Are violins 1 different in terms of timbre from violins 2 in real life?
We have Violins1 and Violins2 in MS4. I can tell that their timbres are different. I wonder if it's because in real symphonic orchestra two groups of violins are also differing from each other in terms of timbre? Or is it like in real life their timbres are always the same, but in MS4 we are given a privilege to choose different timbres for them?
Comments
Any two different groups of violins will have different timbres. No two instruments sound alike - apart from electronic instruments; and neither are the sounds that different players produce even on the same instrument alike - different bowing speeds, different bowing positions, different bowing pressures, different vibrato techniques etc, etc. Also the relative positions of instruments will cause differences. 2nd violins are usually behind the 1st section from the audiences point of view and therefore the sound has to pass through the 1st violin section and will likely be filtered in some way. Differences in phasing due to different sound travel times will also come into play and will be experienced differently in different parts of the auditorium. These are just examples. There are many more factors that will determine what each violin section sounds like.
So, yes, in real life the 2nd violins are very likely to sound different to the 1sts.
Whether Muse Sounds has captured all the subtleties of what goes to make up an orchestral sound I leave to you as a listener to decide.
In reply to Any two different groups of… by SteveBlower
Okay, let me put it this way: are violins 1 in real life made in accordance to a design that is different from that of violins 2? Do they differ a bit in size and shape (like, for example, violins are different from violas)? Are they made of different material? Or, perhaps, there is some difference in bows?
In reply to Okay, let me put it this way… by innerthought
You mean, are they physically different? Instruments from different makers are, well, different and there will be a different range of makes/models/ages of instruments in each section, but not in any systemic way. You get whatever each individual player brings along and there is no distinction between what that is likely to be for either 1st or 2nd section.
In reply to You mean, are they… by SteveBlower
I see. Thank you!
In reply to Okay, let me put it this way… by innerthought
No they aren't different. You don't buy a first or second violin, they are all just violins.
In reply to No they aren't different… by frfancha
But yes the sound is different exactly as explained by Steve
In reply to No they aren't different… by frfancha
I see. Thank you for your answer.
In reply to I see. Thank you for your… by innerthought
Or another possibility is that violin 2 is just a different sound. and not just the second violin section.
I place the second violin section on the opposite side of the orchestra. Then use the violin sound that best suits what I am writing. I might use the violin 2 sound for both sections. Or violin 1 for both.