The Secret to Orchestral Programming

In this video Christian shares the secrets to orchestral programming using Abbey Road One. Teaching you a fundamental lesson for improving your orchestral programming whilst using expression and emotion.

Other libraries featured in the video:

Christian is using a Monogram (formerly Palette Gear) controller although he recommends The Kenton Control Freak and Korg Nano Control as excellent solutions. His keyboard is a Doepfer LMK4+ 88.

#AbbeyRoadStudios #SpitfireAudio #AbbeyRoadOne

[davidsinclair]

"Give it a little wiggle". Invaluable advice and an important habit.

[kelvynification]

It’s so refreshing to hear a composer/musician talk openly about not having the ability to read or write music. There are a lot of discussions regarding how important that knowledge is with purists damning those of us who - and in my case consciously - haven’t learnt to read or write.
But what is abundantly obvious - especially in the case of Mr Henson - is that music is in the head and with the help of technology it’s extremely easy to transport those ideas into something tangibly audible. I have found that some - not all - trained composers find it difficult to move away - break the rules - of what becomes a musical straight jacket. In the end I’ve found it’s not always about what you have learnt and rules but what you do with with the ability you have... Johnny ‘one note’ Guitar Watson anyone:)
Your tutorials are always informs, interesting and down to earth... I really appreciate your honesty:)

[rdruner]

This is one of my favorite videos on this channel. Helps explains how to write better as a composer, second time watching this and I learned more than the first time watching.

[rene.rodriguez]

I love this video. Christian, I’m a beginner embarking on a midlife career pivot, yet even I can see that you are truly a gift to the community.

[elijahsiegler]

It feels as if you are teaching information and technique taught in top music universities, this is very valuable. As a musician and composer who is not attending a music school, this is very encouraging.

[michaeldamsa]

This is the best explanation of orchestral programming I have seen/heard to date (and I'm 2 years late). Considering the tingling sensation I feel in my head right now, I believe there will be a marked improvement in how my strings sound. Thank you Christian 👏

[gussemorentanos]

Thnak you so much for sharing this important information : EXPRESSION is essential in music, not only notes, not only choice of instruments . Music is emotion in motion.

[VPXM]

Making it easier is one thing.
Understanding it, is another.
Thank you again for BBC OS 💫

[vladimirkond]

With those controls you can make your music breathing or even holding a breath. Another words, you can bring more life to your creations. Thanks, Christian. Very valuable tutorial!

[courtlaw]

Thanks for the free masterclass. Abbey Road One is now my starting go to library. The other thing I found is that I can have many instances of Abbey Road One running at once and my computer never stutters one bit. I love it.

[jake-uloi]

Wow. The tip to swap CC1 and cc11 to the other finger has made a big difference. The thing that really sets good orchestrators apart is mixing of articulations etc into passages and good programming for this. It would be good to see some content around this more as I think a lot of people get stuck with creating scores that are purely legato patches / string passages etc without any kind of variation ( short sections etc )

[grahammcrae]

Christian, you’re amazing. You’re one of the great writers AND programmers. Thanks for this.

[forsale]

Dude is a BEAST. I'll try this, it seems like it's wayyyy easier than drawing in automation on everything.

[musicmant]

I play by ear, and new to recording, so the creation and emotional structure of an orchestral piece in Logic is most appreciated. A really enlightening tutorial Christian - thank you!

[OscarSGarciaSaldarriaga]

I knew there was a secret to this! No words to express how grateful I am with you Christian. Thanks for this and all the amazing sounds you and your team create!

[dokproduction]

First thanx a lot for your tutorials Christian, they are really helpful! Speaking about realism in orchestra programming, you forget to mention one thing which I think is really important: when programming horns, woods and choirs we have to think about the necessity to BREATH like real musicians do. A horn player will never be capable to play a 8 bars long without breathing.. So we have to think about it ;-) Doing that, I noticed that it gives more realism to the score. All the best! (Yvan from France)

[kabedford]

Hi Christian! I recently upgraded my MIDI controller to a Novation LaunchKey 25 Mk3. It's lovely. One of the things I love most—mod and pitch wheels! I've been watching your videos for two years, seeing what you can do with your expression controls, and wishing I could do the same on my humble LaunchKey Mk2, but alas.

Now, though! 😎⚡️ A few nights ago I was playing with my LABS Choir in Ableton, but with the Mk3, with the mod wheel, etc—and OMG! What a difference it made.

I was so happy, @Christian. Thank you for all your inspiration! :)

[LostLegendTrance]

Hands down I learn more from this channel than most of the other musician channels put together.
Fantastic work as always!

[DemfireCreation]

I was just looking for a clean example of sound shaping with the mod wheel and expression tools found in orchestral librairies. Ended up with much more. Thank you for the small tips throughout the video, especially the hand drawing pencil. ✍

[giancarlomaldonado]

This is a Master Class. It's a bummer that the MIDI files are not available. Thank you, Christian!