Orchestral Tools Collaborates With Violin Maverick Aleksey Igudesman

Orchestral Tools announces Igudesman Solo Violin—a highly original and unconventional solo violin collection for the contemporary composer.

Igudesman Solo Violin — The combination of the leading sample library creators with the mischievous innovation of composer and violinist Aleksey Igudesman has forged an out-of-the-ordinary addition to Orchestral Tool’s extensive portfolio to lend inspiration for experimental and avant-garde musical compositions.

Unlike ordinary solo violin libraries, this collection comes from the unconventional mind of Aleksey Igudesman. Equal parts violinist, composer, and provocateur, Aleksey is known for virtuoso playing and unbridled creativity, as well as for his frequent collaborations with Hans Zimmer. This collection grants access to his unique, highly creative articulations and contemporary musical voice. The sounds on offer range from expressive gitano and klezmer leads to atonal scratches and ‘seagulls’.

Recorded on the legendary Teldex Scoring Stage in Berlin, Igudesman Solo Violin’s unique articulations and distinctive playing techniques produce eccentric and unexpected sounds from a traditional instrument—in this case, a rare and exquisite early 18th-century violin from Italian luthier Santo Serafin. The wide range of styles in the collection are grouped as follows: 

• Neo-electric: Fiery, distorted-sounding tones that replicate harmonic feedback were produced by applying strong bow pressure close to the bridge. With a range of long and short articulations plus decorative licks, these expressive articulations conjure the raucous sound of a fuzz-soaked electric guitar or saturated synth lead. 
• Standard articulations: These standard articulations would be considered exotic in any regular solo violin library. Though mostly created with traditional playing techniques, this group includes enthusiastic vibratos, pitch-shifting pizzicatos, reversed-sounding Klezmer tones, and pulsating drill-like sounds produced with an electric milk frother. 
• Rhythms: Sampled patterns—recorded with a variety of tempos, octaves, and dynamics—provide a fast way to add motion to a composition. Select patches that place accents on octaves and choose from three distinct atonal playing techniques. 
• Percussive non-pitched: Build tension or create unique percussive parts with atonal effects including scratches, chops, and glissandi—all recorded at several tempos. Emphasize dramatic on-screen moments or evoke the natural sounds of ducks or seagulls.

Igudesman Solo Violin is available now for an introductory price of €129 (regularly priced at €199) through February 9th from the Orchestral Tools website. For more information, please click here.