The Hans Zimmer Composer Round Table

Summary

In this in-depth discussion, film score composers delve into the art of scoring, exploring the significance of using real orchestras and the impact of individual musicians' interpretations. They discuss the creative process, the importance of performance energy and dynamics, and how it translates to the audience. The conversation also touches on the evolution of sampling and digital music libraries, the challenge of maintaining originality in music, and the influence of conductors and orchestrators in shaping a film's emotional landscape.

Takeaways

• 😀 The quality of Spitfire's libraries is highly praised for keeping the composers busy and inspired.
• 🎵 Composers often prefer working with individual players and their unique instruments to create a distinct sound.
• 🤔 There's a suspicion that Spitfire might have taken inspiration from other libraries but pushed the boundaries too far with their Zima thing.
• 👥 The number of players used in an orchestra can greatly affect the balance and quality of the sound produced.
• 🏛️ Recording in well-known places like Abbey Road Studios isn't just for the Indian takeaway; it's because of the specific acoustics and atmosphere.
• 🎶 The evolution of music for projects like 'Game of Thrones' shows how music can grow and change over time, much like the characters and storylines.
• 👂 Listening to the samples and the way they're played can evoke emotions and set the tone for a film or series.
• 🎻 The individuality of musicians and their instruments is crucial in creating a unique sound that can't be replicated by a machine.
• 🎹 There's a debate on whether it's better to have the entire orchestra play together or to record sections separately for more control.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Having all musicians play together can create a collective energy and a more emotional performance.

Q & A

What is Spitfire mentioned in the script?

Spitfire is a company that creates high-quality sampled instrument libraries for composers and musicians. The script suggests that Spitfire may have taken inspiration from other libraries and created their own, possibly going 'one step too far' with certain aspects like the 'Zima thing'.

What does the speaker mean by 'down the center have one section of celli'?

This refers to a specific orchestral arrangement technique where the cello section is divided, with one group placed to the center and others to the sides, creating a spatial effect in the music.

What is the significance of the number 60 in the context of celli mentioned in the script?

The number 60 likely refers to the large number of celli used in a particular scoring session, which is unusually high and suggests an extremely large orchestra setup for a very rich and full sound.

What is the 'Zima thing' mentioned in the script?

The 'Zima thing' is not explicitly defined in the script, but it seems to refer to a particular feature or aspect of Spitfire's sampled libraries that the speaker finds to be excessively complex or overdone.

Why does the speaker mention '32 basis' in relation to Dunkirk?

The '32 basis' likely refers to the number of stems or individual recorded elements used in the soundtrack for the film 'Dunkirk', suggesting a complex and detailed mixing process.

What is the importance of the number 24 in the script?

The number 24 is mentioned as the number of bases Spitfire uses, which the speaker considers insufficient compared to the 'enormous amount' needed for a balanced sound, suggesting a criticism of the library's scope or quality.

What does the speaker mean by 'it's not a string library it's these individual players'?

The speaker is emphasizing that the quality of the music doesn't come from a generic string library but from the individual talents and characteristics of the string players recorded.

What is the significance of the speaker mentioning 'Indian takeaway'?

The mention of 'Indian takeaway' is likely a humorous aside, suggesting that the choice of recording location is not just about the quality of the sound but also about the amenities, like food, available there.

What is the 'experiment' referred to in the script?

The 'experiment' likely refers to the process of arranging a large number of string players in an atypical way, such as positioning different groups to the left and right, to see how it affects the sound and music creation.

Why does the speaker mention 'Henry will know how to make something huge'?

This suggests that 'Henry' is recognized for his ability to create large, impactful soundscapes or musical scores while still maintaining a sense of refinement or sophistication.