Nowadays, given the great technical possibilities available to us, we are presented with many alternatives when recording a symphony orchestra, especially in music for audiovisual media.
The sections of a symphony orchestra
A symphony orchestra is basically divided into sections:
Strings
Woods
Metals
Percussion
Other instruments: harp, piano, celesta, organ, etc.
How does a symphony orchestra play?
A symphony orchestra is a complex organism that works together. For example, tuning is relative (not absolute) and each musician has to adapt to the tuning of his colleagues, soloists and the rest of the orchestra. The same goes for rhythm, etc. For this reason, recording in sections is sometimes interesting for reasons of mixing and possible use of the music, but it is certainly better to always record the orchestra together.
When is it best to record in sections?
The decision to record in sections has to do solely and exclusively with the use that will be made of the music and with certain technical reasons such as:
Need to use each of the sections separately
Not being sure if a musical block will ultimately go with another section.
For mixing reasons, for example when you want a very strong sound from the brass, which can cover other instruments.
Is it more technically complicated to record in sections?
Yes, it is more complicated as more recording tracks and more powerful equipment will be required.
Experience is also required on the part of the recording technician to record in sections.
When duplicating tracks, it is necessary that the recording equipment: microphones, preamplifiers and converters are in perfect condition and are of high quality.
Is it difficult for the orchestra to record in sections?
To record in sections you need to have a lot of experience recording with click-track and also be able to listen to the pre-recorded material, the click and interpret the music.
When recording any section, it is essential to have great rhythmic and tuning precision.
For these reasons, it is important to have a wealth of experience gained over the years, as is the case with the Bratislava Symphony Orchestra.
Is it more expensive financially?
Yes, it is more expensive financially since recording all the sections will require more studio time, recording technicians and an orchestra conductor.
When you put all the sections together, does the orchestra sound the same as if they were playing together?
If recorded, edited and mixed well, the orchestra sounds virtually the same as if it were recorded together.
Recording a choir. Is it better to do it separately or with the orchestra?
Except for concert works with choir and orchestra, for all other recordings: film, pop, video games, etc., it is better to record the choir separately.
The Bratislava Symphony Orchestra: an orchestra specializing in sectional recording
If the project to be carried out requires recording in sections, the BSO is certainly the best option given its vast experience in this type of recording.
We have recorded a lot of music for video games this way, as well as entire pop music CDs (Il Divo for example).
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