The first sound demonstrates the use of LFO and filtering on each key. Note: I still do not understand how I was able to do this. As far as I can tell, I might be able to play as many notes as I want with varying LFO speeds. But how can this be since there are only 3-4 dedicated LFOs? The second sound is based off the choir sound from the Roland SR-JV80-02 Orchestal Expansion board. It just increases the volume and opens the filter for each key pressed.
Poly really makes all the difference in the world. Now, the only new keyboards providing polytouch are Keith McMillan's QuNexus (inexpensive and tiny) and Infinite Response's VAX77 (expensive and full sized) which is a shame. In the hands of a skilled player dedicated to practicing the art, such a keyboard can perform auditory miracles. How less entrancing Blade Runner would have sounded, had the CS-80 not provided Vangelis with polyphonic aftertouch. That's just the big example right there, isn't it? Listen to that soundtrack, and you have to wonder why every keyboard maker doesn't have at least one poly model for sale. At least there are usually some (Ensoniq, Roland A, General Music S, &c.) on eBay and classifieds, usually for bearable prices.