New Vienna Symphonic Library Collection

US VSL releases Synchron Duality Strings (virtuoso) 03/05/24

The Vienna Symphonic Library has announced the release of the fourth installment in their Duality Strings series: Synchron Duality Strings (virtuoso). They tell us that the all-new library features two string ensembles playing a variety of short notes and phrases that were recorded at once, performing simultaneously in separate rooms at Synchron Stage Vienna. While the large ensembles played their instruments in Stage A, the small ensembles played in the dryer Stage B, performing perfectly in sync.

VSL says that users who have registered or purchase Synchron Duality Strings (regular) are receiving a free articulation expansion including hard staccatos and sustains without vibrato. To mark the occasion, all previously released installments of the Duality Strings Series are available at their original introductory prices. Here's more details directly from the company...

Synchron Dualtiy Strings (virtuoso) is an exciting addition to the Duality series, expanding the articulations of Duality Strings (regular) with a host of captivating and oftentimes quite unique articulations. From special short notes to glissandos and bends, to a great variety of runs and arpeggios that were quite demanding for Vienna's first-class musicians, the fourth installment in the series promises to inspire and entertain.

Users of Synchron Duality Strings (regular) will find the playing techniques of the virtuoso collection seamlessly integrated into their existing range of available articulations. As an example, the category of short notes of the Merged Preset will now display 10 different options, from the spiccato, staccato and détaché variations to martelé, ricochet and saltando.

The recordings for this collection required an extremely high level of skill from the musicians involved, who needed decades of experience to achieve this kind of controlled, yet emotional virtuosity. Playing arpeggio loops in the upper hand positions is not only extremely challenging, but also quite unusual. Each individual player has contributed a great deal of energy and expertise that comes alive in this unique virtual instrument.

Here's a quick rundown of what's included:

•       Martelé: a détaché with a sharp attack achieved by placing the full weight of the bow on the strings even before the bow stroke
•       Ricochet: throwing the bow on the string so that it bounces and produces a series of rapid notes
•       Saltando: playing rapidly in the middle of the bow so that the bow bounces very slightly off the string after every note.
•       Short, medium and long crescendos and diminuendos
•       Glissandos: the sliding of the finger on the string – normal/tremolo/saltando, very fast/very slow, up/down
•       Chromatic Runs played legato and détaché a 5th/3rd/2nd up and down, also available as loops
•       Rises and Falls: up and down slides at the end of short/détaché/sustained/cresc./dim. notes
•       Arpeggios: major, minor, major 7th, minor 7th, augmented and 5th chords in various tempos, also available as loops
•       Pizzicato arpeggios

The Standard Library and Full Library of Synchron Duality Strings (virtuoso) both include the same articulations. The difference lies in the number of provided microphone positions.

Pricing and Availability:
The new Collection is currently available at introductory prices of €225 (reg. €295) for the Standard Library and €335 (reg. €445) for the Full Library.

More information: