Rachmaninov, Symphony No 2 Complete, Sibelius/Noteperformer virtual performance video score

Created using Sibelius music notation software (Version 7.1.3 First) and the Noteperformer 3 sounds engine. I made a separate .sib file and .wmv video for each movement, then combined them as a single MP4.

The Sibelius Mixer allows only one setting per file, so I did the best I could to obtain a reasonable balance between instrument volumes in each movement. In addition I used hidden dynamics (~f, ~ff) to increase volume, and also the midi ensemble message to increase the notional number of solo instruments for example, ~C104,4 on the Horn stave should sound like 4 Horns. Even so, it's sometimes difficult to get it right everywhere, for example woodwinds sometimes don't punch through as much as I would like.

The score includes several transposing instruments not available in this version of Sibelius, notably Horns in E and Trumpets in A so instead I used Horns in F and Trumpets in C, with appropriate transpositions.

This version of Sibelius only allows a maximum of 16 staves, so in order to include all instruments, I have merged divisi parts onto single staves using Sibelius' Voices (Flutes, Oboes, Horns, Trumpets, and sometimes strings). I included the 'Piatti e Gran Cassa' (Cymbal and Bass Drum) and tambourine on the single Drum Set stave, and also the Glockenspiel (difficult to hear sometimes, especially the higher notes).

In common with most performances, I do not repeat the First Movement exposition: the movement is long enough as it is! All notes were entered 'by hand', so please forgive any errors.

For many more pieces (Rachmaninov, Beethoven, Mahler, Strauss and more) see my playlist    • Classical pieces realised using Sibel...  

00:00 Mvt 1: Introduction (Largo)
05:23 Mvt 1: Exposition (Allegro Moderato)
09:26 Mvt 1: Development
16:04 Mvt 1: Recapitulation
18:31 Mvt 1: Coda
20:18 Mvt 2
30:19 Mvt 3
44:00 Mvt 4