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1.Vivaldi, L'Estate 2/5/2020 10:49:31 PM

Originally Posted by: PaoloT Go to Quoted Post



Hi,

The interesting work of another musician on Vivaldi's Summer concerto convinced me to reopen an old project on the same music, and complete my own version. My project was started with an older library, and is now converted to the VSL full library (non-Synchron).

I wanted to test realism and variety of articulations. So, I worked as carefully as possible on each single note and phrase arc. The solo Violin and Violoncello are the seconds, with a gentler sound than the firsts. The orchestra is made up of Chamber Strings (working so well, in my opinion, that I've not yet felt the need to switch to the Dimension Strings for this project).

I used mostly short notes controlled by velocity. Reverb is MIR, with an added hint of Miracle and Logic's Compressor at the end.

I plan to work on the full concerto, but had to start from the final Presto. The Adagio will be as challenging, even if on the opposite scale of speed and loudness.

This is one of those pieces that need continual reworking, since there are so many different ways of playing it. At the moment, I wonder how realistic this first version can be perceived by listeners with ears fresher than mines.

Paolo


Vivaldi, L'Estate, III Presto (in MP3)

Vivaldi, L'Estate, III Presto (in AIFF)
 

What a delight! This proves yet again that VSL is the only library that can really effectively handle the classical and baroque era music. Your solo violin part is simply fabulous. Perfection!

Paul

2.Another Nelhybel for concert band 2/5/2020 4:29:21 PM

Originally Posted by: William Go to Quoted Post

This is my favorite of Nelhybels pieces - I am posting this because VSL can be used just as much for concert band music as orchestral.  I first heard this years ago and stopped dead in my tracks listening to it, because it was shockingly different from the usual pleasant conventional band music one normally hears.    

TRITTICO

Thanks William, another really memorable piece of music by Nellybels. You know the Brass Band world has a number of prominent composers with a similar style. Of course, they do not use the French Horn in a Brass Band. The parts that would go to a French Horn are mostly in Eb Alto/Tenor horn, and sometimes also in Baritone. Not the same tone at all.

3.Another Nelhybel for concert band 2/5/2020 4:25:07 PM

Originally Posted by: tchampe Go to Quoted Post

Well Bill, never let it be said that you don't know how to make a point. That's a lot of stuff. Still, since confession is supposedly good for the soul, I might as well say it: that's what I want to do. I want to write stuff for symphoic band and hear what it would sound like if one of the great wind bands performed it. I have been lurking around this company's website and others for years, pricing the libraries, DAW software, specialized computer, and peripherals I would need to do it. Even if I suddenly could get all that stuff, I am probably too old to live through the learning curve, but I keep dreaming. The fact that virtually no one (even other band enthusiasts) would ever so much as listen to it is discouraging, but not a deal breaker. I would listen to it. They say that Elgar, as he lay dying in his country home, would listen to recordings of his own works. I get that. Of course those recordings were done by the finest musicians and ensembles; he had enthusiastic fans the world over and was greatly honored. I will have none of that. But with this remarkable technology, I could hear what I imagine.

So, as the Cowardly Lion once said, "There's just one thing I want you fellas to do...TALK ME OUT OF IT!"

I am 66 years old. I have Congestive Heart Failure, OCPD, and Cancer. Which will kill me first? Only my God knows which or how long it will take. But I still take great joy in trying to write music. And writing music is a great activity for a senior with limited mobility, as you can do it all sitting down, and take your time writing all day or for just a few minutes a day.

Thankfully samples are getting cheaper, even VSL, and the bundles are a great way to start with VSL on a budget. But another way to get started is to use a notation program (Sibelius, Dorico or Finale) and use the plugin "NotePerformer" for the playback. I think in notation. There is no way I could write anything directly to a DAW. So personally I write in Sibelius using NotePerformer to make sure I am writing what I think I am writing, then only later record with samples in a DAW. The extra step of playing it into a DAW is fun for me, and I get as close to a real performance as possible.

Don't wait, just get started. Have fun with it! Composing has no calories! 

