We are familiar with the terms arranging and composing and used to hear often. But sometimes we are unable to differentiate between both. Let’s discuss in detail.

What is Arranging?

As the name suggests, arranging means “to arrange something, “to put them together in a sequence” or “to put in a required order”. Arranging can be defined to put things together in a suitable or correct order. For example, arranging flowers in a vase to look beautiful; arranging your clothes in a cupboard.

What is Composing?

The word compose begins with a Latin word means “to put or place”. Composing means “to compose something”, “to form by putting together”, “to constitute/ construct something” or “to write text electronically for print”. Composing is used to create or write a piece of art especially music and poetry.

Composition VS Arrangement in term of Music

Associated terms for

Compose: write; produce; settle; formulate; frame; prepare, draw up etc.

Arrange: order; systematize; organize; sequence; plan etc.

Difference:

Composition refers to piece of music that is written for a specific instrument while arrangement refers to arrange that composed piece of music for release.

Composition is the creation or writing an entirely new song while arrangement is the interpretation of the existing composition and lyrics.

When a composer composes the song then he prefers to learn and play as it is written because every note and lyric matters. When it comes to arrangement, a person can make certain changes with the arrangement. It is also possible to rearrange a single piece of music to make new musical aesthetics from the original one. Remix is the example of this modern pop music.

Composer

A music composer is the one who creates an entirely new piece of music. He composes tunes and structure of music and also outlines the original song.

Arranger

A music arranger is the one who arranges the existing music by adding melody or musical variety to it. He makes sure that all the aspects of musical note are well harmonized from instrument.

Example

Stephen writes the lyrics and make up enchanting music on piano. He has created a melody and song is made. So Stephen is a composer.

After composing the song he does not know how to arrange the lyrics, melody, chorus voice and to record the song.

Robert arranges the song in a sequence like intro-1st verse- chorus- piano instrumental- verse- chorus. So Robert is arranger.

Area of difficulty (for composer or arranger)

There is no specific distinction line of difficulty between composing and arranging. Composing is more difficult task because a composer has to fulfill the responsibility of providing rich quality lyrics, tune and musical instrument. But arranging the music, much work is done already by the composer and arranger just has to arrange all the elements to make a complete form (song).

What comes first?

Composing comes first as it provides an outline of the music to the arranger.

Composition VS Arrangement in term of Arts

In visual arts, Composition consists of any piece of writing (poetry), sculpture or painting while arrangement is the act of arranging visual elements according to technique and artistic principles.

Elements of composing visual arts

  • Line
  • Shape
  • Colour
  • Texture
  • Form
  • Space
  • Value

Principles of visual arts

  • Balance
  • Rhythm
  • Proportion
  • Unity
  • Emphasis
  • Harmony
  • Scale
  • Variety
  • Movement
  • Repetition

Techniques of composition

  • Simplification of art work
  • Rule of odds
  • Rule of thirds
  • Symmetry
  • Geometry
  • Leading lines
  • Framing

Final Thought

To understand the composition and arrangement are fundamental parts for an artist irrespective of the medium he practices.  We have discussed the difference between composition and arrangement in terms of music and visual art. Both terms convey different meanings in their specific contexts. We hope that you are now able to differentiate between both terms. If you find the post useful then feel free to share it with your friends.