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?