Recreating Eric Prydz ’s "Opus" is a rite of passage for progressive house producers because it masters the "infinite build." To get the MIDI and sound right, you need to understand both its mathematical structure and its evolving automation. 1. Finding and Using the MIDI
"Opus" is famously written in the key of F# Minor. The core of the track is a 126 BPM arpeggio that feels simple but relies on precise timing and velocity.
Downloadable MIDI Files: Several platforms offer transcribed MIDI for "Opus," ranging from partial sequences to full 13-channel live performance arrangements.
Nonstop2k Opus MIDI: Offers a full sequence including bass, drums, and backing instruments.
Hasit Nanda Piano MIDI: A popular piano-focused transcription often used for Synthesia tutorials.
Theory Insight: The track is known for its gradual tempo increase. While the MIDI file itself stays static, the "magic" happens when you automate your DAW's BPM from roughly 60 BPM at the start to 128 BPM at the climax. 2. Sound Design: Replicating the "Opus" Lead eric prydz opus midi
The lead synth is a legendary example of a "growing" sound. It starts as a muted, tight pluck and evolves into a massive, wide power-saw. Preset Shortcuts:
Sylenth1: Users have noted that the preset "008 ARP Doves" was used by Eric for his EPIC live intros and provides a similar starting timbre.
Serum: Many remakes use Serum, specifically focusing on MG Low 6 filters with heavy envelope modulation (around 47%) on the cutoff.
The Layering Secret: The lead isn't just one sound; it typically involves a "dry" pluck layer for definition and a "wet" saw layer with heavy reverb and unison for the "wall of sound" effect.
Automation is Key: To get the Prydz feel, you must automate these three things simultaneously: Filter Cutoff: Slowly opening from 0% to 100%. Recreating Eric Prydz ’s " Opus " is
Decay/Release: Starting very short (staccato) and lengthening as the track builds.
Reverb Dry/Wet: Increasing the "wash" as you reach the drop. 3. Production Resources
If you want to skip the manual work and study a pre-built project, several remakes are available: How To ARP: Prydz' Opus Masterclass
You can input these notes into your DAW (Ableton, Logic, FL Studio) piano roll.
The Core Hook: The MIDI consists of a repeating 8-bar chord progression. The theoretical foundation is straightforward: Tempo map: export/import MIDI Type 1 with tempo
The "Boredom" Factor: If you open the MIDI in a piano roll, you will see the same block of notes repeating for nearly 9 minutes. To an untrained eye, it looks like a lazy loop. To a producer, it represents restraint. The MIDI provides the skeleton; the song relies entirely on the "meat" (synthesis and filters) to create the journey.
The Breakdown Arpeggio: During the breakdown, the MIDI shifts from block chords to a rolling, rhythmic pattern (often grouped in 3s against the 4/4 beat). This MIDI data is critical. It creates the "rising" sensation. The notes aren't changing, but the rhythmic subdivision is, which tricks the brain into hearing movement where there is stasis.
Throughout the track, a gentle arpeggio plays the same chord tones in a high octave (C6–C7).
Arpeggio pattern (16th notes, upward then downward):
Chord: Fm
Notes: C6, Eb6, F6, Ab6, C7, Ab6, F6, Eb6 (repeat)
MIDI channel: Separate from lead, low velocity (50–60), high-pass filtered.
Pad chords: Same progression, played as whole notes in strings/pads (octave C4–C5), fading in/out with long attack/release.