4.Fantastic 10-trombone piece 2/5/2020 4:11:20 PM

Thanks William, great piece of music, thanks for sharing it. And I love the 10 trombones! You know why!

5.Appassionato for piano trio and string orchestra 1/18/2020 3:39:59 AM

Originally Posted by: MMKA Go to Quoted Post

Hi Paul,

Thanks a lot for the time you took to listen to the Appassionato and your comments on the piece and your suggestions. I really appreciate it.
My reaction is some delayed, but I wanted to do some experiments with the suggestion you made with triple and quadruple stops in the last bars first. Yesterday and today I had some time to work on it. And here is the result.
I like the idea you gave! (I changed also the cello part of the first bars a little).

Appassionato for piano trio and string orchestra v3

I love the changes you made. Fantastic! Very exciting ending now.

Paul

6.Corporate music - How to compose music with no soul. 1/10/2020 10:44:42 PM

agitato,

The culture of Western Civilization has been steadily eroding since the 1960's. Very little of it remains today. I am not sure of the best terminology to use today, post-modernism, perhaps. One of the core beliefs of Western Civilization in the past was that not all art, or music or architecture or poetry or cultures were equal. Some art or music or architecture was of a higher caliber and deserved to be cultivated, treasured and preserved.  In contrast, postmodernists believe everything is just a matter of opinion. A Beethoven Symphony is of no greater value than a I-IV-V pop tune, or better yet 4:33. To postmodernists all cultures are of equal value, except of course the old Western Civilization which is despised and should be destroyed.

I am getting really depressed writing this. 

Paul McGraw

7.Corporate music - How to compose music with no soul. 1/10/2020 7:39:02 PM

Macker,

Well said, beautifully written and insightful.

Paul McGraw

8.Corporate music - How to compose music with no soul. 1/10/2020 7:36:17 PM

Originally Posted by: agitato Go to Quoted Post

Originally Posted by: Paul McGraw Go to Quoted Post

Now, young people are taught to hate western civilization and everything it stood for. I could rant on about this for days on end. But in the case of music, how can anyone expect anything other than stuff called music that reflects the values (or lack of values) of the modern world?

Sorry to say, I think there is a contradiction in your statements. Isn't the so called 'modern world' attributed largely  to  'western civilization'...planes, trains, automobiles, capitalism...and the corporate music Errikos referred to? Let alone that it was a pure coincidence of history that all this happend in the so called 'western world'? 

Yet you say that young people are taught to hate this 'western civilization' whereas I would think it is quite the opposite. Or perhaps you are referring to something else by 'western civilization'.

Anand

You are referring to technology and inventions. Not culture. 

Paul McGraw

9.Appassionato for piano trio and string orchestra 1/10/2020 1:45:03 PM

Very nice sound! Well mixed and mastered. It is fine as is, but for my taste, I would decrease the reverb a little more. 

IMHO these are my reactions. I like the composition. Especially harmonically. Very characteristic sounding parts both for the piano and soloists. You obviously know this particular genre well. Excellent use of secondary dominants to spice things up and smooth out modulations. Why aren't people using secondary dominants much anymore? Lovely use of appoggiatura. 

IMHO I would try to use some triple or quadruple stops in the strings in the last few bars. The low to high rips would fit right in with your mood. This would build excitement. Of course for them to be playable it depends on your key.

Paul McGraw

10.Bruckner - Seventh Symphony - Scherzo 1/10/2020 1:30:01 PM

I have commented on the track in another thread, so I will not repeat myself here. But I do admire your work ethic. 

And William, great advice and tips. I learned something new reading your two posts above.

Paul McGraw

11.Corporate music - How to compose music with no soul. 1/10/2020 1:24:14 PM

Very true Errikos. Our ancestors knew that the cheap, the shoddy, the bad, drive out what is good and wholesome. That is why they had things like voluntary censorship in Hollywood. That is why there was a society-wide effort to preserve and encourage great music, great art, and great literature. Now, young people are taught to hate western civilization and everything it stood for. I could rant on about this for days on end. But in the case of music, how can anyone expect anything other than stuff called music that reflects the values (or lack of values) of the modern world?

