ABSTRACT

Recording Orchestra and Other Classical Music Ensembles explores techniques and methodologies specific to recording classical music. Whether a newcomer or a seasoned engineer looking to refine their skills, this book speaks to all levels of expertise and covers every aspect of recording symphonic and concerto repertoire, opera, chamber music, and solo piano.

With a focus on the orchestra as an instrument and sound source, this book features sections on how to listen, understanding microphones, concert halls, orchestra seating arrangements, how to set up the monitoring environment, and how to approach recording each section of the orchestra. Recording Orchestra provides concise information on preparing for a recording session, the role of the producer, mixing techniques, and includes a "quick-start" reference guide with suggested setups aimed at helping introduce the reader to the recording process.

A companion website, featuring audio examples of various techniques, reinforces concepts discussed throughout the book.

The content of the book includes:

  • Clear, practical advice in plain language from an expert in classical music recording, multiple Grammy award winning recording engineer, and university professor
  • The "secret of recording": a collection of practical recording techniques that have been proven to be highly successful in the field, on many occasions
  • Never before published information written by an industry veteran with over twenty five-years of experience in classical music recording
  • Specific techniques and strategies for recording orchestra, opera, wind symphony, chorus, string quartet, and other common classical music ensembles.

part |2 pages

Part I Getting Started

chapter 1|4 pages

Introduction

chapter 3|24 pages

Understanding Microphones

part |2 pages

Part II Recording Orchestra

chapter 4|14 pages

The Orchestra and Its Various Iterations

chapter 5|9 pages

The Hall, and How to Deal with It

chapter 6|16 pages

Main Microphone Systems—How to Record It

chapter 7|7 pages

Recording Strings

chapter 8|10 pages

Recording Woodwinds, Brass, and Percussion

chapter 9|5 pages

Recording Harp, Piano, Celeste, and Organ

chapter 10|7 pages

Recording Orchestra and Chorus

part |2 pages

Part III Variations on a Theme

part |2 pages

Part IV The Recording Session

part |2 pages

Part V Other Challenges in Classical Recording

chapter 16|5 pages

Recording Chamber Orchestra

chapter 17|6 pages

Recording String Quartet

chapter 19|11 pages

Recording Solo Piano

part |2 pages

Part VI Post Production

chapter 20|7 pages

Editing

chapter 21|15 pages

Mixing

chapter 22|6 pages

Final Assembly and Mastering

part |2 pages

Part VII Multi-channel Recording and Mixing