Orchestral Accompaniment

Helicopter Steve · Post by **Helicopter Steve** » Sun Jan 06, 2008 2:11 am

I am music director of a community opera company and am looking for a way so supplement our piano accompaniment with some midi orchestral sounds. Has anyone used Live for this or a similar purpose? I haven't purchased the software yet, but it was recommended to me as a good way to go since tempo contol etc is possible. I would theoretically be conducting and use foot pedals to trigger sounds as well as tap the tempo where rubato would be called for. As a corollary, how are the sounds in the Live Suite? I have Reason already so if Live's are no better than theirs I won't bother with purchasing the suite. Much thanks.
HS

4.33 · Post by **4.33** » Sun Jan 06, 2008 8:52 am

you'll probably want a pedalboard with a floating pedal, assigned to tempo
like a FCB-something
that way you'll be able to reproduce a smooth rubato, while not looking like a madman dancing on the pedals))

also try Synful Orchestra - it's lightweight and their brass is spectacular

rozling · Post by **rozling** » Sun Jan 06, 2008 11:50 am

Hi Steve and welcome to the forum!

The Behringer FCB1010 is the piece of hardware the above poster's referring to and I would second that emotion. I can't tell you much about the suite (although I do like the harp in the first Electronic Instruments Collection - EIC1). I have also heard good things about Synful but unfortunately can't verify that one.

Let us know how you get on!

Helicopter Steve · Post by **Helicopter Steve** » Tue Jan 08, 2008 7:27 am

Brilliant! Thanks folks. I checked out Synful's demos. Yes, rather amazing...and that pedal definitely looks to be the way to go too.

mohler · Post by **mohler** » Tue Jan 08, 2008 8:11 am

Hi Steve & welcome.

A friend of mine does some work with a theater company and he uses Live to trigger 1 shot pre-recorded sound effects and musical queues during the performance.

You'll probably find that plenty of us use our setups with other musicians and in band settings.

It's very flexible and stable (which I'm sure you'll need both).

I'd recommend looking at some of the amazing Orchestral soft synths of which Synful is just one.

It all depends on the budget you have. Here are a few reviews to check out:

EastWest Symphonic Orchestra (a useable range of sample sets from Silver to Gold and platinum)
Vienna Symphonic Library (built in part and can get get extremely expensive)

Sonic Implants

Garritan Personal Orchestra