The Amazing Race 23: Instrument List

/

I posted a list like this for a previous cycle of the show… people seemed to enjoy it, so i'm doing it again.

One of the biggest challenges—and greatest joys—of scoring The Amazing Race is creating the right palette for each episode. I draw from a massive collection of world instruments, amassed over the course of the thirteen years I've worked on the show, to devise a unique sound for each country and region. Most of the sounds I use are sampled instruments, due to time and budget demands, but I do occasionally have the pleasure of hosting musicians here at the studio.

Here's the list of instruments used in the creation of the score for The Amazing Race 23, grouped by instrumental family. These are in addition to the usual complement of orchestral instruments that make up my core composing template.

Percussion Instruments

Dhol is played throughout the indian subcontinent. Playing styles and rhythmic patterns vary by region.

Dhol is played throughout the indian subcontinent. Playing styles and rhythmic patterns vary by region.

Frame drum

Tambourines

Conga

Bongos

Dumbek

Cajon

Batajon

Djembe

Dhol

The Bendir is heard in native music throughout North Africa, and plays an important role in the ceremonial music of the sufi. 

The Bendir is heard in native music throughout North Africa, and plays an important role in the ceremonial music of the sufi. 

Bendir

Darabouka

Gongs (tuned)

Angklung

November 2011: Students playing angklungs as they compete at the Festival Paduan Angklung XIII in Bandung, indoniesia

November 2011: Students playing angklungs as they compete at the Festival Paduan Angklung XIII in Bandung, indoniesia

Suir

Gamelan ensembles (multiple)

Finger cymbals

Taiko drums

 

Stringed Instruments

Charango

The Erhu was also used as the melody instrument for "Spock's theme" in Michael Giacchino's score for Star Trek (2009)

The Erhu was also used as the melody instrument for "Spock's theme" in Michael Giacchino's score for Star Trek (2009)

Guitar (steel string, nylon string, 12-string)

Mandolin

Banjo

Hardanger fiddle

Erhu

Pipa

Koto

Kemenche

Qanun

Tar

Wind Instruments

Bagpipes

Alpenhorn

Zurna

Panpipes

Ney flute

Bamboo flute

Shakuhachi

Native American flute

Keyboard Instruments

Accordion

Harpsichord

constructed of apricot or pear wood, the zurna is most frequently heard in conjunction with the dhol (see above).

constructed of apricot or pear wood, the zurna is most frequently heard in conjunction with the dhol (see above).

Dulcimer (hammered)