Adagio, 3rd movement symphony #10

[Jerry Gerber]

Hi people,

This is the 3rd movement of my 10th symphony. It's scored lightly for VSL flute, english horn, harp, choir, Requiem Pro choir and VSL orchestral strings (muted).

Enjoy!

Play

Best,

Jerry

[William]

This sounds really good.  I like the overall "medieval plainchant" feel (if I can express it that way).  Very good sound and intense emotion in it.  It makes me want to hear it live with the choir.  Also I really like that combo of the flute and English Horn and harp.  Congratulations on this!  

[Errikos]

This features the habitual unorthodox - and personal - scoring of yours Jerry, it is a magnificently understated movement, of great sensitivity and harmonic thought. I agree with Bill regarding the plainchant character of the piece. Bravo!

[Jerry Gerber]

@Errikos said:

This featuresthe habitual unorthodox - and personal- scoring of yours Jerry, itis a magnificently understated movement, of great sensitivity and harmonic thought. I agree with Bill regarding the plainchant character of the piece. Bravo!

Thanks Errikos, glad you enjoyed listening to this slow movement. One more movement to go and my 10th symphony and 14th CD is done!

[Jerry Gerber]

@William said:

This sounds really good. I like the overall "medieval plainchant" feel (if I can express it that way). Very good sound and intense emotion in it. It makes me want to hear it live with the choir. Also I really like that combo of the flute and English Horn and harp. Congratulations on this!

Thank you William, glad you enjoyed the piece! Jerry

[agitato]

Hi Jerry,

I got a chance to listen the entire movement. All I can say is that it is very beautiful and harmonically rich. Its  Mahlerian at times. I like how you maintain the (deceptively simple) opening theme all through the piece and build around it. 

One comment Id like to make though, is regarding the strings, which sounds a bit synthy to me. They sound as if I they are played out of a tiny boombox. The good music left me wishing for a better string sound or (good) live performance of this piece. I know VSL strings sound better than this. Perhaps it was something in the mix that changed it. Or maybe its my ears, but I am hoping not ! (I do have good headphones out of which I listen to recordings from leading orchestras all the time)

Best

Anand

[Jerry Gerber]

@agitato said:

Hi Jerry,

I got a chance to listen the entire movement. All I can say is that it is very beautiful and harmonically rich. Its  Mahlerian at times. I like how you maintain the (deceptively simple) opening theme all through the piece and build around it. 

One comment Id like to make though, is regarding the strings, which sounds a bit synthy to me. They sound as if I they are played out of a tiny boombox. The good music left me wishing for a better string sound or (good) live performance of this piece. I know VSL strings sound better than this. Perhaps it was something in the mix that changed it. Or maybe its my ears, but I am hoping not ! (I do have good headphones out of which I listen to recordings from leading orchestras all the time)

Best

Anand

 

Well, Anand, I am very happy with the strings, so it goes to show how subjective listening really is.  Perhaps you're not used to the muted strings (the entire string section is muted throughout the piece except for the double basses).  I like the smooth, gentle sound of the strings, compared to the non-muted, for this piece as it expresses the mood of the music.    Glad you enjoyed the composition and the harmony. 

Jerry

[agitato]

Hi Jerry,

As a matter of fact I am quite familiar with the muted string sound, which is quite prevalent in classical music (a prime example here Tchaikovsky serenade). To me the strings in your piece sound different though. Perhaps I am not yet accustomed to a sampled version of muted strings.

Anyways I didnt mean to belabor on this and acknowledge your artistic choice for the sound. It was a pleasure listening to your work either way.

Best

Anand

[Paul McGraw]

I found this to be a very pleasing composition. Congratulations!

Paul

[Jerry Gerber]

@Paul McGraw said:

I found this to be a very pleasing composition. Congratulations! Paul

Thanks!

[Jos Wylin]

Hi Jerry,

Nice cantus firmus effect indeed, building up to an impressive height and set down again in its simplicity. I'm really fond of this movement, although I liked the other parts as well. Can't wait to hear the next episode...! Your 10th symphony will be a masterpiece.

Jos

[Jerry Gerber]

@Jos Wylin said:

Hi Jerry, Nice cantus firmus effect indeed, building up to an impressive height and set down again in its simplicity. I'm really fond of this movement, although I liked the other parts as well. Can't wait to hear the next episode...! Your 10th symphony will be a masterpiece. Jos

Thanks Jos. I hope for the best for the 4th & last movement, as my wife was recently diagnosed with melanoma. Most of my energy is going into caring for her and composition must take a back seat for the foreseeable future. Best, Jerry

[Acclarion]

Keeping you and your wife in my thoughts and prayers as you cope with the challenges ahead.  

Dave

[William]

Jerry,

I am very sorry to hear that.  Best wishes to your wife and to you - your rmusic here has been unique and complex and fascinating to listen to.    

Best,

William Kersten

[Jos Wylin]

I'm so sorry the hear so. Please keep up the spirits and I wish you and your wife lots of courage, hope and belief in a good result!

Jos

[Jerry Gerber]

I much appreciate the kind sentiments, thank you Jos, William and Dave. 

I've been thinking about how sometimes my music takes an abrupt unusual turn into a different and unexpected direction.  Now I understand better, as life itself occasionally brings sudden unexpected change and life-changing experiences.

Best,

Jerry