A Composers Compendium: Creating an Open Access Repository for Overcoming Obstacles & Improving Simulations with the Sampled Orchestra

This work charts the creation of an online resource, which compiles a body of techniques, methods and general information relating to the practice of replicating acoustic instrument performances and orchestral simulation (for the most part using sample based libraries). The work is designed to serve as a database or repository of various techniques and tutorials dealing with multiple aspects or issues which may be encountered as part of this practice. The work currently presented was compiled and researched by the author, but which on completion will then become an open platform for users to access, contribute to, or edit in the future. The resource was developed by following guidelines issued for similar resources and platforms by such online platforms as the Directory of Open Access Repositories (Open DOAR) as well as the Registry of Open Access Repositories (ROAR). This paper details the creation of the resource with each of the steps involved. The techniques which are documented in the resource are each listed and explored here, with examples of implementations. Background research and informal studies which helped to guide the repositories content are also included, in order to clarify the decisions regarding included material. Each technique in the compendium is categorised and cross-referenced and presented as a table to facilitate ease of use. Each technique is explained and accompanied by additional information such as diagrams or audio examples to help demonstrate how the technique is applied, as well as supporting information such as the provenance of the technique. The repository, which is titled ‘The Composer’s Compendium’ (hereafter referred to as the compendium), is included in its entirety in this thesis, with the online version found at the dedicated website www.midiorchestra.com. Following the completion of this project, users will be able to add new content and information to the website in keeping with Open Access Repository practices