Composition vs. Arrangement: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 12, 2023
Composition is the process of creating original music, while Arrangement involves reconfiguring or adapting existing music for specific instruments or voices.
Key Differences
Composition refers to the act of creating something new, especially in the context of music. It's the process by which melodies, harmonies, rhythms, and lyrics are combined to produce an original piece of music. Think of it as the birth of a song or musical work, where every element is crafted from scratch based on the composer's imagination, experience, and influences. Arrangement, on the other hand, steps in after a piece has already been composed.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Arrangement deals with taking an existing piece of music and altering it for a specific purpose. This could mean changing it to fit a different set of instruments, adapting it for a different genre, or modifying its structure for a specific performance. While Composition is about creating, Arrangement is about adapting. Both require a deep understanding of music, but they cater to different aspects of the musical creation process.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Composition is rooted in innovation and creativity, forging new paths and expressing personal or collective emotions and stories through music. A composer starts with a blank canvas, setting down notes, and crafting melodies and harmonies to resonate with listeners. Arrangement, conversely, starts with a pre-existing canvas and tweaks, modifies, or repaints it to fit a new frame or perspective.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
While both Composition and Arrangement are vital in the world of music, they serve different roles. The former gives birth to new musical entities, and the latter reshapes them, ensuring they fit various contexts and purposes. Both are art forms in their own right, with Composition emphasizing originality and Arrangement focusing on adaptation.
Janet White
Oct 12, 2023
Comparison Chart
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Focus
Melody, harmony, rhythm, and lyrics.
Instrumentation, structure, and genre adaptation.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Outcome
A completely new musical piece.
A reconfigured or adapted version of a piece.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 12, 2023
Composition and Arrangement Definitions
Composition
A written essay or article.
Jane's composition on climate change won her the first prize in the contest.
Janet White
Oct 12, 2023
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Arrangement
An adaptation of a musical piece.
The jazz arrangement of the classic song brought it a fresh vibe.
Sara Rehman
Oct 12, 2023
Arrangement
The process of organizing or setting in order.
The arrangement of flowers in the vase was visually stunning.
Harlon Moss
Oct 12, 2023
Arrangement
A mutual agreement or understanding.
They had an arrangement to meet every Friday evening.
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Oct 12, 2023
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Arrangement
The spatial distribution of items or objects.
The arrangement of furniture in the room maximized the space.
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Arrangement
A planned sequence or setup.
The arrangement of events for the wedding took months of preparation.
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Arrangement
The act or process of arranging
The arrangement of a time and place for the meeting.
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Arrangement
The condition, manner, or result of being arranged; disposal
Provided flowers and saw to their arrangement.
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Composition
A work of music, literature, or art, or its structure or organization.
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Arrangement
A collection of things that have been arranged
The circular arrangement of megaliths called Stonehenge.
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Arrangement
Often arrangements A provision or plan made in preparation for an undertaking
Made arrangements for surgery.
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Composition
(Law) A settlement whereby the creditors of a debtor about to enter bankruptcy agree, in return for some financial consideration, usually proffered immediately, to the discharge of their respective claims on receipt of payment which is in a lesser amount than that actually owed on the claim.
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Oct 12, 2022
Arrangement
An agreement or settlement; a disposition
Our dog will be looked after by arrangement with a neighbor.
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Arrangement
An adaptation of a composition for other instruments or voices or for another style of performance.
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Composition
(obsolete) An agreement or treaty used to settle differences; later especially, an agreement to stop hostilities; a truce.
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Composition
(obsolete) A payment of money in order to clear a liability or obligation; a settling or fine.
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Composition
A payment of fine in order to settle a (usually minor) criminal charge.
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Arrangement
(music) An adaptation of a piece of music for other instruments, or in another style.
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Composition
(legal) an agreement or compromise by which a creditor or group of creditors accepts partial payment from a debtor.
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Arrangement
The act of arranging or putting in an orderly condition; the state of being arranged or put in order; disposition in suitable form.
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Arrangement
The manner or result of arranging; system of parts disposed in due order; regular and systematic classification; as, arrangement of one's dress; the Linnæan arrangement of plants.
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Composition
(linguistics) The formation of compound words from separate words.
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Arrangement
Preparatory proceeding or measure; preparation; as, we have made arrangement for receiving company.
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Arrangement
Settlement; adjustment by agreement; as, the parties have made an arrangement between themselves concerning their disputes; a satisfactory arrangement.
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Arrangement
The adaptation of a composition to voices or instruments for which it was not originally written.
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Arrangement
The thing arranged or agreed to;
They made arrangements to meet in Chicago
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Composition
(physics) The compounding of two velocities or forces into a single equivalent velocity or force.
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Arrangement
An orderly grouping (of things or persons) considered as a unit; the result of arranging;
A flower arrangement
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Arrangement
An organized structure for arranging or classifying;
He changed the arrangement of the topics
The facts were familiar but it was in the organization of them that he was original
He tried to understand their system of classification
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Oct 12, 2022
Arrangement
The spatial property of the way in which something is placed;
The arrangement of the furniture
The placement of the chairs
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Arrangement
A piece of music that has been adapted for performance by a particular set of voices or instruments
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Composition
(object-oriented programming) Way to combine simple objects or data types into more complex ones.
