This is Elgar's "Nimrod" from the Enigma Variations, arranged by K. Greisinger for string quartet. I think it's a very nice arrangement. It made a nice Sunday project, took a total of about 6 hours. I used SmartScore X2 Pro to import the score and generate an MXL file, then I got to work.

Strings here are Spitfire Sacconi Quartet, recorded in Notion, no DAW involved. Each staff has three sequencer staves, one for Dynamics, Expression and Vibrato. I love the power of these strings, and the dynamic range is amazing. This piece starts pp and finds its way to ff.

Almost all notes were manipulated for start and end times, and velocity overdub was used for humanization. NTempo was essential for a human performance as well.

If you're not familiar with them, Spitfire libraries are typically recorded in specific venues. This library is recorded in Wigmore Hall, London. No additional reverb or panning was used, the samples are played back directly.

There are limited effects. I used Britson Channel Inserts and Britson Buss to add analog warmth to the mix, as well as PSP Vintage Warmer 2 for tape emulation. There is also some limiting as the dynamic range is so great that the pp tends to get lost without it.

Enjoy, and let me know what you think!



Michael