The sound that connects Stravinsky to Bruno Mars

It’s an 1980s pop music cliche that dates back to 1910.

If you listen to the first few seconds of Bruno Mars’ “Finesse” (hint: listen to the Cardi B remix) you’ll hear a sound that immediately creates a sense of 80s hip-hop nostalgia. Yes, Cardi B’s flow is very Roxanne Shante, but the sound that drives that nostalgia home isn’t actually from the 1980s.

Robert Fink and the inventor of the Fairlight CMI, Peter Vogel, help me tell the story of the orchestra hit - a sound that was first heard in 1910 at the Paris Opera where the famed 20th century Russian composer Stravinsky debuted his first hit, The Firebird.

The video above is, in short, a history of the original orchestra hit sample from The Firebird Suite to the 1982 hit “Planet Rock” to “Finesse.” And as a treat, here’s a playlist of way more songs with orchestra hits than you probably wanted.  

Some songs don't just stick in your head, they change the music world forever. Join Estelle Caswell on a musical journey to discover the stories behind your favorite songs.

[panjia_]

so the windows error sound is an orchestra hit

[nicolassantos]

YO i was wondering where the first time i heard that orchestra hit, it was freaking jellyfish jam from spongebob

[bait]

Proof that an appreciation of ALL music genres is necessary for an understanding of music

[animec-dramaskpop]

Earworm is my favorite show on Vox. This was amazing, thank you.

[erwinhewitt]

I’ve heard this so many times, even when Stravinsky himself plays it it still sounds like a sample

[xisumavoid]

Ive also heard the orchestral hits referred to as a "stab" in music production, primarily when its not an actual orchestra but a loud sound with fast attack and short decay! Great video btw, fascinating! well presented :-)

[CrisBlyth]

Last night I had some young musicians visiting my studio. I started by showing them this fantastic video - They were intrigued and had their eyes glued. When it got to the Fairlight part they were amazed that this machine existed way before they were born. As they watched, I started removing the dust covers of my equipment.. and the real moment was when I uncovered my CMI and drew their attention with an 'ahem...'. They freaked out.. it was a classic moment. THEN I showed them a floppy disk with the ORCH sample on it... it was indeed a priceless moment. Thank you so much for this great video.

[MarkHatlestad]

Fun fact: Stravinsky was born when Brahms was writing symphonies, and died after the Beetles broke up.

Thanks for the excellent video!

[kawsakiTV]

I’m so glad somebody else is talking about the “Orchestra Hit”. I definitely heard it on many songs from my childhood and vividly remember it in the theme song for the show “In Living Color”! I’ve also heard it annoyed the heck out of people by the late 80s lol. Man, Vox! I love how you guys tell history! Kudos 😀

[KamiKazuo]

Lets not forget the most iconic song of them all, Crank Dat Soulja Boy

[Afrito]

OMG the girl on 5:19 is Tatiana M. Ali who plays Ashley's character in the Fresh Prince of Bel Air

[RetsamX]

... and it was even used in Pokemon Music :D

[anuragss]

I've spent an hour trying to figure out what this sound is called and finally found it. The internet can be marvellous.

[rfldss]

Haha they were basically doing what every child does when he gets to touch a synth or electric keyboard :p

[WashedUpSpearfish]

"I know someone who'd be really interested to see this..."

Yeah so would Stevie...

[LashanR]

So weirdly proud that an instrument made by an Australian literally defined the sound of the 80s. We've invented some good stuff hey?

[Kaizaratl]

What you call, Orch2 is what I call the sound that you made when you do a special trick on Tony Hawk's Pro Skater.

[BolshephobicBabe]

Wait, we've had touch screens for that long?

[VARIOUShorses]

Aye, the best Vox series is back! Great stuff as always, I love learning all this history behind stuff I've been hearing for ages but never really gave any thought to.

[sumairb]

I immediately thought of "Jam" by Michael Jackson