The Secret to Orchestral Programming

Learn More about Abbey Road One - www.spitfireau...
In this video Christian shares the secrets to orchestral programming using Abbey Road One. Teaching you a fundamental lesson for improving your orchestral programming whilst using expression and emotion.
Download Christian's session as a Logic or MIDI file here:
Other libraries featured in the video:
Hans Zimmer Piano - www.spitfireau...
LABS Soft Piano - labs.spitfirea...
LABS Choir - labs.spitfirea...
LABS Textural Pads - labs.spitfirea...
Christian is using a Monogram (formerly Palette Gear) controller although he recommends The Kenton Control Freak and Korg Nano Control as excellent solutions. His keyboard is a Doepfer LMK4+ 88.
#AbbeyRoadStudios #SpitfireAudio #AbbeyRoadOne

[@davidsinclair699]

"Give it a little wiggle". Invaluable advice and an important habit.

[@joetowers4804]

Ok, ok... I won't make a joke about this.

[@MiksCasal]

Indeed! haha!

[@danimmel6721]

....just a little bit. :P

[@andybullemor-music5928]

Took me ages to clock that one initially!

[@MarcoPolux]

indeed! We get to learn and reinforce a lot of good habits here along with great sample library programing.

[@kelvynification]

It’s so refreshing to hear a composer/musician talk openly about not having the ability to read or write music. There are a lot of discussions regarding how important that knowledge is with purists damning those of us who - and in my case consciously - haven’t learnt to read or write. But what is abundantly obvious - especially in the case of Mr Henson - is that music is in the head and with the help of technology it’s extremely easy to transport those ideas into something tangibly audible. I have found that some - not all - trained composers find it difficult to move away - break the rules - of what becomes a musical straight jacket. In the end I’ve found it’s not always about what you have learnt and rules but what you do with with the ability you have... Johnny ‘one note’ Guitar Watson anyone:) Your tutorials are always informs,interesting and down to earth... I really appreciate your honesty:)

[@rdru2ner82]

This is one of my favorite videos on this channel. Helps explains how to write better as a composer, second time watching this and I learned more than the first time watching.

[@rene.rodriguez]

I love this video. Christian, I’m a beginner embarking on a midlife career pivot, yet even I can see that you are truly a gift to the community.

[@michaeldamsa]

This is the best explanation of orchestral programming I have seen/heard to date (and I'm 2 years late). Considering the tingling sensation I feel in my head right now, I believe there will be a marked improvement in how my strings sound. Thank you Christian 👏

[@VPXM2012]

Making it easier is one thing. Understanding it, is another. Thank you again for BBC OS 💫

[@gussemorentanos9418]

Thnak you so much for sharing this important information : EXPRESSION is essential in music , not only notes, not only choice of instruments . Music is emotion in motion.

[@elijahsiegler5516]

It feels as if you are teaching information and technique taught in top music universities, this is very valuable. As a musician and composer who is not attending a music school, this is very encouraging.

[@johnhall2009]

Thank you Christian!

[@grahammcrae4277]

Christian, you’re amazing. You’re one of the great writers AND programmers. Thanks for this.

[@OfficialStevenCravis]

and teachers!

[@forsale313]

Dude is a BEAST. I'll try this, it seems like it's wayyyy easier than drawing in automation on everything.

[@courtlaw1]

Thanks for the free masterclass. Abbey Road One is now my starting go to library. The other thing I found is that I can have many instances of Abbey Road One running at once and my computer never stutters one bit. I love it.

[@bringerofdoom3750]

What is it they say, "it's not what you are doing wrong... it is what you are not doing." I learned all kinds of things here I'm not doing. Great video.

[@freggo6604]

These 30 minutes went by in a flash. EXCELLENT tutorial. Thanks !!

[@vladimirkond]

With those controls you can make your music breathing or even holding a breath. Another words, you can bring more life to your creations. Thanks, Christian. Very valuable tutorial!

