-orchestration-video/

P.