12.Vivaldi, Summer, Presto. SE VOL 1 & 1 PLUS 1/10/2020 1:14:24 PM

I saw this also on another forum, but just let me reiterate, great work! Hearing something so well done is encouraging and inspiring.

Paul McGraw

13.A track with Dimensions strings 1, Appassionata Strings 1 and Dimensions Brass 12/24/2019 10:33:43 AM

Originally Posted by: M.Ramillon Go to Quoted Post

A short piece of music with only VSL  ... (except solo cello and duduk). Dimension strings, Appassionata string, dimension Brass , Epic Horn(8 horns), woodwinds solo, harp. MIR Pro reverb.

https://youtu.be/qmpQXyUBE7g

Wonderful work. I especially appreciated the spatialization. The composition was very intriguing I really enjoyed this.

14.Dances for Brass Quintet (VSL Brass) 12/15/2019 10:03:14 PM

Originally Posted by: Jos Wylin Go to Quoted Post

Great composition, Paul. You do really honour to the VSL brass instruments. And I agree with William, it should (must) be performed live. I guess many quintets are waiting for such good music.

I wish you lots of courage and a good and full recovery, so that you will be able again to commit yourself fully to composition, your great love.

All the best!

Jos

Hi Jos,

Thank you for listening and for the positive comments. It means a lot to me. The quintet will be performed live in late January. I am going to pay a guy to make a decent video/recording of the performance, so I am keeping my fingers crossed that it goes well.

15.Dances for Brass Quintet (VSL Brass) 12/14/2019 2:51:35 AM

Originally Posted by: William Go to Quoted Post

Paul that is great, it reminds me of Copland though not at all stolen, it is a wonderful Americana sound of your own creation. This would really be appreciated by brass quintets.  Your handling of the brass is expert.

On the MIDI I thought perhaps you could use some of the dim/cresc articulations in the first movement instead of sustain to get more decay on the short notes, and decrease the release time.  Some sounded too long.  But that is trivial compared to the fantastic composition.  I am a big fan of yours.  In fact, I wish I had CD compilations of your pieces to play at leisure... 

Thank you, Bill. You have always been kinder to me than I deserve. That is great advice about the dynamics.

16.Dances for Brass Quintet (VSL Brass) 12/13/2019 9:58:13 PM

Originally Posted by: tchampe Go to Quoted Post

I'm sorry to hear about your health issues, Paul. I hope your music helps to give you peace and comfort in these difficult times. I know that I always feel a sense of joy and peace in your work and this charming brass set is no exception. I just wanted you to know that I was unable to access your score through the link. It took me to a DropBox page that contained an audio file of the music (just like the SoundCloud). I linked to your IMSLP page from the SoundCloud but I couldn't open the score there, either.

Again, Paul, wonderful music! I look forward to hearing many, many more beautiful compositions. Strength and courage to you, my friend.

Tom

Thank you Tom, I truly appreciate the kind words. I'm sorry for the bad link. It is fixed now if still interested. 

I was pleased with the VSL instruments in this quintet. I own many different brass libraries, but I still prefer VSL in most cases, especially in a chamber setting. Anyway, blessings to you my friend, and Merry Christmas.

Paul McGraw

17.Dances for Brass Quintet (VSL Brass) 12/13/2019 3:37:49 PM

I haven't composed as much new music this year as I would have liked. This has been a really bad medical year for me. I found out I have cancer, then I was hospitalized twice for congestive heart failure, and suffer with a major (debilitating) problem with my lower spine. That is all in addition to diabetes and neuropathy. So if you folks stop hearing from me, now you know why.

Anyway, I finally finished this four-movement brass quintet and would appreciate any critique or feedback. I am using all VSL instruments: Bb Trumpet, Cornet, Vienna Horn, Trombone, and Tuba. All are VI full libraries using MIR Pro Synchron StageThe PDF score is attached.

 

Dances for Brass Quintet

 

Link to the Score

Score

18.Hello, everyone. Share a piece of music composed by me. 11/21/2019 7:55:35 PM

This is a very exciting piece. It really held my attention. Lots of punch and energy. I do think the impact of the hits at the end slacked off a bit. But that is a small complaint. The mix is very clear and sounds realistic to me.

