LISTEN

A CASE STUDY OF PRIMA VISTA

Zackery Wilson is a doctoral composition student at the University of Texas. He recorded his piece "Swallow Falls" during our July 2014 PrimaVista sessions. Zack's piece, a 7-minute work for string orchestra, was written in 2011 as a commission for the Sacramento Youth Symphony.

On the morning of the session, Zack connected to the production team in Europe by video conference and listened to the orchestra via a high-quality audio stream coming direct from the microphones in the hall as heard by the production team.

A FIRST LOOK

After a few minutes of introductions, the piece was placed in front of the players. This was the first time the orchestra had seen the music.

Listen to the orchestra's first read through "Swallow Falls" below. To follow along in the score, click here.

THE DISCUSSION

While the orchestra rehearsed on their own, Zack connected with the PARMA production team. They each talked about their impressions of the piece, and small changes were suggested for the score.

Listen to the discussion below.

THE SECOND RUN THROUGH

With the piece now under the players' fingers, the in-studio production team communicated with the conductor and explained the changes they and Zack wished to make to the score. Then, the orchestra gave the piece a second full run-through.

Listen to the orchestra's final take of "Swallow Falls" below.

AFTER THE SESSION

Shortly after the session, all of these recordings were delivered to Zack after the PARMA Audio Department had created a reference mix. Zack is now free to use these recordings in any non-commercial context (his website, demo reel, for any future applications or competition submissions, and for any non-profit educational or personal use).

Here is what Zack had to say about his experience.

"My experience was extremely favorable - all the recording staff were very helpful and kind. Thanks for all of your help!"

Zack