The Guide to MIDI Orchestration, 4th Edition

Since its initial release in 1997, Paul Gilreath" s The Guide to MIDI Orchestration has been the premiere text on creating realistic emulations of a symphony orchestra using samplers and computer recording techniques. Now in its fourth edition, The Guide to MIDI Orchestration explains how to merge this ever-expanding technology with the artistry of orchestration to produce the most lifelike recordings possible. The book is written for composers, arrangers, and MIDI musicians of all levels, and will be helpful to game composers, film and television composers, traditional orchestral composers, teachers, instructors, and the serious hobbyist. Highlights of the book include:

Introduction to and overview of the orchestra

In-depth discussions of each orchestral section

Detailed information on each instrument" s timbre, range and uses

Discussions of orchestration techniques

Demonstrations on how to build an orchestration from the ground up

Presentations on techniques for achieving balance and musical interest

Setup and recommendations for software and equipment

Details on setting up a multi-computer network for use as slave computers

Overview of software sampler and Digital Audio Workstation software

Presentation of note entry methods

DAW and sampler template implementation

Detailed steps for achieving realistic reverberation and instrument placement

Start to finish steps to achieve a final mix

Insightful interviews with top mastering engineers Paul Gilreath is an award-winning composer who creates original music in a variety of styles for video games, film, television, trailers, and broadcast advertising. He has written theme, underscore, and broadcast advertising music for a wide range of clients that include NBC, CBS, Cartoon Network, ESPN, American Airlines and many others. His music has been used multiple times for the Olympic Games broadcasts on NBC and several PGA tournaments on NBC. ©2010, 608 pages.