New from Vienna: Studio Bösendorfer Imperial

Vienna Symphonic Library releases virtual concert grand recorded at the Silent Stage

Vienna, May 7, 2025 – The Vienna Symphonic Library is pleased to announce the release of the Studio Bösendorfer Imperial, a unique sample-based virtual instrument, meticulously captured in the controlled acoustic environment of the company’s renowned second studio, the Silent Stage. Originally released as the “VI Vienna Imperial”, it has long been praised for its exceptional sound and musical responsiveness. The recorded concert grand, a Bösendorfer Imperial 290-755, is a different instrument than the “Synchron Bösendorfer Imperial” which was captured on the large Stage A of Vienna Synchron Stage. Thanks to its dedicated recording setup at the Silent Stage, this studio version delivers a unique sonic character with maximum flexibility for placement in any acoustic environment. The product is currently available at an introductory price of $156 (reg. $198). Owners of the discontinued VI Vienna Imperial can crossgrade to the Studio Bösendorfer Imperial for $40 (reg. $51).

To mark the occasion, all of the company’s other Studio Pianos are available at discounts of up to 40%. These pianos were recorded in the controlled environment of Stage B of Vienna Synchron Stage. The multi-microphone setup available in the Piano Player grants users utmost creative control to craft their own sonic variations or easily use the expertly crafted mixer presets for a ready-to-use sound in any acoustic environment, from dry spaces to lush reverberant halls.

Grand Central

Born from a bold vision by Italian composer and pianist Ferruccio Busoni and realized by piano maker Ludwig Bösendorfer, the legendary Bösendorfer 290 Imperial was created to capture the grandeur of Bach’s organ works for the piano – with an extended 8-octave range and unmatched resonance. Composers like Bartók, Debussy, and Ravel soon embraced its vast tonal possibilities, writing works that can only be authentically performed on this unique instrument.

Now, the unmistakable sound of the Bösendorfer Imperial 290-755 lives on in the Studio Bösendorfer Imperial. Using Bösendorfer’s state-of-the-art CEUS technology based on solenoids installed under every key, the Vienna team recorded even the subtlest key movements with extraordinary accuracy. Every nuance of the instrument’s behavior is preserved, with up to 1,200 samples per key and up to 100 velocities per key. Thanks to this comprehensive method, the Studio Bösendorfer Imperial delivers an incredibly dynamic and authentic playing experience that faithfully mirrors the responsiveness and richness of the original grand piano.

To give users more creative control over their sound, the Studio Bösendorfer Imperial was recorded from three distinct perspectives: close microphones for a direct, detailed tone; player microphones that capture the authentic perspective of the pianist; and audience microphones that add natural ambience and a sense of spaciousness. In the included Piano Player, these signals are available separately in the mixer, allowing users to blend them seamlessly and tailor the piano’s sound to every sonic requirement.

New from Vienna: Synchron Duality Strings (fx)

Vienna Symphonic Library releases all-new collection featuring two separately but simultaneously recorded string ensembles performing unconventional effect techniques

Vienna, December 19, 2024 – The Vienna Symphonic Library is pleased to announce the release of the fifth installment in their Duality Strings series, Synchron Duality Strings (fx). The all-new library features two string ensembles playing experimental string effects that were recorded at once, performing simultaneously in separate rooms at Vienna Synchron Stage. While the large ensembles played their instruments in the spacious Stage A, the small ensembles played in the intimate, drier Stage B. The new Collection is currently available at introductory prices of €199 (reg. €249) for the Standard Library and €298 (reg. €388) for the Full Library.

Genuine musical innovation requires venturing into uncharted territories, and Duality Strings (fx) takes users on a journey into an entirely new world of experimental string effects. From intriguing noises and strange artifacts to creative clusters and seemingly impossible techniques, it pushes the boundaries of traditional string performance, exploring methods rarely – or never – seen in standard practice. The musicians of the Vienna Synchron Orchestra rose to the challenge with excitement and curiosity, leaving convention behind in the process. The outcome is a collection of groundbreaking techniques, ranging from haunting textures and explosive bursts of energy to experimental sounds that defy the traditional rules of string playing.

Staying true to the Duality Strings concept, users can blend the lush, ambient sound of the full ensemble with the direct immediacy of a chamber-sized group. Recorded simultaneously at Vienna Synchron Stage, the larger ensemble performed in the iconic Stage A, while the smaller group played in the drier Stage B. Both ensembles performed together, with the conductor on the podium in Stage A also directing the ensemble in Stage B via video monitors. Thanks to this unique setup, all musical aspects are flawlessly aligned.

Included Techniques:

Cross slides
Glissando clusters
Measured vibrato
Pulsing clusters
Cluster trills
Shuffled shorts
Glissando short to/from cluster
Glissando détaché to/from cluster
Pizzicato glissando
Pizzicato on finger nails
Hammer-on
Vertical bowing
Aleatoric chaos
Scratches
Natural harmonics
Open strings clusters
Behind the bridge
Pegs down-tuning

The Standard Library and Full Library of Synchron Duality Strings (fx) both include the same articulations. The difference lies in the number of provided microphone positions.