Can you share what libraries and plugins you used?

19.Song of the Forest music and video 11/21/2019 7:49:56 PM

Wow! This piece is breathtaking!

I have been very ill this fall. I was in the hospital most of the month of October, so I missed a lot in the forums. Now I am trying to get caught up.

First of all, the horn, flute and harp combo is lovely. And the VSL instruments really do a good job for you in this piece. I think VSL is the most convincing with chamber music. In fact, I don't think any other library can do chamber music even remotely as well. 

The composition is excellent, and could easily pass for being a work by one of the late romantic masters. William, you should be really proud of this. 

20.Interview/Master Class in SoundBytes Magazine 11/21/2019 6:48:01 PM

Interesting article. I particularly liked the clarity of the mix in your excerpts. I remain very unhappy with my own midi mixing skills. It is a shame that there are so many of us with the urge to create music, yet struggle for an audience.

21.ACHILLES Concert Overture 10/20/2019 12:09:05 PM

Hi William, awesome piece of music. The interplay of ideas is very pleasing. Marvelous counterpoint in the slow section. 

Regarding the "dislike" it is just one more symptom of our collapsing culture. Take away the anonymity and you probably would not see such stupidity. This is the same type of thinking that leads morons to deface buildings and entire neighborhoods with vulgarity and ugliness and claim it is art. No cure in this life. I put my hope in Heaven.

In Achilles  I would have liked to hear more from the trombones, admittedly this is because trombone is my instrument. :-) I know they are playing during the tuttis, but I mean a little more often than just the tuttis.

22.Saga, Symphonic Poem 9/19/2019 9:23:31 PM

I very much enjoyed hearing this piece again. I think you did slightly improve on the previous mix, but it was already terrific. 

I have a music forum friend, Doug Gibson, who transcribes VR tracks for media composers. Apparently many of them cannot or will not notate their own music. Even when it is going to be played by a live orchestra. Apparently Doug gets paid well for the work.

23.My arrangement (w/ video) 9/19/2019 9:05:10 PM

I'm sorry to be responding so late to your post. The video is very professional. I do not see how you could get anything better, even if you paid pros thousands of dollars.

The music, both arrangement and mid-performance was fabulous. No "civilian" (non VR user) would ever think this was anything but real. The performance was very musical. 

The mixing and mastering were awesome. You managed to get rid of the harsh upper frequencies without losing clarity. If you can do this with just the special editions, I would love to hear how you would do with the full libraries. 

24.Live performance vs. VSL performance of piano quartet 7/11/2019 1:52:57 AM

Hi Dave,

For better or worse, I would still prefer to get a live performance. But I also give thanks that we have excellent sample technology also.

For many years I did custom arrangements for my church. We were a medium size church and always had unusual instrument combinations. For example, for several years we had an outstanding flute player, mediocre viola, my son playing first trumpet (moderately good) a beginner second trumpet, and myself playing the trombone (I was pretty good, with a very wide range and silky smooth legato). Creating an arrangement that worked for everyone was a challenge, but also a joy because my work was performed in front of 800 people every single week. But the music director would never use anything of mine that was original. He wanted arrangements of old hymns, or of the praise songs currently on Christian radio. 

Anyway, one interesting thing is that the flute, and my son, kept getting better, but the viola and the second trumpet never seemed to improve. 

There is nothing like the feeling of a live performance. So my answer is to keep trying to get live performances. You can tip the scales in your favor by trying as much as possible to make your music less challenging for the performers. Musicians know when something is beyond them and they just sort of shut down and go through the motions. Don't push them too hard and they will be more likely to become invested in the music.

Cheers,

Paul

25.War March Sketch 7/9/2019 1:45:36 PM

Hi Veyzo, 

You have received some really excellent advice here in my opinion, so I will not offer any additional advice. However, I did want to offer encouragement. You have, I think, good musical instincts. The overall direction, flow, and arc of the piece are good. I hope you will continue to compose and share your work here on the forum. 

Paul McGraw

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