[@DanTremblayMusic]

SO much easier programming the expressions afterwards!! I am a two handed player, so this is perfect!! Thank you!!!

[@dpixvid]

Very enlightening! A somewhat comprehensive approach to modulation - many thanks!

[@musicmant2]

I play by ear, and new to recording, so the creation and emotional structure of an orchestral piece in Logic is most appreciated. A really enlightening tutorial Christian - thank you!

[@brianbergmusic5288]

Brilliant! I wish I had watched something like this long ago.

[@Reveticate]

So, not gonna lie, I spent my entire night last night scouring your guy's tutorials looking at how you all use expression. Literally right now I'm practicing using cc controls the very second I saw this.

[@LostLegendTrance]

Hands down I learn more from this channel than most of the other musician channels put together. Fantastic work as always!

[@rumar4u]

I want to add also that it's really important to know the bowing of the string... The closer to the hand the bow is touching the string, the more natural pressure is going to apply and thus, the louder dynamic (crescendo) that string will sound and vice versa, the further away from the hand the bow touches the string, the softer dynamic (diminuendo) is going to sound. When the composer understands this, he/she will know that longs & shorts will never sound equal in volume and are going to vary depending on the length and part of the bow actually touching the string.

[@jake-ul7oi]

Wow. The tip to swap CC1 and cc11 to the other finger has made a big difference. The thing that really sets good orchestrators apart is mixing of articulations etc into passages and good programming for this. It would be good to see some content around this more as I think a lot of people get stuck with creating scores that are purely legato patches / string passages etc without any kind of variation ( short sections etc )

[@spaced4448]

I installed this last week. Shame almost every time I use it I get the error message appear, something I don't get with all my other plugins. I'm uninstalling it as a matter of fact.

[@Notmehimorthem]

The best orchestral tutorial on the web - and I have seen them all . Fundamental techniques one absolutely MUST use to sound authentic

[@dokproduction9881]

First thanx a lot for your tutorials Christian, they are really helpful! Speaking about realism in orchestra programming, you forget to mention one thing which I think is really important: when programming horns , woods and choirs we have to think about the necessity to BREATH like real musicians do. A horn player will never be capable to play a 8 bars long without breathing.. So we have to think about it ;-) Doing that, I noticed that it gives more realism to the score. All the best! (Yvan from France)

[@godned74]

Brilliant and simple tutorial and very easy to understand. After 33 years of music (mostly heavy metal) I am finally getting into writing classical style music and using expressive automation. Why did I not notice this type of music more when I was so young a foolish I will never know. Cheers.

[@giancarlomaldonado]

This is a Master Class. It's a bummer that the MIDI files are not available. Thank you, Christian!

[@DemfireCreation]

I was just looking for a clean example of sound shaping with the mod wheel and expression tools found in orchestral librairies. Ended up with much more. Thank you for the small tips throughout the video, especially the hand drawing pencil. ✍

[@kabedford]

Hi Christian! I recently upgraded my MIDI controller to a Novation LaunchKey 25 Mk3. It's lovely. One of the things I love most-mod and pitch wheels! I've been watching your videos for two years, seeing what you can do with your expression controls, and wishing I could do the same on my humble LaunchKey Mk2, but alas. Now, though! 😎⚡️ A few nights ago I was playing with my LABS Choir in Ableton, but with the Mk3, with the mod wheel, etc-and OMG! What a difference it made. I was so happy, @Christian. Thank you for all your inspiration! :)

[@rafsandomierz5313]

Defenetly thanks for the importance of having multiple volume gains, now I understand more.

[@glynnhodgesmusic3140]

Billiant Christian. How to add emotion and feeling to the music we make. A professional presentation, a great host and the reason I changed from EastWest to Spitfire Audio. Keep up the good work.

[@danielleohallisey4218]

Best tutorial on the topic I’ve seen. Thank you!

[@LernGuru]

😊👍👍👍👍👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻thank You so much, Christian. Most illuminating and You are such a great teacher!

