Peter Siedleczek's Orchestral Colours

Sample CD Buyer's Guide

Published in SOS January 2000
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Reviews : Sample/Sound/Song Library

BASIC ORCHESTRAL SOUNDS
(SEE COMMENTS BELOW).

SS: sus (mp), major, minor & diminished chords (all sus f, sus pp & trem cr), piz stc chords (major & minor), 3 oct col (3 repeated notes in 6 keys).

SS + WS: sw (p), trll (WS one octave higher than SS), ascending octave run (ditto).

SS + Harp gls: major, minor & diminished (all sus mp).

Harp: whole tone gls.

Cbsn + Dbs: sus.

WS: sus (mp), major, minor & diminished chords (all sus mf), quick run up to staccato chord (major & minor).

BrS: major, minor & diminished chords (all sus f & sus pp), short 'finale'-style 2-note phrases.

Timp: cr rll.

SD cr leading to ff BD and CrC.

SD cr leading to ff BD and Gng.

Comments: This disc contains two types of sonic event: firstly numerous orchestral hits, stings, runs, sequences and brief 'mood' pieces, the latter sporting embarrassing names like 'Subtle Feelings', 'Nice & Lovely' and 'Charming Woodwinds'. The so-called 'moods' range from subtle to blundering, but all would be recognised by your average media executive as portraying some cinematic emotion or other. A large selection of finales in different styles is included, summarising clichéd orchestral endings through the ages. Secondly, there are the 'Basic Orchestral Sounds', as detailed in the list above. As with the last disc, you also get another orchestra tuning up.

Standouts: The finales and hits may be clichéd, but they are immaculately performed and recorded. Enjoyed the double bass/contrabasson combination and the unison woodwinds.

Quibbles: None, this disc achieves its objectives precisely.

Contact: Time & Space.

Akai/Ensoniq CD-ROMs £99; Audio CD £59.95.