Thread: Best windows program for classical compositions?

Hi all,

I've developed a taste for classical music somewhat recently, and i was thinking of doing some compositions.

Is there a program somewhere that best simulates classical music instruments from all families (string, woodwind, brass, percussion, keyboard, everything)? Yes, i know software synthesis will never match up to the real thing, but still. I'm not looking for a software with hardware setup...strictly software, with a good interface to compose some stuff using any combination of instruments from any family i choose. It doesn't have to be freeware, something expensive that can do the job i want would also be considered.

What are your recommendations?

My set up is Cubase 5 (my DAW), and for VSTi's I use:

Native Instruments Komple 5 Bundle (mainly Kontakt 3 & Akoustik Piano for classical),
MOTU Symphonic Instrument (showing it's age)
Reason

I've used Steinbergs "The Grand 2" some time ago, which I think is a significantly better piano than anything included in the other programs I use. However, that was a number of years ago, I've heard of some very nice (and HUGE (gigabyte wise)) programs that have come out since then, which I'm very eager to try.

I put some links to some of my samples up in the "Better auditioning device..." thread. There's also some nice fruityloops samples.

Do you have a DAW, midi device already?

Thanks David, i'll check out your recommendations.

Here's a thread I started that has amazing sounding instruments. I doubt I'll ever really be serious enough at composing to justify the price however.

Better auditioning device for composers?

I am fairly happy with FL Studio (between $200.0 to $300.00 USD) as I'm just trying to make electronic music anyway.

So i got the FLStudio 9 demo version, and i'm checking out the orchestral/piano packs. I feel the string pack is a little lacking (probably a lot lacking), but the piano pack is decent. Nonetheless i will probably be looking for more/better samples. Can i grab VSTi's from other sources and make them usable through FLStudio, or am i stuck with what FLStudio gives?

It will handle any VSTi. I have an insane number, mostly freebies.

I got the Absolute Piano Steinway VSTi, and it's very good. Only problem is the keyboard interface doesn't work too well, and is missing some notes (can't compose something exciting with mouse clicks...). Is there a good piano VSTi that has a configurable keyboard interface where i can map any notes i want?

Do you have a midi controller (keyboard connected to a PC)? If you want to record, you're also going to need a DAW, such as Cubase (what I use). OR you could go the Sibelius/Finale route, which will give you virtual sheet music where you input your notes on a staff via the mouse (or midi controller if you have one). Both ways will allow you to output your sounds to the piano VSTi.

David, i think i finally might have found what i am looking for. Sibelius looks really great, i will most likely end up buying it after the demo runs out.

I don't think have a midi controller, unless a regular keyboard will do just fine from your comment? I believe the Absolute Piano Steinway is both a DAW and VSTi, unless i'm mistaken. It's a DAW in that you can click on the virtual pianos keys to produce certain notes, and it's a VSTi in the type/quality of notes it provides. I'm still not 100% on the whole DAW/VSTi thing, but from what i know so far i think what i said sounds right, correct me if i'm wrong. So you're saying i can link this thing to Sibelius and whatever piano key i click will show up as a note on the music sheet? That sounds very awesome.

First - a computer keyboard may work within some programs as a midi controller, but what i actually meant was something more like this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6V2bUTqdOE

It's basically a piano keyboard, but allows output (now usually through USB) to be sent to your computer - you just play the notes like you would on an acoustic piano, and they get sent to your DAW, where you can select what VSTi you want to play the sound.

VSTis = Virtual Studio Technology Instruments - these are just instruments (ie, a cello VSTi, a piano VSTi)/recording tools such as reverb and the like, you don't record in VSTis. You record in a DAW.

DAW = Digital Audio Workstation - this is where the notes from your midi controller get sent to and recorded. Since MIDI doesn't record sounds (just numbers), you're able to do precise editing within the DAW, and you're able to tell the DAW essentially "for this track (ie, piano), I want you to use this piano VSTi." Then you will hear that VSTi sound when you select that track and start playing your keyboard/recording.

The Absolute Piano program you have is just a VSTi. I think generally with Sibelius you would be on the sheet music screen, and input the notes on the staff, like you were writing sheet music. That's the way I use to work Finale. There's an option within the program settings to output tracks to whatever VSTi you have installed - you would tell Sibelius to play the Absolute Piano VSTi sound bank instead of the corny sounding general midi sound bank.

Edit - here's a DAW in action. The tracks he has at the beginning are the VSTi's - the great thing about midi is you can change what instrument plays what (ie, if you want a violin instead of a cello), you can change the dynamics pretty easily, whether the note sustains or not, etc etc.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Up6wAkjYcrg

Here's a guy playing a vsti:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mxliXQz5yQ

And speaking of midi controllers, mine is about 5 years old and not a USB, but my newer computer's sound card does not have a midi connector. Is there such a thing as a midi to USB adapter? I don't want to ditch the keyboard. There's nothing otherwise wrong with it. (Not wishing to sidetrack the thread.)

Originally Posted by Weston

And speaking of midi controllers, mine is about 5 years old and not a USB, but my newer computer's sound card does not have a midi connector. Is there such a thing as a midi to USB adapter? I don't want to ditch the keyboard. There's nothing otherwise wrong with it. (Not wishing to sidetrack the thread.)

Actually yeah, I believe I've seen interfaces for it. You could also go the new sound card route, or try one of the midi-usb cables:

http://www.amazon.com/MIDI-Cable-Con.../dp/B001LJUVO4

I've never used one, so I really don't know what the drivers for it would be like, or if it's just plug and play.

Well smack me silly! I'll order one right away. I've gone for several months without the keyboard.

ok, on to the next phase...MIDI controller. I swung by Best Buy today for some new headphones and stumbled into the music section. There i saw various keyboards that were way too huge and way too pricey for me. Best thing i saw was this:

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/p...530&lid=627063

What i liked about this was the compactness, mainly. I can't comment on the price because i honestly don't know if there's something better for a cheaper price. I did want more keys to be able to cover more ground in one shot, though.

Anyways, does anyone know off hand (or where i can start looking for) something that has 52 flat keys, is thin and easy to store, and is of good quality? I'm also not looking for something with a crazy array of synthesizer options (this kept to an absolute minimum is what i'm looking for)...just something with a lot of keys that i can use with my VSTi.

Thanks for the help so far, guys.

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Keyboard...Controllers.gc


This is probably what I would get if I was in the market for one again:

http://www.guitarcenter.com/M-Audio-...64-i1154547.gc