[@okay1904]

Valuable - one of the best videos with real value. Well done Christian Henson. Thanks

[@deanwhitlock3312]

"mellow chocolatey stuff" and "the growl" defines (low) brass to a T.

[@robertsillitoe]

Best tutorial I have seen on Orchestral Programming. It is not as scary as it seems!

[@scottlarock7924]

I just have to throw this in here. If anyone happens to have a Microsoft Surface dial or can get your hands on one for cheap, there is an amazing app called elephant that you can install which will allow you to use the surface dial as a control plugin for all of your faders and knobs and the like. It got an update recently and has an amazing amount of customization.

[@petehanratty950]

Beautifully explained, inspiring. Validating my musical illiteracy! Thank you.

[@SeldomSleek]

Thanks for the trick with two faders! Brilliant one!

[@nicolasgalipeau3632]

When he was doing the cellos and the basses, everytime System of a Down would pop in my head! Great video!

[@hopesonmakokha5217]

This is really useful. I recently got feedback that my string section lacked expressive quality. So here I am. That was brilliant Christian!

[@mr_don_key]

secret to orchestral programming is dynamics AND articulations.

[@petekrostag8974]

Thank you for being such a great teacher!

[@Ahmad-Mounir44]

I can't read music either! Good to know that someone can't read music like me and made it to be a media composer. This give me hope really! Thanks :)

[@faithalityblog]

The wiggle! Thank you! I always wondered why I had that problem sometimes.

[@MikeDKelley]

Thanks so much, Christian. As always I learn more from you in 30 minutes than I could in a lifetime of study (I haven't even tried Abby Road yet but I'm glad I bought it).

[@AlienorchestraNetoslo]

I never went to music college, I'm reading music 50% maybe I will never make it where I want to be in the world of music just because of these two things you mentioned in the beginning of video but the technology allows me to do so and my passion to create music and play instruments and not just virtual ones and 'of course' wonderful Spitfire products! Great video..Thank you...

[@paulaugusteofficiel]

Keep on doing you, man. You will make it. Work hard and always believe in yourself no matter what.

[@AlienorchestraNetoslo]

@@paulaugusteofficiel Thank you!

[@DavidNutter1963]

This is pure gold.

[@gjkoolen]

Today I bought my copy of Abbey Road One! Truly amazing. This video helps a lot on how to get the max out of it. Thanks!

[@brianwellscomposer]

More than one gain stage. Now that is a superb point! Thanks Christian.

[@_emanmodnar]

So many fantastic brass bands in England. Wish somebody would hook up with some of these bands, making a sound pack with brass-sounds that actually sound like brass instruments. There's so many nuances, timbres, mutes, attack styles, playing styles... The sound of artificial brass hasn't changed in 30 years - It still sound like a band of kazoos!

[@JF-zv4oc]

Totally agree. None of the brass sounds in the video sounded anything like an actual brass instrument.

[@Mopantsu]

We really do need some Welsh brass bands and Welsh choirs!

[@TheCueTube]

Really great. Gonna share this with the Cue Tube community as it'll help them a lot I think. Thanks for your generosity to the community.

[@DPiano]

One of the greatest informative video Christian, thx so much!

[@Justin.Franks]

I just wish some company would release a compact, inexpensive MIDI fader controller. Three or four 100mm faders, $100-$150 or so. Maybe even a fancy version with motorized faders for a bit more to get rid of the need to "give it a little wiggle" as shown in the video.

[@michellamontagne]

Thank you so much I am so happy to learn about that wiggling thing with the modulating wheel . I was doing the same thing with my keyboard and I thought maybe something was wrong with my keyboard. I am new with all that stuff I just bought a keyboard last may and I am making music with BBC symphony orchestra. Now I know there is nothing wrong with my keyboard. Thank you so much for all the other tricks very useful

[@thailandemonamour6910]

Thank you very much to show us many paths of writing music and using all tools to be more human. Great video. 🙏

[@7StarsDog]

Thank-you Christian. It's very helpful to know how to create realistic phrasing. Your videos are so helpful. Also, in relation to other comments, I don't like subscription services - when you stop them you own nothing!

