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#856890 07/07/25 09:23 AM
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Concert a la Queens

Hi folks, here's my latest, been working on it on and off for about a week, but finally it's here. A little different to what I normally do, so, we can call it a sort of experiment.
Comments welcomed as usual

Style is DRAMORK4.STY (Dramatic 4/4 Orchestra)
Style MIDI Instruments are : Timpani (48), Slow Strings (50), French Horn (61), Strings (49),
RealTracks in song: 4137:Guitar, Electric, Soloist ProgRockTO Ev 130
RealDrums in Song: MetalClosedHat,CrashRide
MIDI Drums :1 Standard Drum Kit (1)
All midi thru EW Goliath

Cheers

Mike B.


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Very interesting experience, but some how doesn't stay together. Maybe the drums and electric guitar come too aggressively and strings are too metalic, at least to my taste. Classic rock is very demanding to keep the best parts of both.

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Glad to see 'experiments' with classical/chamber approaches..I think that the idea of sliding into rock is worth exploring, but I don't think that you selected the best style for that segment--as Arri said, I think the "band" is a little too aggressive for this project. Also, much of the classical areas seemed kind of cluttered. I'd clear out the "woodwinds"(?) and just focus on the string orchestra in order to better state the theme. I like the idea, and..continue with the experiment!


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Thank you both for the time to listen and advise, like I said, not necessarily my thing but I thought to "experiment".

Cheers

Mike B.


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Hi, Mike.

Pleasant beginning. The mix seems way too loud - I had to turn it way down, because all the instruments seem to be playing at full volume.

The introduction of the competing instruments felt like that - competing and never blending. So a bit of cacophony instead of reinforcement or contrast. I wasn't sure what you were trying for there.

But clearly in the "experimental" category! laugh


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Thank you guys, in other words, a total disaster!!
Mike B.


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An interesting idea and I liked the strings opening - I've been using strings a lot of late - but for me, expecting something to develop from that, I thought the guitar solo just messed it up. Though I've no doubt many into avant-garde will like it.


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Mike, the only way to learn is to experiment
This is a good experiment
IMHO I think the classical sections are fine but I didn't like the rock part. I thought it came in abruptly and didn't blend well with the classical section. Also I would EQ some of the highs on the lead violins. But this is just my opinion.
I do give you a lot of credit for trying this experiment and I hope you had fun.


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Experiments are good. They produce interesting things and keep the brain working.
We think it's an evocative mashup and far, far from a disaster.

Our song before last started with a folky intro and then abruptly became a hard blues rock.
So perhaps we are prepared for this. smile

Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

We enjoyed it,

J&B


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Thank you guys for the kind words, but when is bad, it is bad. I think the idea was interesting, but a bad choice of sounds. Anyway, no more "experiments" for awhile.

Mike B.


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Without experiments we would all probably be shivering in dark caves somewhere, wishing someone would invent something to help us see in the dark or keep us warm etc. Even Bohemian Rhapsody was experimental.
That said, I'm not sure the two genres work well together. I might have perhaps a small amount of interweaving but faded out the orchestra to let the rock band have centre (or center in you prefer the US spelling) stage. Then, around 1:54 I would fade the band and let the orchestra shine again.
It seems that creating music requires a balance between that which satisfies the composer and what charms the ear of the listener. Keep at it Pete!


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Thanks, ghost, for the listen and comments. I just tend to be hard on myself sometimes. Maybe I'll try it again sometime.

Mike B.


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Not at all "a total disaster". Just little more building the progression and fine tuning the dynamics and it's genuine classic rock. On the other hand you're so great with the latin styles, that it's a pleasure to listen your those songs. I believe, that it's ok to stay at ones "comfort zone", but still having once in a while some adventures outside it. I like to play with different styles, because BiaB is there at it's best. Still I return often back to my roots, rhythm and blues and celtic folk music as born in the 1960s, but also even to Finnish folk music. So don't give up, even getting some critics.

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