LibreWave Osiris

Ancient Echoes

Osiris is a simsimiyya sample library. The simsimiyya is a traditional lyre that has a long history in Egypt, dating back to ancient times.

It is particularly associated with the religious traditions of the Sinai Peninsula. It is often used in religious ceremonies and celebrations, as well as in secular music, and it is known for its ability to create a hypnotic, trance-like atmosphere.

Egypt’s Musical Heritage

The simsimiyya is traditionally made from wood, with a resonating body that is typically covered in animal skin. The strings are made from nylon or gut and are played by plucking with the fingers or picking them with a plectrum.

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in the simsimiyya, both within Egypt and around the world. It is increasingly being used in contemporary music, and there are many musicians dedicated to preserving and promoting this important aspect of Egypt’s cultural heritage.

Articulations

The instrument includes both plucked and picked sample sets, tremolo, ebow drone recordings, and a selection of percussive hits. Additional articulations provide layered combinations of the main sample sets. For example there is picked + ebow, tremolo + ebow, plucked + tremolo, etc.

Both the plucked and picked articulations feature a pitch bend variation that is triggered automatically by playing at a high MIDI velocity.

There is a dedicated retrigger key-switch that provides an easy way to play double notes or tremolo in real time.

Round Robin & Dynamics

The plucked articulation includes twelve round robin repetitions per note, while the picked articulation has six. Both articulations were sampled at three dynamic levels which are triggered by MIDI velocity.

Playable Maqams

Osiris is one of the few sample libraries available that gives you playable maqams (Middle Eastern modes). Its unique system lets you use key-switches or an on screen dial to switch between pre-programmed maqams.

The on-screen keyboard will update to show you which notes are playable in your selection and which note play a quarter tone lower.

There is also a key-switch that can will pitch down the next note played by a quarter tone. Allowing you to play your own authenticate Arabian scales on the fly.

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