@Pixelpoet1985 said:
I really would like to know if one can realise some "Hollywood" sounding music, with expressive legato lines which sound realistic. Or something like in the Blue Planet promo video.
Because I can't and I don't think that anyone else can. Harsh words, I know. I just want to be persuaded.
Hi Pixelpoet,
some suggestions from a novice....
I am wondering whats so special about "Hollwood sounding" music. Firstly, we know that all orchestral hollywood music has its roots in late romantic classical music. So it might be better to listen to and try imitating romantic masterworks since they are the source of all orchestral HW music.
Secondly, no library by itself will automatically help you get the sound you hear in, say, John WIlliams or Bernard Hermann. It takes years and years of training and musicianship, and on top of that a thorough knowledge of the sample library. This is serious business. If you want to sound like John WIlliams, you need to undergo the training....he as a Juliard trained Jazz and classical pianist, and lived and breathed around orchstras since he was a child. So just think abotu how much effort it takes. To think that we can shell out a few grand on a sample library and get that effect....not gonna happen. As Errikos (I think) once described...imagine that you have an orchestra in the next hall waiting for you. What are you going to do with them? The power is limitless, but you need to know how to use them efficiently before they even make a sound.
The quality of renditions of VSL truly depend on both the level of musicianship and programming skills of the person using it. Hypothetically...if Williams or Mozart had these libraries and knew the programming skills, they would produce fantastic music. Most of the demos here attest to the power of VSL...doesnt matter if its Synchron or the Cube or whatever.
Sorry if this sounds insulting...not my intention and I am not assuming you are an amateur. This is just a reflection of what I am myself learning and experiencing as I navigate the challenge of becoming a composer.
Best
Anand
P.S. btw this is one of the best Star wars renditions with VSL Ive heard. You can hear the one on the VSL demo page as well. You cant find problems with the legato here.
Now, everyone is talking about me, but actually there are so many people who don't like Synchron Strings. It's just my opinion, I am also a beginner. But I have ears and I have a sonic taste/preference.
I know what you are talking about that orchestration is indeed the key to this "Hollywood" sound, but for this you need THE appropriate tool. I'm repeating myself: I also have LASS, and for me it's the best playable and realistic library. I also have the older VSL strings and they sound way better in terms of the legatos. Synchron Strings, for me, isn't just the appropriate tool. With LASS I can achieve classical, romantic or hollywood music, because it comes really close to the real thing. And this is the prerequisite. And when John Williams is composing on his piano (with the orchestration in mind) he can RELY on the real thing. If you can't rely on it than you can be an orchestration god, and it won't work. That's my point.
I know the Star Wars demo you posted quite well. It's an old one, and this was the reason I started with the Special Editions. I like it, it does sound realistic, but not Synchron Strings, and we're talking about the latter.
Please stop making me the bad boy, there are many with the same opinions as mine, and when you are comfortable with Synchron Strings than it's okay.
