instrumentation
/ˌɪnstrəmenˈteɪʃn/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌɪnstrəmenˈteɪʃn/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌin(t)-strə-mən-ˈtā-shən -ˌmen-/ (ame, mw)
instrumentation — noun
1. the decisions about which musical instruments will play the different parts of a
the decisions about which musical instruments will play the different parts of a piece of music, or the way those parts are written for a particular group of instruments
Binta admired the clever instrumentation of the string quartet, where the cello carried the melody.
instrumentation of + [musical piece or ensemble]
The composer's unusual instrumentation called for two harps and a glass harmonica.
unusual / rich / original + instrumentation
Students in the music theory class analysed the instrumentation of Stravinsky's ballet score.
The band's folk-rock sound relies on acoustic instrumentation with fiddle, banjo, and mandolin.
Before the recording session, Viktor revised the instrumentation to add a trumpet solo in the bridge.
- orchestration
more specific — refers only to writing for a full orchestra, not smaller ensembles
- scoring
broader — can mean writing music for film or specific instruments; less precise than instrumentation
- arrangement
wider in scope — includes changes to harmony, rhythm, and structure, not just instrument choice
用法筆記
Often used when describing the distinctive instrumental choices of a composer or musical genre. Contrasts with 'orchestration', which is the narrower skill of writing for a symphony orchestra.
常見錯誤
2. the system of devices used to measure, control, and operate a machine, vehicle,
the system of devices used to measure, control, and operate a machine, vehicle, or industrial process, or the act of fitting such devices
The cockpit instrumentation in a modern airliner includes digital displays for speed, altitude, and fuel levels.
cockpit / flight / aircraft + instrumentation
Samir checked the laboratory instrumentation before starting the chemical reaction experiment.
laboratory / scientific / medical + instrumentation
The factory upgraded its instrumentation to monitor temperature and pressure across every production line.
Precision instrumentation is essential for the safe operation of nuclear power plants.
Ana's team designed the instrumentation for a deep-sea rover that can withstand extreme pressure.
- equipment
broader — includes non-measuring tools; less precise than instrumentation
- apparatus
slightly more formal; can refer to the whole setup rather than the measurement aspect
- control system
narrower — focuses on the control function, not measurement alone
用法筆記
Common in engineering, aviation, medicine, and industrial contexts. Typically specifies the domain (e.g., 'aircraft instrumentation', 'laboratory instrumentation'). Takes a singular verb despite referring to a collection of devices.