[@gonzales2174]

I received your serious suggestion. I am very grateful.

[@leighrussell8908]

Best training I have seen on creating music on the computer

[@cvicelaandrej2086]

Great story behind at the beginning and obviously awesome valuable informations!

[@marklholloway]

Nuances Controller, hand made by Pierre in France, is the way to go. Beautifully functional, flexible, and affordable 👍

[@ellarhwang]

Thank you❤

[@superblondeDotOrg]

It seems to me that Expression Pedal would be the best solution here, for keyboard playing composer people, using a foot. Ride the MIDI expression pedal like Kirk Hammett rides his Wah.

[@TheCrowHillCo]

How do you use your sustain pedal if you're using both feet for expression / dynamic?

[@superblondeDotOrg]

@@TheCrowHillCo It is a solid question, pianists treat the sustain pedal like some holy mechanism. In fact it is just an on-off switch, just another expression toggle. Guitarists have a dozen pedals and tap-dance through their entire performance including while singing and shredding. I assure you, expression pedals should be possible, just like the growing numbers of one-man-band instrumentalists can juggle four instruments, a looper, a sequencer, two vocal mics, percussion pads, and live feedback to the audience to say "thanks for the tip" all without skipping their flow.

[@akitolo7140]

hi is the modulation the channel volume and expression? am very new to this. dont have a midi controller on keyboard. so doing it manually on ableton. asistance would be great.

[@drwhiteguru]

I draw in the modulation and expression data after my take by looking at the midi notes in Logic. I use the pencil tool and it only takes a few minutes after I get a take I like and it really does make a difference. I start and stop a little and can even follow the cursor as it plays back in real time. I also do a volume automation pass or two at the end.

[@DarkBurden]

Many thanks for this video. I didn't know I can play around with my knob. I mean M-Audio mini keystation volume control knob. It really makes a difference when you adjust volume within each note.

[@melodikmusic]

Fantastic tutorial on this subject! It was so needed and so well done. Thanks!

[@wyshwood]

For us noobs, this is a terrific insight into rudimentary understanding of the emotions of instruments. Good work, Christian.

[@volpe_sol]

Best tutorial on orchestral programming i've seen ever! Thank you

[@callumlau1608]

This tutorial was truly amazing. Thank you for sharing your knowledge in such a clear and concise way. Really helpful.

[@bassManDavis1953]

At last, I finally, know what it is? An expression controller, have seen these on many studio desks and also how to get such a feel for orchestral music.

[@plasticcreations7836]

Thank you very much for this guide. I'm just starting my journey in music composition and am suffering from the states of mind you describe such as wondering how I will be able to play the notes and operate the faders at the same time (now I know its ok to do it separately). I love how you describe how the instruments sound (e.g. chocolatey) instead of sticking to technical terms. This makes it easier to understand as a beginner.

[@twombley]

The world makes sense now!

[@alejandronieto576]

Thanks again Christian!

[@qomplex]

Thanks Christian !!! Greatly appreciate this video.

[@ramonkey2939]

Yep this was helpful!

[@andybullemor-music5928]

I had no idea that you could record the Mod and Expression data over the top!!! Mind blown!! I know what I am doing tonight!! Thank you so much Christian!!

[@littlegeneva2536]

Hi Andy, how is this done in Logic - do you know?

[@andybullemor-music5928]

@@littlegeneva2536 So you just record your MIDI track then go back to the beginning and record over it adding your mod and expression. I've done it a few times and it's great!

[@dokertimusic7934]

Andy Bullemor - Composer Thanks Andy. It just recorded over the midi information, which of course results in silence and performance data erased. I guess I need to activate/deactivate a secondary setting?

