"essential" software for composing orchestral work

[coFane]

I produce my own solo artist material. I'd like to venture into writing cues and orchestral scores in general for TV/trailers/film/games etc...

 

What are some tried and true sound libraries and instruments that a person like me should have for doing this? I want to create the most professional sounding orchestral pieces possible from my computer.

 

Thanks!

[davebeans]

I would recommend Synthogy Ivory Grand II for Piano Work and Spectrasonics Omnisphere holds a fantastic library of samples to begin with.

 

You'll then want to look into a good string library. I personally use LA Scoring Strings which do a fantastic job, but there are many good libraries. It appears some of the best composers mix and match string libraries for the best effect.

[coFane]

I would recommend Synthogy Ivory Grand II for Piano Work and Spectrasonics Omnisphere holds a fantastic library of samples to begin with.

 

You'll then want to look into a good string library. I personally use LA Scoring Strings which do a fantastic job, but there are many good libraries. It appears some of the best composers mix and match string libraries for the best effect.

 

WOW! LA strings sound amazing! Do LA strings work well for all the orcehstral percussion, brass and woodwind arrangements as well?

 

Thanks!

[davebeans]

They do well on all aspects for me, honestly.

Yet, not much of my personal work includes woodwinds or orchestral percussion.

 

I also have East/West libraries which are worth checking out. I've used those for orchestral percussion and brass work on a production that was released.

 

Native Instruments Kontakt has libraries for percussion, brass and woodwinds as well that you can look into.

 

These are good starting points - google for interviews with composers and they tend to discuss what libraries they use. Obviously, it varies per user what you are looking for. Mixing techniques help as well!