[Commons-l] symphonic (and other) sample library was Re: Dream a little...

Fri Oct 27 21:17:11 UTC 2006

I personally believe a symphonic (and other musical instrument) sample
library might be a worthwhile acquisition.

They are an necessary ingredient in modern music creation, are
relatively cheap to create (1 million was needed to create the Vienna
Symphonic Library which is the 'top of the line') yet are extremely
expensive to purchase ($4790 for the VSL Complete Orchestral Package
http://www.ilio.com/vienna/index.html ) (Or the East West Quantum Leap
Symphonic Orchestra -
http://www.soundsonline.com/EWQLSO-Platinum-Bundle-pr-EW-155PROB1.html
lists for  	$4,490.00)  Even at the lowest end of the symphonic sample
library offerings (far more limited sampling in both breadth and depth
of instruments; as well as a recording of only a small subset of each
instruments capabilities)  - the Garritan Personal Orchestra is 200$
http://www.garritan.com/

Those prices are per seat cost, so a school interested in allowing
each student in a 20 computer class to work on their own orchestration
is looking at nearly 100,000$ in sample library costs which is
obviously cost prohibitive.  (Of course I'm sure there must be school
discounts, etc. however how many schools would be willing or able to
afford even a single seat at list price?).

Providing sampling libraries would be a major enabler for the
unleashing of creativity and potential among individuals desiring to
create music across the world.  Perhaps doing for music creation what
the printing press did for reading.

Tom M.