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  4. Bow Slaps? Percussion???

  • Bow Slaps? Percussion???

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    Hello,
    First I just want to say that the more I browse the forum here and read the sort of debates and the solutions that those at VSL have come up for them, the more I want to be a customer. That will come soon enough. Very soon, I hope. Meanwhile, a question . . .

    What in the world are those "CLUNK" sounds that one often hears in modern compositions? Especially for tense moments in film music. For instance, Eliot Goldenthal tends to use the effect a lot.
    Are those bow slaps? Some other sort of bowing technique? Different instrument altogether? I've always wondered about that, so hopefully I can find an answer here.
    Also, since it's a cool effect, I was also wondering if there is a sample library (maybe of just string special effects as opposed to a full blown library) that offers it.
    Any answers would be appreciated. Thanks!

    ~Chris
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    Col Legno or Snap Pizz (Bartok Pizz). The thrashed fwap sound is the snap pizz, and the whispy schlonk sound is Col Legno. Col Legno meaning WITH STICK which for the strings is WITH BACK OF BOW.

    Evan Evans
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    I have a different question...
    The horn(horns) in the beginning of the "Superman theme" by John Williams. What are they (french horns?)

    They are also in Jerry Goldsmith's "Air force one theme" here in the demo section.
    Is there a certain way to play the horns to get that sound or is it another instrument?
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    Bb Trumpets.
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    Bass trumpets?
    What are the Bb short for?
    [:O]ops:
  • DietzD
    VSL Team
    DietzD
    Audun, you should find this instrument (and many, many others) described extensively in our Instruments Online - section.

    HTH,

    /Dietz - Vienna Symphonic Library
    /Dietz - Vienna Symphonic Library
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    @Audun Jemtland said:

    Bass trumpets?
    What are the Bb short for?
    [:O]ops:


    "Bb" is in reference to the transposing key that the instrument is in. As opposed to a "C" trumpet. It is "B-flat," not "Bee-bee." [[;)]]

    Just a note for y'all on transposing intruments. When a Bb instrument fingers for a "C" key, the instrument is sound a "Bb." Hence, if a piano (or any other non-transposing instrument such as flute or violin) hits a C, it will not match the fingered "C" on the Bb intrument. Instead, a B-flat note will be played.
    For anyone serious about composing orchestral music, I recommend picking up a good book on orchestration. Some in my library are:

    Orchestration: A Practical Handbook, by Joseph Wagner
    This is a great book on orchestration principles, though the info on individual instruments is sometimes lacking. But there is a great section on different bowing styles.

    Orchestration, by Cecil Forsyth
    This is a good reference on all the different orchestral instruments and their respective uses. Goes into the history of the instrument and even basic playing technique.

    Anatomy of the Orchestra, by Norman Del Mar
    Another great reference that I have been without for the last six months. It fell behind the filing cabinet a while ago. I looked all over for it, but couldn't find it until yesterday. Incidently, while I was looking for something else. Go figure. [:D]

    Well, I could list a few more, but that's enough to get anyone started. Hehe. With all these books, I guess I really had no excuse for not knowing what Col Legno is. I must have read through the bowing tech sections several times and just passed it over. Anyway, evanevans, thanks for the info!

    ~Chris
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    which one of those three books do you like best? If you HAD to pick one?
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    And Dietz, glissandos played by strings, can you give me an exsample(a song)where I can hear this?
    or anyone else
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    @Audun Jemtland said:

    which one of those three books do you like best? If you HAD to pick one?


    Hmmmm . . . that's tough. From my whole library, these are the three I would pick. Out of the three, I suppose I'd take Orchestration by Cecil Forsyth. But you don't have to buy everything yourself. A good library ought to have something useful.
    And if you want to buy used (most of my orchestration books were bought used) you can check at abebooks.com. That's where I buy most of my used books. Well, hope this was helpful.

    ~Chris
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    Listen to this demo :

    http://www.vsl.co.at/english/demos/vienna_demos/orchestra/string_orchestra/Flautando/Flautando_%2D_new_demo_%28Pro_Edition%29.htm#">http://www.vsl.co.at/english/demos/vienna_demos/orchestra/string_orchestra/Flautando/Flautando_%2D_new_demo_%28Pro_Edition%29.htm#

    Listen last seconds ... you will find this effect ... after this, open the midi file from the tutorial. You will understand ...
  • PaulP Paul moved this topic from Orchestration & Composition on