Although hard to characterize, hybrid orchestral music can be defined as a combination of what we know is orchestral music, with digital or electronic elements, as well as other non-conventional instruments, that would otherwise not be used in orchestras.
It usually includes vigorous strings, that are very rhythmic, choirs, as well as dynamic hits and brass, combined with electronic components, that help create an explosive sound. It can also be combined with pianos and ominous synths, for a more emotional touch, often associated with bittersweet feelings.
Hybrid orchestral music can also have a more fantasy-related feeling, if combined with nature sounds, recreating the sounds of underwater or forest worlds.
Hybrid Music or Trailer Music?
Hybrid orchestral music is often referred to as trailer music, because of its wide use in movie and video game trailers, as well as other short videos. Tracks are usually short in length, but very powerful, which is why it is often chosen for trailers. Usually, it has the following structure: intro – # – buildup – # – climax I – # – climax II – # – outro, where # represents a short break. Breaks are used so that those editing the video can cut the song to whichever length they need.
Trailer music is usually full of powerful sounds, usually being very energetic and exciting. Sometimes, tracks use a slow build-up scheme, but even then, the music should be bold and powerful, using synths, brass, percussion, and strings.
When Can You Use Hybrid Classics Orchestral Music?
Hybrid orchestral music can be used in movies, to build up suspense, emphasize certain feelings, or for the beginning or end sequences. It can also be used for trailers, be them for apps, video games, movies, or product launches. To put it simply, you can use it anytime you want to get the attention of the crowd or emphasize certain moments.
Some people also use it for inspiration when painting, writing or performing other arts, precisely because of its strong and powerful feeling. This is why you can find countless hours of hybrid music online, either original or mixed from famous cinematic tracks.
Modern Hybrid Orchestral Music
Nowadays, hybrid orchestral music became quite a pop-culture element, with online artists developing entire playlists or mixes, and even popular music being transformed into hybrid orchestral tracks. It has even been divided into subgenres, each having their own examples from famous movie or tv show trailers:
- Hype trailer music: powerful and bold, such as the music from the Black Panther, Mission: Impossible – Fallout and Atomic Blonde trailers.
- Atmospheric trailer music: music that sets the mood, such as that in the trailers from Stranger Things, Logan and Avengers: Age of Ultron.
- Lit trailer music: similar to hype, but more exciting and cheering, such as the music you can hear in The Wolf of Wall Street trailer.
- Fun trailer music: more entertaining, or even amusing, such as the music in Baby Driver, Suicide Squad or Pineapple Express trailers.
Buy hybrid orchestral music now, to better express the type of emotions you want for your videos or projects.