Orchestral Instrument Reference Chart version 4

[Mobius]

[EDIT 15th September 2007: Version 4 now online.]

Hello,

I've created an A3 sized wall reference chart for the common instruments of the orchestra. It is very detailed and I have thoroughly checked it for accuracy. I created it using Sibelius 4 and saved it as a pdf file.

It includes written and sounding ranges; dynamic ranges; timbral characteristics; additional comments outlining the strengths and weaknesses of each group.

Direct download courtesy of Hetoreyn:

http://www.elvenmusic.com/tech/tools/tools.html

Both PDF and Sibelius 4 formats are available.

I would recommend that you get it laminated for longevity. And also I'd suggest you print page 2 (bibliography) on a separate A3 sheet so it doesn't show through on page 1. Use good quality paper, possibly glossy, which will aid clarity.

Although, as I said, I have checked it for errors many times, I'd appreciate it if you could let me know if you spot any problems.

The exact ranges of the instruments are always a bone of contention, as no 2 books agree completely. But all the ranges I have settled on represent the extremes of each instrument, which are obtainable with professional players. In some cases, the ranges can be extended beyond that shown, with a good player.

Most, if not all, instrumentation books always list the written ranges first. I have listed the sounding ranges (other than the octave transposing instruments) first, because I always write my scores at concert pitch. Therefore, I find it much easier to look down the list and see the actual sounding range whenever I'm writing a part. I'm sorry if this bothers you, but that's my preference.

Finally, not everyone may agree with all the remarks made in the 'Additional Comments' column. These comments have been collated from the bibliography cited on page 2, and they are the views of the respective authors. I have printed them here as a guide only; if you have a good reason to disregard these comments then by all means do so.

I have this blue-tacked to the wall above my work area, and it certainly speeds up workflow.

All the best,
Mobius. [:)]

[Mobius]

P.S. If I don't reply within a day then PM me through here. It could be that my ISP's Spam filter has filtered out your email.

[PoppaJOL]

Mobius:

Thank you so much for the range chart. I've only had a preliminary view of it but it appears to be a wonderful job. It's great of you to take so much time to put this together and then to make it available to everyone. Thanks again and congrats on a job well done!

Be Well,

Poppa

[Dietz]

Thanks for sharing, Mobius.

[jamriding]

Downloaded it last night: thanks a lot for making it available to all.

[hetoreyn]

The Chart is now hosted on my site if anyone needs to get it quickly.

http://www.elvenmusic.com/vsl/ranges/ranges.html

[Mobius]

Thanks Hetoreyn.

By the way, this is version 2. It contains a bracketed low C2 for the 32" Timpano which I have been reliably informed is possible on some models.

Cheers,
Mobius.

[Mobius]

Version 3 has now been uploaded onto Hetoreyn's website (link above).

Improvements include:

[list:c16f8547eb]-Note name and octave number (where middle C=C4) for the instrument ranges.

-Extra space for column 1.

-Tidier string range information

-Clearer pedal tone and trill information.

-The oboe statement that from Bb3-D4 should be played f-fff only has been removed. It is true that this is hard to play, but I have discovered some examples from the literature (not obscure) that do employ this instruction. I have merely stated that "These notes are hard to play at
dynamics less than mf", so caution is advised. If possible, know your player and get advice from the horses mouth!

-Similarly, the instruction not to ask a Horn player to attempt less than mp above written A4, has been downgraded to a cautionary warning.

-Other aesthetic improvements have been made here and there.[/list:u:c16f8547eb]

Sorry to waste your ink and paper! [[;)]]

All the best,
Mobius

[symphonic_world]

[[[[:D]]]] [[[[:D]]]] Thank You Mobius, a USEFULL tool!!!!! [[[[:D]]]] [[[[:D]]]]

[Atan]

@Mobius said:

http://www.elvenmusic.com/vsl/ranges/ranges.html

Both PDF and Sibelius 3 formats are available.]