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Composition
The act or art of composing, or forming a whole or integral, by placing together and uniting different things, parts, or ingredients.
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Composition
The state of being put together or composed; conjunction; combination; adjustment.
View them in composition with other things.
The elementary composition of bodies.
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Oct 12, 2022
Composition
A mass or body formed by combining two or more substances; as, a chemical composition.
A composition that looks . . . like marble.
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Composition
A literary, musical, or artistic production, especially one showing study and care in arrangement; - often used of an elementary essay or translation done as an educational exercise.
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Composition
Consistency; accord; congruity.
There is no composition in these newsThat gives them credit.
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Composition
Mutual agreement to terms or conditions for the settlement of a difference or controversy; also, the terms or conditions of settlement; agreement.
Thus we are agreed:I crave our composition may be written.
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Composition
The adjustment of a debt, or avoidance of an obligation, by some form of compensation agreed on between the parties; also, the sum or amount of compensation agreed upon in the adjustment.
Compositions for not taking the order of knighthood.
Cleared by composition with their creditors.
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Composition
Synthesis as opposed to analysis.
The investigation of difficult things by the method of analysis ought ever to precede the method of composition.
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Composition
The spatial property resulting from the arrangement of parts in relation to each other and to the whole;
Harmonious composition is essential in a serious work of art
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Composition
A musical work that has been created;
The composition is written in four movements
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Composition
The act of creating written works;
Writing was a form of therapy for him
It was a matter of disputed authorship
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Composition
An essay (especially one written as an assignment);
He got an A on his composition
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Composition
Something that is created by arranging several things to form a unified whole;
He envied the composition of their faculty
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Composition
The act of creating original music.
Beethoven's Ninth Symphony is a brilliant composition that has stood the test of time.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 12, 2023
Composition
The combination of distinct elements to form a whole.
The composition of this artwork includes both dark and light shades.
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Oct 12, 2023
Composition
The elements or ingredients that make up a mixture.
The chemical composition of this solution makes it highly reactive.
Harlon Moss
Oct 12, 2023
Composition
The structure or makeup of an object or scene.
The composition of this photograph places emphasis on the subject's eyes.
Harlon Moss
Oct 12, 2023
FAQs
How does Arrangement differ from Composition?
While Composition is about creating original music, Arrangement involves adapting or modifying existing music.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Is Composition limited to music?
No, Composition can refer to the makeup of any creation, like a literary work, artwork, or chemical mixture.
Sara Rehman
Oct 12, 2023
Do arrangements require permission?
Typically, yes. Arranging copyrighted music without permission can infringe copyright laws.
Janet White
Oct 12, 2023
Is every song I hear a Composition?
Yes, every song originates from a composition, though it might also have undergone arrangements.
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Oct 12, 2023
Can a song have multiple Arrangements?
Yes, a single composition can have numerous arrangements for different instruments, genres, or purposes.
Sara Rehman
Oct 12, 2023
What is Composition in music?
Composition is the process of creating original music from scratch.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Which requires more skill, Composition or Arrangement?
Both require different skill sets. Composition demands originality, while Arrangement requires adaptive creativity.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Are there legal concerns with Arrangement?
Yes. Arranging copyrighted music without permission can lead to legal issues.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Can a piece have both original Composition and an Arrangement?
Yes, a composed piece can later be arranged differently for various purposes.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Can one person be both a composer and an arranger?
Absolutely. Many musicians both compose and arrange music.
Janet White
Oct 12, 2023
Can Arrangement change the genre of a song?
Absolutely. A pop song can be arranged into a jazz, classical, or any other genre version.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
What tools do composers use for Composition?
Composers might use instruments, digital software, or simply their voice and imagination.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 12, 2023
Can Composition be taught?
While techniques can be taught, originality and creativity come from individual experiences and influences.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 12, 2023
Do composers always write the lyrics in a Composition?
Not always. Some composers focus only on the melody and music, while others or collaborators may write the lyrics.
Harlon Moss
Oct 12, 2023
Why are arrangements necessary?
Arrangements make compositions suitable for different instruments, settings, or performance requirements.
Sara Rehman
Oct 12, 2023
How long does it take to create a Composition?
It varies. Some compositions are crafted quickly, while others might take years.
Harlon Moss
Oct 12, 2023
Can a good Arrangement make an average Composition better?
Often, yes. Skillful arrangement can enhance or bring out the best elements of a composition.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
What's more critical for a movie soundtrack, Composition or Arrangement?
Both are crucial. Original compositions provide themes, while arrangements ensure they fit specific movie scenes.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Are all arrangements a departure from the original Composition?
Not necessarily. Some arrangements stay close to the original, with minor tweaks.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Can I arrange a public domain song without restrictions?
Generally, yes. Public domain songs are free from copyright, allowing unrestricted arrangements.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
