Publisher : Native Instruments
Format : Kontakt (8.1.0+), Kontakt Player
Quality : Stereo 48 kHz 24 bit
Description : A collection of exquisite string instruments
The Cremona Quartet brings together four of the world’s most treasured string instruments, capturing their sound with stunning authenticity. With phase-aligned stereo samples and meticulously sampled chromatic articulations, you’ll be able to explore every nuance and nuance of these historic treasures. Advanced parameter controls provide unrivaled precision, and the addition of the Cremona Quartet Ensemble makes creating detailed arrangements easier than ever.
Welcome to Cremona
The Italian city of Cremona, known as the birthplace of stringed instruments, has a long and special history. Each instrument, built hundreds of years ago from wood from the surrounding forests, has its own unique personality, and together their sound embodies the heart, soul and magic of this region. The Cremona Quartet , a collection of four treasured stringed instruments dating back to the 1600s, captures and preserves every detail of their rare characteristics.
• Phase-aligned velocity transitions on long articulations allow for superbly realistic bow changes
• Innovative live virtuoso vibrato modeling allows for highly realistic results with real-time control
• Customize the perfect tone for the mood, just like a real violinist would, with Low-String , High-String, and Smart fingerboard
positions • Switch between 20 articulations, including Long, Short, Expressive, Dynamic, and Special articulations, each with four legato transitions
• Mix close, middle, and far mic positions to create the perfect acoustic space for your string ensemble
Meet the Quartet
These instruments were made by the finest luthiers (string instrument makers) in history. Every note played by the virtuoso performers in the Auditorium Giovanni Arvedi in Cremona, and recorded with exceptional precision, is now immortalized for the present day.
Stradivarius Violin – “Vesuvius”
Antonio Stradivari was born around 1644 and is the most famous luthier in the history of violin making. His innovations in proportion and form set trends that continue to influence the craft today. His violin “Vesuvius”, the leader of our Cremona Quartet, was made in 1727, at the end of the master’s golden period. You can also enjoy the sound of “Vesuvius” in solo form with the Stradivari Violin Library .
Stradivarius Stauffer Cello
Although Stradivarius is best known for making violins, he also made other stringed instruments. His Stauffer cello, made in 1700, is listed as an Italian National Treasure. Complementing the quartet with rich, deep tones, it adds weight to the ensemble’s overall sound. You can also enjoy the Stauffer in solo form with the Stradivari Cello library .
Guarneri Violin – “Prince Doria”
Stradivari may be the most famous violin maker in the world, but many great performers and composers consider del Gesù (Giuseppe Guarneri’s nickname) to be the best. The second violin in this quartet is his “Prince Doria”, made in 1734.
Amati Viola – “Stauffer”
Andrea Amati , an innovator in the art of luthier, is considered the inventor of the violin as we know it. His son Girolamo continued this tradition in the family workshop in Cremona and in 1614 created the oldest instrument of the quartet – the “Stauffer” viola.
Cremona Quartet Ensemble brings all four instruments together in one place, allowing you to create stunning orchestral arrangements with ease and unrivaled speed. The new Auto Divisi function distributes parts smoothly across the entire ensemble, while real vibrato samples for sustain and marcato articulations give each instrument a vibrant personality and character.
An Unusual Recording Process
The sounds of the Cremona Quartet were recorded using a specially designed set of microphones and preamplifiers, placed in a specially created acoustic environment. Even the locals of Cremona played their part: during the recording, traffic near the hall was stopped so that no external noise could interfere with the process.
• Located in the city of Cremona and home to these precious instruments, the Museo del Violino (Museum of Musical Instruments) made the project possible by providing the recording facilities
• The Giovanni Arvedi Auditorium was specially built to allow the string instruments to sound their best
• The concert hall was designed by the Italian architect Giorgio Palu with the help of the Japanese acoustician Yasuhisa Toyota
• 32 microphones were placed throughout the concert hall to capture the various timbres of each instrument
• All recordings were carried out under armed guard due to the exceptional value of the instruments used
