Recording Orchestra and Other Classical Music Ensembles

Recording Orchestra and Other Classical Music Ensembles

by Richard King
Released December 2016
Publisher(s): Routledge
ISBN: 9781317520801

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Book description

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.

Table of contents

  1. Cover
  2. Title
  3. Copyright
  4. Contents
  5. Acknowledgments
  6. About the Author
  7. Preface
  8. Part I Getting Started
    1. 1 Introduction
    2. 2 How to Listen: Loudspeakers, Headphones, and Listening Environment
    3. 3 Understanding Microphones
  9. Part II Recording Orchestra
    1. 4 The Orchestra and Its Various Iterations
    2. 5 The Hall, and How to Deal with It
    3. 6 Main Microphone Systems—How to Record It
    4. 7 Recording Strings
    5. 8 Recording Woodwinds, Brass, and Percussion
    6. 9 Recording Harp, Piano, Celeste, and Organ
    7. 10 Recording Orchestra and Chorus
  10. Part III Variations on a Theme
    1. 11 Recording Concertos: Balancing Solo Instruments with Orchestra
    2. 12 Recording Solo Voice and Orchestra
  11. Part IV The Recording Session
    1. 13 The Role of the Producer in Classical Music Recording
    2. 14 How to Carry Out a Successful Recording Session
    3. 15 Live Concerts, Live Opera, and Productions with Video
  12. Part V Other Challenges in Classical Recording
    1. 16 Recording Chamber Orchestra
    2. 17 Recording String Quartet
    3. 18 Recording Piano with Other Instruments: Violin, Cello, Voice, Etc.
    4. 19 Recording Solo Piano
  13. Part VI Post Production
    1. 20 Editing
    2. 21 Mixing
    3. 22 Final Assembly and Mastering
  14. Part VII Multi-channel Recording and Mixing
    1. 23 Multi-channel Recording: How to Listen in Surround
    2. 24 How to Record and Mix for Surround Sound
  15. Appendix A: Quick Start Guides, by Ensemble
    1. A.1 Orchestra Quick Start Guide
    2. A.2 Chorus Quick Start Guide
    3. A.3 Chamber Orchestra Quick Start Guide
    4. A.4 String Quartet Quick Start Guide
    5. A.5 Piano and Other Instruments Quick Start Guide
    6. A.6 Solo Piano Quick Start Guide
  16. Index

Product information

  • Title: Recording Orchestra and Other Classical Music Ensembles
  • Author(s): Richard King
  • Release date: December 2016
  • Publisher(s): Routledge
  • ISBN: 9781317520801