HARMONIUM KASRIEL - Liam Phan

I’m thrilled to introduce the Harmonium Kasriel Kontakt Library (Full licence only) – an immersive sample set capturing the unique charm of an exquisite harmonium built by Louis Maurice Kasriel in Paris between 1840 and 1860. Kasriel, a pioneering instrument maker born in 1815 in Krotoschin (Prussia, now Poland), laid the foundations of one of France’s most renowned harmonium manufacturers. His instruments accompanied generations of musicians, including those who brought music into rural schools at a time when resources were scarce and education often relied on simple flutes or small percussion.

This harmonium is a living piece of history. Its sound embodies the spirit of traditional French country music and the craftsmanship that made Kasriel a household name. I was captivated by the unique voice of this instrument, and I dedicated an entire day to capturing it with meticulous care. To ensure every nuance of its character was preserved, I used three carefully placed pairs of microphones (Stereo):

• AKG C414 in AB configuration for wide stereo imaging
• Schoeps MK4 in XY for precise center detail
• Neumann KM184 in AB under the instrument for rich bass and natural resonance
  

The library was recorded in 24-bit, 192kHz, ensuring exceptional clarity and enhanced sub-notes. The instrument is tuned to A=440 Hz, offering compatibility with modern musical standards. It features four distinct sound styles – Hard, Medium, Soft, and Waves – with one round robin per note.

Please note: this is my first Kontakt library. The recordings may exhibit slight length differences due to the natural irregularities of the instrument and occasional crackling noises caused by its inner mechanism, which requires one hand for playing and the other for handling pressure. Very slight denoising and LUFS + PEAK normalization have been applied to ensure a consistent and clean audio experience.