Classical Recording by Haigh, Caroline; Dunkerley, John; Rogers, Mark;

Short description:

Classical Recording: A Practical Guide in the Decca Tradition is the authoritative guide to all aspects of recording acoustic classical music. It equips the student, the interested amateur and the practising professional with the required knowledge and confidence to tackle everything from solo piano to opera.

Long description:

Classical Recording: A Practical Guide in the Decca Tradition is the authoritative guide to all aspects of recording acoustic classical music. Offering detailed descriptions, diagrams, and photographs of fundamental recording techniques such as the Decca tree, this book offers a comprehensive overview of the essential skills involved in successfully producing a classical recording. Written by engineers with years of experience working for Decca and Abbey Road Studios and as freelancers, Classical Recording equips the student, the interested amateur, and the practising professional with the required knowledge and confidence to tackle everything from solo piano to opera.

'I cannot imagine a more comprehensively written book about the principles and practicalities of the Decca approach to recorded sound (…) The book is essential reading not only for students but also anyone with a true interest in the art and science of recording music in such a way that it connects with the listener. This book will remain relevant for decades to come.'　– Simon Eadon, Abbas Records

'This book distils the thoughts and techniques from the pioneers of the business into a definitive reference book for anyone who works in recording or has a passion for recorded music. Wherever you use a microphone, from drum kits to Mahler’s 8th symphony, from bathrooms to concert halls, you’ll discover a wealth of techniques and set ups to help deliver the best musical experience from the kit you have.' – Jonathan Allen

'The authorship(s) from three Decca experts draw on their impressive and vast experience to illuminate one of the greatest traditions of classical recording.This book will become the necessary reference for any engineer or producer wishing to gain an understanding of the timeless techniques that can be employed in any modern recording.'

– Peter Cobbin and Kirsty Whalley, Such Sweet Thunder

Table of Contents:

Acknowledgements

Introduction

Glossary of Terms, Acronyms, and Abbreviations

PART I – Before Recording

1. Acoustics and The Recording Venue










2. Studio Techniques and Working On Location







　PART II – Recording









3. Basic Two-Microphone Stereo Techniques










4. Solo Instruments










5. The Piano










6. Voice: Solo and Accompanied










7. Solo Instruments and Piano










8. The Decca Tree










9. Ancillary Microphones










10. Surround Sound Techniques










11. Solo Instruments and Orchestra










12. Chamber Ensembles










13. Wind, Brass, and Percussion Bands










14. Organ










15. Choirs










16. Solo Voice, Orchestra and Choir







　




PART III – After The Recording Session









17. Mixing










18. Editing and Post-Production










19. Mastering

Appendices

Bibliography and Further Reading

Index