"Why write for the orchestra? For one thing it's a very challenging problem"

In this quote, author Elliott Carter is questioning the purpose of writing music particularly for an orchestra. He acknowledges that it is a difficult task, but likewise indicates that there need to be a factor for doing so. Maybe he is suggesting that composing for an orchestra presents an unique challenge that can not be replicated in other forms of music structure. This could be due to the intricacy of managing multiple instruments and voices, or the technical ability required to produce a cohesive and unified noise. Overall, Carter's declaration highlights the intricacy and significance of composing for an orchestra, while likewise acknowledging the difficulty of the job.