Spitfire Audio has introduced Albion V Tundra – a new orchestral sound library, inspired by the work of Arvo Pärt, that explores “sounds at the edge of silence”.
Here’s what they have to say about it:
For many years now Spitfire Audio has been recording orchestras of all sizes, but a theme that has run throughout our last decade is how to unearth and discover more naked and honest performance styles. We also understand that where sampling is concerned it’s the quietest of levels where the real magic happens.
By taking this into account, by studying the most popular recordings of Arvo Pärt, Sibelius and Gorecki, and by observing new emerging talent from Scandinavia and Iceland we were inspired to create a whole new set of tools.
Partnering with long term collaborator, orchestrator and contemporary composer Ben Foskett, we set about recording a full dynamic set of samples where the top level was set at mp (mezzo piano, or kind of medium quiet) right down and through to the quietest recordings we have ever dared record. Our chief engineer opened up the hall at Air Studios to maximize its amazing early reflections and to liquify the fibrous and finely textured instructions we gave the 100 strong band of extraordinary London players. Samples we believe that have never been made before.
Here are examples of Albion V Tundra in action:
Audio Demos:
Pricing and Availability
Albion V Tundra is available for pre-order for £249.
There is a richness to quiet sounds being brought up and forward. It’s especially lovely to hear the quivering fragile sound of bows on strings, flutes, and even brass instruments as they strive to play quietly.
I would ideally like to have those qualities mixed into a library with full dynamic range. However, I can see why this approach is actually more practical.
The demos really highlight the significantly strange harmonics and tones that come from playing this way. Kudos on following a concept to completion.
Wow. Really impressive.
The Schmitz tracks are particularity interesting.
Seriously interested in buying a sample library for the first time in a 25 year career. I normally work entirely from synthesis and found sounds, occassionally making my own samples. But this is exquisite and involving and very very inspiring. Lovely!
Spitfire Audio remains the best in the game. I just wish I could afford to buy all their products. I also wish they didn’t depend on NI Kontakt.
What was the name of the piece by Arvo Pärt that he mentions? All I hear is “For Archers”. 🙂
Arvo Pärt – Fratres
“Fratres” 😉