# Orchestral — Genre

> Large symphonic ensemble music. Modern usage spans classical to film score to pop.

## Defining elements

- Full orchestra (50+ musicians)
- String, brass, woodwind, percussion sections
- Wide dynamic range
- Layered textures
- Often instrumental
- Concert hall acoustic

## Sub-types

- **Symphonic classical** — see classical.md
- **Film score orchestral** — see film-score.md
- **Modern orchestral** — Hans Zimmer, John Williams, Hildur Guðnadóttir
- **Pop orchestral** — pop with orchestra (Adele "Skyfall")
- **Rock orchestral** — Metallica with symphony
- **Hybrid orchestral** — orchestra + electronic (modern film)

## Typical instrumentation

### Strings
First violins (12-16) + Second violins (10-14) + Violas (8-12) + Cellos (8-12) + Double bass (6-8)

### Woodwinds
Flutes, oboes, clarinets, bassoons (2-3 each)

### Brass
Trumpets (3-4) + French horns (4-6) + Trombones (3) + Tuba (1)

### Percussion
Timpani + Cymbals + Snare + Bass drum + others as needed

### Optional
Piano, harp, choir

## Production characteristics

- Concert hall recording
- Wide dynamic range (pp to ff)
- Natural acoustics preferred
- Spot mics for sections + room mics
- Minimal compression

## For Suno

```
[Style: orchestral cinematic, 95 BPM, D minor, full orchestra - strings 
section + brass section + woodwinds + percussion + harp + occasional 
choir, wide dynamic range, concert hall acoustic, cinematic and emotional]
```

## Examples

- John Williams (Star Wars, Jurassic Park)
- Hans Zimmer (Inception, Interstellar)
- Hildur Guðnadóttir (Joker, Chernobyl)
- Modern classical: Max Richter, Ólafur Arnalds (chamber + orchestra)

## Avoid

- Electronic dominant
- Drum machine
- Pop song structure
- Compressed loudness
- Auto-tune