Synthestration
Encyclopedia
Synthestration is the art of arranging
music
in midi for playback by computers triggering either synthesizers, or samplers
, in order to emulate an orchestra
l recording.
The process involves inputting notes into a computer sequencing program as midi, which then produces those tones
on electronic instruments. These instruments can either be software synthesizers, orchestral sample libraries, or external hardware. The midi values (e.g. velocity), controllers, automation and the sounds themselves often need to be manipulated in great detail in order to mimic the articulation and ensemble playing of an orchestra or group of players.
The term is a combination of the words 'synth(esizer)' and 'orchestration
' (where a musical work is arranged for instruments, traditionally from one or two solo instruments to orchestra).
Arrangement
The American Federation of Musicians defines arranging as "the art of preparing and adapting an already written composition for presentation in other than its original form. An arrangement may include reharmonization, paraphrasing, and/or development of a composition, so that it fully represents...
music
Music
Music is an art form whose medium is sound and silence. Its common elements are pitch , rhythm , dynamics, and the sonic qualities of timbre and texture...
in midi for playback by computers triggering either synthesizers, or samplers
Sampler (musical instrument)
A sampler is an electronic musical instrument similar in some respects to a synthesizer but, instead of generating sounds, it uses recordings of sounds that are loaded or recorded into it by the user and then played back by means of a keyboard, sequencer or other triggering device to perform or...
, in order to emulate an orchestra
Orchestra
An orchestra is a sizable instrumental ensemble that contains sections of string, brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments. The term orchestra derives from the Greek ορχήστρα, the name for the area in front of an ancient Greek stage reserved for the Greek chorus...
l recording.
The process involves inputting notes into a computer sequencing program as midi, which then produces those tones
Musical tone
A musical tone is a steady periodic sound. A musical tone is characterized by its duration, pitch, intensity , and timbre . The notes used in music can be more complex than musical tones, as they may include aperiodic aspects, such as attack transients, vibrato, and envelope modulation.A simple...
on electronic instruments. These instruments can either be software synthesizers, orchestral sample libraries, or external hardware. The midi values (e.g. velocity), controllers, automation and the sounds themselves often need to be manipulated in great detail in order to mimic the articulation and ensemble playing of an orchestra or group of players.
The term is a combination of the words 'synth(esizer)' and 'orchestration
Orchestration
Orchestration is the study or practice of writing music for an orchestra or of adapting for orchestra music composed for another medium...
' (where a musical work is arranged for instruments, traditionally from one or two solo instruments to orchestra).