6 Of The Best Orchestral Software
We’re very sad to report the recent passing of our orchestral expert Keith Gemmell and in memory of his contributions to MusicTech we thought we’d round up the best orchestral software instruments and collections. Be sure to look at our more recent 6 top pieces of Scoring Software… 6 of the Best Orchestral Software Best […]

We’re very sad to report the recent passing of our orchestral expert Keith Gemmell and in memory of his contributions to MusicTech we thought we’d round up the best orchestral software instruments and collections. Be sure to look at our more recent 6 top pieces of Scoring Software…
6 of the Best Orchestral Software
Best Delicate Phrasing – Sonokinetic Sotto
Sonokinetic is famed for making some of the best orchestral software. Titles like Grosso and Capriccio have focused mainly on the grandiose, but Sotto concentrates on the lighter side of orchestral composition with a variety of soft beds and patterns.
With Strings, Wind and Brass sections, there is plenty here for a variety of cinematic orchestral productions. “Entire compositions suitable for atmospheric backgrounds can be realised with just Sotto alone.
It works wonders if you’re stuck for ideas – a true source of inspiration to kickstart a composition and maintain a constant mood throughout. For composers and producers on a tight deadline, this is a marvellous inspirational tool and timesaver. Bravo Sotto. Beautifully conceived phrase-based library suitable for film and game music, where light orchestral sounds are required.”
Details
Price €302
Contact via website
Web www.sonokinetic.net
Best Orchestral Strings – NI String Ensemble
The Symphony Series’ rationale is not surprisingly to provide composers with a comprehensive toolset for creating realistic orchestral productions. String Ensemble has four Kontakt instruments: violins, violas, cellos and basses.
In his review, Keith Gemmell said: “With its rich, luscious, professional sound, this should prove popular with professional and amateur composers alike. This is an excellent full-size string orchestra with a great sound, which is easy to use and is suited for both quick sketching and end-production use.”
Details
Price Ensemble: £429
Web www.native-instruments.com
Best Update – Spitfire Audio Albion One
Albion One is a reworking of the award-winning and best-selling title from Spitfire. This time around, a 109-piece orchestra was used in the recording and the GUI redesigned, but the aim is still the same: to provide a broad range of orchestral brush strokes and to enable quick composition.