Do composers often compose one instrument 'section' at a time?

Question

Whilst learning more about the art of composition for traditional classical music, I have come across a question that I always wish I *knew* the answer to. Multilayered classical 'songs' are so detailed; the amount of instrumentals playing at one time is huge. Often 10 or more *notes* are being played simultaneously. If you were the composer on these pieces, surely you would have to go back to the start and write for different instruments each time? You could not simply write it down as you were going for every single instrument, could you? That would take near on a genius. So back to my question: Is it commonplace then, to start with say, the strings, then go back and do the woodwinds, then go back to the start again and do brass, and then percussion? This must be the most common way of composing; yes?

Answer 1

While I am not a professional composer, and each composer may have their own preferences, I have spent lots of time speaking with composers in my musical community! What I find among their responses to this question is that they will determine the basic musical aspects first (melody, harmony, rhythm, etc.) and then orchestrate their ideas to each individual instrument or section.

For instance, the melody that will occur in an upper voice (the principal player) will dictate the other parts of the chord to the instruments in their section (player 2 would get the next note below them in the chord). This is a much more efficient way of completing their job!