Hi,

I'm new to the forum and just want to say hello to all.

The link above is not working [*-)]: . Any help on this?

Atan

[Mobius]

@Mobius said:

http://www.elvenmusic.com/vsl/ranges/ranges.html

Both PDF and Sibelius 3 formats are available.]

Hi,

I'm new to the forum and just want to say hello to all.

The link above is not working [*-)]: . Any help on this?

Atan

Hi Atan,

Hetoreyn had to temporarily move it.

Go here:

http://www.elvenmusic.com/vsl/vsl.html

and scroll down. It's second from the bottom.

Cheers,
Mobius.

[Atan]

Mobius,

Thanks for the reply and for the link!!!

Atan

[time4tunes]

Hi--Just wanted to say thanks for making this chart available--much appreciated! (I'm new here, saw a recommendation in a recent issue of the Sweetwater newsletter!) Peace--B.

[Mobius]

Hi,

Version 4 is now online.

Update changes:

v4

-Text spacing and size changes improve legibility

-Tidied up ledger line graphics

v3.6 (unpublished)

-Spacing improvements

-Saved using Sibelius 4

Regards,
Darren

[user_30995]

wow, thanks for sharing!

will have a closer look at it tomorrow

beautifull job! 

-Em

[Angelo Clematide]

Before I make myself the stress to explain any further digital audio production specifications, I post a few links for my distinguished friends here. Below some links to basic theoretical papers which deal with the subject of mastering and transcoding audio for lazer discs:

Overload in Signal Conversion

A paper about the headroom needed in processing, routing and reproduction of digital signals to prevent distortion and listening fatigue from happening. It includes a discussion of AD, DA, sample rate conversion and data reduction systems.

by Soren Nielsen & Thomas Lund

[url]http://www.tcelectronic.com/media/nielsen_lund_2003_overload.pdf[/url]

Mastering and Formats - Stop Counting Samples

Report from the frontline of the CD Loudness war, 2006: It's not over yet. Read about distortion developing in CD players, data reduction systems etc. The Appendix suggests improved procedures to follow in production and mastering.

by Thomas Lund

[url]http://www.tcelectronic.com/media/lund_2006_stop_counting_samples_aes121.pdf[/url]

0 dBFS+ Levels in Digital Mastering

This paper examines the sonic consequences when 0dBFS+ signals are reproduced in typical consumer equipment. The performance of a variety of domestic CD players exposed to such signals are presented and evaluated.

by Soren Nielsen & Thomas Lund

[url]http://www.tcelectronic.com/media/nielsen_lund_2000_0dbfs_le.pdf[/url]

Level Control in Digital Mastering

Music mastering is becoming a battle for maximum level rather than a quest for audio quality, because counting consecutive samples at OdBFS is not an adequate restriction of level.

by Soren Nielsen & Thomas Lund

[url]http://www.tcelectronic.com/media/nielsen_lund_1999_level_co.pdf[/url]

The Secret of the Mastering Engineer

Mastering is an art and a science. In this acclaimed booklet, Bob Katz shares good advice about monitoring, metering and processing. About listening to the music and supporting it as the road to Nirvana - from one of the true yogis of our industry.

by Bob Katz

[url]http://www.tcelectronic.com/media/katz_1999_secret_mastering.pdf[/url]

.

[Angelo Clematide]

Sorry

posted in the wrong thread

[Steve Martin]

Thanks Mobius for the chart and Hetoreyn for hosting the download. I have just downloaded this and it is really cool!

best,

Steve[:D] 

[trifidmaster]

Mobius,

I am sorry to inform you but from here the link does not work.

Stefan. 

[Mobius]

@trifidmaster said:

Mobius,

I am sorry to inform you but from here the link does not work.

Stefan. 

Hi,

NEW LINK:

http://www.elvenmusic.com/tech/tools/tools.html

Unfortunately, since the forum upgrade, I've been unable to edit my own post! Aaaargh! It's so frustrating. Why can't this get sorted?!