[@olukz2529]

simply amazing how simply you are able to explain orchestral concepts. I get it now

[@raff_violinist]

Gracias Christian! 🤘🤘🤘

[@patrickdineen4994]

Great video thanks so much

[@andyhyner7864]

Very helpful. I'm getting more out of Abbey Road One Orchestral Foundation thanks to your programming tips. Thanks Christian.

[@seanchristophersynthesizer6999]

Great info! I've written for more than a few small orchestras (under 20 performers) and have no formal training, but self study and great videos like this are why some of us are blessed to be able to do these sort of things without the formal training. :)

[@misterpete1928]

Fantastic tutorial as ever Christian! An interesting point, but when I'm controlling both Modulation and Expression, I have cc11 on my foot pedal and CC1 on the modwheel. It's also achievable with TouchOSC or sometimes I use my Roli Lightblock too. Loads of ways to do this but it's an invaluable lesson this one so thanks again Christian!

[@timball8429]

This is superb!!!! Thanks so much for posting.

[@gibsonsvideo]

This is very clear explanation thank you wel Christian.

[@francisbrandl9484]

Thank you...well explained.Learned some new things.

[@colineastwood1357]

Very useful advice, well delivered. Thank you!

[@Magluss]

Thanks for your time and your easy explanation. I really like how you make it clear that the important thing is to feel how those instruments would work, to put your feeling as if you were playing them. And it doesn't matter so much whether it's a high-end or low-end controller, what matters is the warmth of your intention. And if we don't always have the Pencil. I loved your explanation. Thanks a lot. We listen to each other in this Sound Universe.

[@bobsabin]

Very helpful!

[@euansmithmusic]

It was thanks to SA that I started using expression control and wow did it change my whole approach and outlook to composing. I always love these insights in your videos and your libraries have revolutionised my creative approaches. Thanks Christian and thanks Spitfire 😁🎵

[@federicoverdicchio]

Long story short: "Give it a wiggle". Incredibly useful tutorial, thanks Christian! 🙏

[@Leotique]

Very helpful, thanks Christian !

[@BradDollar]

Wow! The power of nuance.

[@Alchemetica]

The wiggle to set initial parameter values can also be accomplished by a "midnight-roll-over" where a number of bars are used before bar one to preset values and program changes. The bars before "midnight" mean bar 1 coincides with the start of the piece some bars forward of the track start. NB: Not all DAWs can move bar one or insert bars before bar one. This video tute was a good explanation of the two basic controllers for orchestral instruments, nice work Christian.

[@TheCrowHillCo]

Indeed every single cue I have ever written starts at bar 5 for this very purpose.

[@Justin.Franks]

On a side note, including the Logic sessions (and MIDI, for users of other DAWs) as you guys are seeming to do more often nowadays, is great. It would be _awesome_ to have these available for the walkthrough and in action videos for each product!

[@oortone]

Very interesting and informative but I'd really have loved to hear more about the woodwinds, which I think are the most complicated section since the timbral differencews between the four is very large.

[@SimonFreston]

Amazing, cant wait to start with some strings

[@mattcummins4312]

This was fabulous! Thanks Christian!

[@olachristianbardsen3171]

Thank you Christian for a fantastic tutorial. Was finally able to program my old SL mk II (no more automap) and CC expression and dynamics to the faders. Wanted to know more about controlling this while playing, and you showed me that here! Looking forward to play with Originals Choir with this in my arsenal!

[@MirkoBrunoOfficial]

Great video Christian! Thanks!! Buona musica, Mirko from Italy 🇮🇹

[@hopethisworks1212]

Invaluable information concisely given and without shouting like the american tutorials.

[@TheCrowHillCo]

Thats why we have our microphones almost shoved down our throats in Spitfire vids, keep that bedside manner mellow, but also helps if people can actually hear what we're talking about when we're not talking! This one was a nightmare to mix as I usually do coarse normalisation across all musical examples so it is clearly balanced against the voice, but in this I had to demonstrate the power of stuff being quiet and loud so had to ride the mix like a rodeo bull.

[@knuck75]

Thanks Christian! just what i was looking for.