Orchestral Tools has launched Heddal, a Scandinavian soundscapes library for its SINE sampler platform. The collection combines traditional Nordic instruments, purpose-built ensembles, and processed sound-design material recorded at Heddal Stave Church in Norway.
Heddal was conceived by Norwegian composer, orchestrator, and creative producer Martin Raabe Olsen. According to Orchestral Tools, the project explores Scandinavian legends and traditions alongside contemporary cinematic scoring approaches, with the aim of placing folk instruments in new musical contexts.
The library includes eight traditional Scandinavian solo instruments and percussion. The solo material covers bowed and plucked strings as well as wind instruments, with available articulations varying by instrument. These include legato performances, selected tuning options, and characteristic ornaments and playing techniques.
Five recorded ensembles form another part of the collection. These combinations include nyckelharpa with contemporary strings and accordion, as well as langeleik with acoustic guitar. The ensembles were performed together in the recording space rather than assembled from separate individual parts.
Heddal also includes an ensemble of throat singers. Orchestral Tools describes the ensemble material as a resource for cinematic scoring and music requiring combinations of traditional instrumental colours with modern arrangements.
For further processed material, the library provides six groups of sound-design instruments containing 59 layered patches. These patches use the original Heddal recordings as their source material and extend the collection into atmospheric and processed textures.
All recordings were made at Heddal Stave Church, a historic wooden church in Norway. Orchestral Tools states that the venue was selected as part of the project’s recording approach and that its acoustics informed the performances.
Heddal is designed for use in projects including historical drama, fantasy-themed game music, and contemporary dramatic scoring. It is available for the SINE platform.
Heddal is available at an introductory price of €299 until June 24, after which the regular price is €399.
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