Westwood Instruments - Novella: Blackwater

The Ultimate Cinematic Piano & Strings Library

Introduction

For composers and producers seeking deep, emotional, and cinematic soundscapes, Westwood Instruments - Novella: Blackwater (Kontakt) is a must-have virtual instrument. This Kontakt library combines hauntingly beautiful piano tones with rich, expressive strings, making it perfect for film scoring, game soundtracks, and ambient music.

In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore the features, sound quality, usability, and creative potential of Novella: Blackwater, helping you decide if it’s the right tool for your next project.

What is Novella: Blackwater?

Novella: Blackwater is a Kontakt-based virtual instrument developed by Westwood Instruments, specializing in cinematic and emotional sound design. It blends intimate piano recordings with layered strings and atmospheric textures, creating a rich, melancholic sound palette.

Key Features:

✅ Deeply Sampled Felt Piano – Warm, muted, and full of character.
✅ Expressive String Layers – Cello and violin for added emotion.
✅ Cinematic Textures & Pads – Evolving soundscapes for atmosphere.
✅ Customizable Effects Rack – Reverb, delay, distortion, and more.
✅ Kontakt Player Compatible – Works with free & full versions.
✅ MIDI Export & Presets – Ready-to-use musical ideas.

Why Choose Novella: Blackwater?

1. Uniquely Emotional Piano Sound

The felt piano in Novella: Blackwater is recorded with delicate precision, offering:

• Soft, muted tones for intimate compositions.

• Dynamic response for expressive playing.

• Natural imperfections (hammer noise, pedal sounds) for realism.

2. Layered Strings for Depth

Unlike standard piano libraries, Blackwater includes cello and violin layers, allowing you to:

• Blend piano with strings for a richer sound.

• Control string intensity for subtle or dramatic effects.

• Create evolving harmonies with sustain and legato.

3. Cinematic Textures & Sound Design

For ambient and underscore music, the library includes:

• Evolving pads for atmospheric depth.

• Granular effects to morph sounds over time.

• Noise layers for organic texture.

4. Built-In Effects & Customization

The intuitive Kontakt interface provides:

• Reverb & Delay – Space and depth control.

• Distortion & Saturation – Add grit and warmth.

• EQ & Compression – Shape the tone to fit your mix.

5. Perfect for Media Scoring

Whether you’re working on:

• Film soundtracks (drama, thriller, noir).

• Game music (emotional cutscenes, dark atmospheres).

• Neoclassical & ambient compositions.
  This library delivers professional, evocative sounds.

Who Should Use Novella: Blackwater?

🎹 Film Composers – Ideal for emotional, cinematic scoring.
🎹 Game Music Producers – Perfect for story-driven soundtracks.
🎹 Ambient & Neoclassical Artists – Great for textural, evolving pieces.
🎹 Pianists & Songwriters – Adds depth and atmosphere to piano compositions.

Sound Quality & Playability

The sampling quality in Novella: Blackwater is exceptionally detailed, with:

• Multiple velocity layers for dynamic expression.

• Round-robin variations for natural repetition.

• True legato transitions (for strings).

Piano Examples:

• Gentle, melancholic melodies.

• Dark, brooding chord progressions.

• Minimalist, intimate solo performances.

String & Texture Examples:

• Slow, emotional swells.

• Evolving, cinematic pads.

• Haunting, dissonant harmonies.

System Requirements & Compatibility

• Kontakt 6.2.2+ (Full or Free Player).

• Windows 10+ / macOS 10.14+.

• 4GB RAM (8GB+ recommended).

• SSD for optimal loading times.

Novella: Blackwater vs. Other Cinematic Piano Libraries

Novella: Blackwater stands out with its unique hybrid approach, blending piano, strings, and sound design.

Where to Buy & Pricing

Available at:

• Westwood Instruments Official Store (https://westwoodinstruments.com)

• Plugin Boutique & Other Retailers

Price: Around $99 (often discounted during sales).

Final Verdict – Is It Worth It?

✅ YES – If you need a cinematic, emotional piano with extra depth, this library is exceptional.

Pros:

✔ Unique felt piano + strings combo.
✔ Deep, evolving sound design options.
✔ Great for film/game scoring.
✔ Kontakt Player compatible.

Cons:

✖ Not a "traditional" grand piano library.
✖ Requires Kontakt (not standalone).

Conclusion

For composers who want more than just a piano, Novella: Blackwater offers a rich, cinematic experience with its blend of felt piano, strings, and atmospheric textures. It’s a powerful tool for emotional storytelling in music.

🎹 Get it here: https://westwoodinstruments.com/novella-blackwater

FAQ

Q: Does it work with Kontakt Player?
A: Yes! No full Kontakt required.

Q: Can I use it for classical music?
A: Yes, though it’s best for modern, cinematic styles.

Q: Are there MIDI presets included?
A: Yes, with pre-written musical phrases.

If you’re looking for a deep, expressive, and cinematic piano library, Novella: Blackwater is a fantastic choice. Elevate your compositions with its hauntingly beautiful sound today! 🎶🎥