Symphonic Music Production

1. What orchestra or ensemble can you provide?

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We custom-assemble ensembles for each project according to the repertoire, with virtually no limitations regarding instrumentation or ensemble size.

Over the years, we have assembled highly specialized setups including a choir of 120 singers, 66 double basses, 10 drum kits, or 5 cimbaloms, as well as many other unusual combinations.

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2. Where do you record?

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We work primarily in professional concert halls within the Czech Republic, chosen for their natural acoustics and visual qualities. Depending on project needs, we also arrange recordings in scoring stages, historic and castle halls, churches, and cathedrals.

Regardless of the location, you always get the same production team, the same mobile technology, and the same carefully selected musicians for each project — with each recording session dedicated exclusively to your project.

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3. What recording approaches do you offer?

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We offer two main recording workflows depending on your artistic goals:

• Click Track: The performance is synchronized to a click. This is ideal for film, media, and tempo-dependent scores. It also allows sectional recording, giving you maximum control over balance, dynamics, and post-production.

• Free Tempo: The full ensemble performs together without a click track. This is ideal for music where natural phrasing, live interaction, spontaneity and energy are paramount.

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4. How much finished music can I expect per hour or session?

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Typically 3–8 minutes of finished music per booked recording hour, depending on ensemble size, score complexity, workflow, and movement length.

As a general reference, a standard 4-hour session can produce approximately 20 minutes of finished music.

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5. Can you handle scores, parts, and Pro Tools session prep?

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Yes. Comprehensive music preparation is included in our standard service to ensure maximum efficiency during session time. We handle MIDI transcription, orchestration assistance, score and parts preparation and printing, as well as Pro Tools session setup.

• If we prepare the materials: Please provide cleaned and quantized MIDI files, corresponding stems, and a reference/demo mix.

• If you provide finished materials: Please provide A4 individual parts (PDF), A3 full scores (PDF or editable Sibelius/Dorico files), and reference audio.

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6. How long is a recording session and how are breaks handled?

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• Minimum Booking: One 4-hour recording session per project or configuration.

• Standard Workday: A typical recording day consists of either one 4-hour session or two 3–4-hour sessions.

• Net Recording Time: 1 booked hour = 50 minutes of net recording time, with up to 10 minutes allocated for combined breaks and session turnover. Breaks are combined and adjusted according to the needs of the session.

Unused recording time is not refundable or compensated.

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7. Can I monitor and participate in the recording remotely?

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Yes. You can monitor the session in real time from anywhere in the world and communicate directly with the production team during the recording. No special software installation is required, and there is no limit to the number of people who can monitor the session.

• Audio: High-quality live audio via Audiomovers

• Video: Private HD YouTube stream directly from the recording console

• Communication: Messenger, Google Chat, iMessage, or whatever works best for you

In addition, the streamed video remains accessible after the session.

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8. What deliverables do I receive after the session, and when?

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Within 24 hours, we upload the fully edited Pro Tools session to our FTP server, containing all recorded takes and alternatives. Basic behind-the-scenes (BTS) video clips are delivered within the same timeframe.

If any post-production is required, the delivery schedule will be agreed individually according to the scope of the work.

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9. What is included in the package and what is optional?

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To maintain the Capellen Signature standard, our project quotations are all-inclusive by design. Each project is treated as a complete production, with the people, facilities, technology and essential production services required for the agreed recording included in one coordinated fee.

• Musicians & Leadership: Professional musicians selected specifically for the project, including instrumental doublings, conductor, recording engineer, score reader, and musician buy-out — no additional royalties payable to participating musicians.

• Venue & Instruments: Recording venue, plus required rental and tuning of non-portable instruments such as percussion, piano, organ, and harp.

• Music Preparation & Editing: Pro Tools session preparation, MIDI transcription and orchestration assistance where required, score and parts preparation and printing where required, full recording production, and complete music editing including take selection, cleaning, and assembly.

• Remote Monitoring & BTS: Remote live audio/video streaming and basic behind-the-scenes video coverage.

Additional audio and video post-production can be arranged through our trusted professional partners at preferential rates, with the workflow coordinated through Capellen.

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10. How does booking, payment, and rescheduling work?
 

Booking & Payment Terms

• Lead Time: Typically 3–6 weeks from mutual agreement on project details.

• Invoicing & Confirmation: Once the project details are mutually agreed, an invoice for the total agreed recording fee is issued. Full payment is required to confirm the booking and initiate production, including venue and musician bookings and music preparation.

• Payment Options: Bank transfer in CZK, EUR, or USD.​

Rescheduling & Cancellation Policy

• More than 3 weeks before the recording date:

  • First rescheduling: Free of charge

  • Second and subsequent reschedulings: 1/3 of the total project fee

• 7–21 days before the recording date: 2/3 of the total project fee

• Less than 7 days before the recording date: 100% of the total project fee

These fees cover non-refundable commitments made to musicians, venues, and production suppliers for the confirmed recording date. If the project is subsequently rebooked, the fee may be credited toward the new recording date, subject to availability.