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A very nice piece, Alan. A really nice melody/theme. Sounds like you've been doing this type music for a long time....
I thought the piano sound did not fit the style. It sounds like an upright - when I would expect a grand. It appears you used an RT not a MIDI SuperTrack? - so, of course in that cae you get what you get... The strings could use some "softening" - perhaps some reverb? or maybe some high EQ rolled off - they are rather "crisp".
I really like the piece.
fj
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This is just plain gorgeous!!! Damn!!!! Great work Alan! Take care. Greg
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That is lovely Alan and certainly cinematic!
The advantages of the BiaB Midi SuperTracks are HUGE for a piece like this. This one begs for a Grand Steinway sounds as floyd mentioned. The MST's have been revelatory for me. I'm very fortunate that my DAW, Logic Pro X, comes packed with hundreds of sounds. It's fun to audition the piano sounds against the same MST to hear the differences.
Actually, I feel a bit presumptuous with my comments as I do not work with this genre but I feel that strong about the MSTs!
We enjoyed it!
Bud
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! A few of our videos are here on our website: https://www.janiceandbud.com/our-music.html
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Alan
That was nice, and a very impressive piece.
Excellent use of the tracks and some serious imagination.
Peter Thank you, Peter. I really appreciate that. Wishing you the best. Alan
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This tune reminds me of rolling surf. Great melody and feel. Rob Hi Rob, Many thanks. I'd never thought of that analogy but you might be right! All the best. Alan
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Nice! Since you asked for feedback, I'll be happy to oblige! Feel free to ignore.  The music abruptly starts, full on. If the track begins like that, you might want to add a bit of a fade in. I can't tell if it's the piano or strings at fault in the introduction, but something isn't smoothly connecting - it sounds a bit like a record skipping, or you're using a Mellotron instead of a real string section. This isn't as much of a problem later, when there are other instruments in the mix, because they help to cover up the abrupt change. It might be the piano pedaling that's doing it, I can't tell. Whatever it is, it's probably better to leave that instrument out on the introduction. If you really need strings, perhaps they could hold a single chord as a pedal tone while the other instruments change? The texture of the music never changes - perhaps could change things up by dropping some of the instruments out for a bit, and then bringing them back in? Perhaps you could give the melody to a MIDI flute and let the violin rest for a bit? You could turn down the violin and strings a bit when the choir comes in - that would also be a nice change in texture. Just some thoughts.  Hi David, I NEVER ignore suggestions - the great majority of them are very helpful. I wish I had more time for a more detailed response to your terrific breakdown. Please know that I sincerely appreciate all the observations and suggestions. As I mentioned, this is totally virgin territory for me so I'm more than happy tp get such great feedback. When I redo this, your review will be one of the very first I refer back to. Again, many thanks! Alan PS: Never be bashful - I want to learn what I can. It's a fun journey!
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I have said this before Alan. You move from genre to genre with such ease. This is such a pretty song. Love the violin and piano. Well done.. Hi Scott, You are very kind with your comments. I'm delighted you enjoyed it - thanks for letting me know. Best to you. Alan
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Alan,
This swept me along " solemn and cinematic"as Deryk said. Your chord progressions are invariably pleasing and its no surprise you are able to move into this orchestral style with authority.
DCuny made some points I`d agree with on the abrupt beginning and possibility that a changeup in the intensity might work... definitely a keeper whether you tweak or not!
Robert
Thanks a bunch, Robert. I agree with you that David's suggestions appear to be very helpful - I plan to give it a real good look when I rewrite I'm glad you liked it. Many thanks and best to you. Alan
BIAB 2024 Ultra Plus-all StylePaks*Win11*32GB DDR5*Rhyzen 9745x*AT 2035 Mic*Peavey Nashville 112 Amp*Ibanez ART120* Acoustic/Electric/Washburn D200S Acoustic*Stromberg Monterey Jazz Guitar Loops: https://aldavidmusic.wixsite.com/bestmusicloops
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Alan… If this is “dipping your toe” into this genre, I give it a Bravo!
I think what you were getting at, comparing this type of writing to songwriting, is that in songwriting efforts, you definitely have a complete story to tell, and it defines the piece. But in this kind of writing, it is sometimes uncertain where to take it, and how to move the piece along… At least that’s been my experience. I really marvel at a lot of the classical composers and how they were able to keep the shape of their work in their mind and they moved along.
I like your overall idea, and the mix of instrumentation and the choices of RTs..I’ll be interested to see how this experiment find its way into your general work… I’ll bet we will see bits of it from time to time! Hello Tano, You are so right about this genre requiring a focused direction by the composer. I've had some very good suggestions to work with when I get back to this. I always appreciate your comments and insights. Best to you. Alan
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The song was actually inspired from a novel i wrote quite a few years ago. A young woman emerges from a comma with pure retrograde amnesia (total memory loss) to learn she may have brutally murdered her mother. This piece refers to moment of reflection on the part of the young lady. Hello, again, Alan... A writer, too? Cool! The plot you described provides a shuddering contrast to the loveliness of your composition. I hope your novel is produced as a movie someday, so you can compose the score for it! Surprised, LOREN Yep - several books on Amazon. That the movie agenda you mentioned would be great!
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A very nice piece, Alan. A really nice melody/theme. Sounds like you've been doing this type music for a long time....
I thought the piano sound did not fit the style. It sounds like an upright - when I would expect a grand. It appears you used an RT not a MIDI SuperTrack? - so, of course in that cae you get what you get... The strings could use some "softening" - perhaps some reverb? or maybe some high EQ rolled off - they are rather "crisp".
I really like the piece.
fj Hi Floyd, I'll definitely relook those areas and try something new, as per your suggestions. I always appreciate your ear and suggestions - you never fail to lead me in the right direction. Much appreciated! Best to you. Alan
BIAB 2024 Ultra Plus-all StylePaks*Win11*32GB DDR5*Rhyzen 9745x*AT 2035 Mic*Peavey Nashville 112 Amp*Ibanez ART120* Acoustic/Electric/Washburn D200S Acoustic*Stromberg Monterey Jazz Guitar Loops: https://aldavidmusic.wixsite.com/bestmusicloops
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This is just plain gorgeous!!! Damn!!!! Great work Alan! Take care. Greg Why thank you, Greg! It's all a new process for me - lots to learn. But I'm glad it works for you as is. Wishing you well and hope the smoke from the fires lessens with the rain. We have distant family in Chico, very close to the Camp Fire. They are well, thank God. Best to you and everyone in your part of the country. Alan
BIAB 2024 Ultra Plus-all StylePaks*Win11*32GB DDR5*Rhyzen 9745x*AT 2035 Mic*Peavey Nashville 112 Amp*Ibanez ART120* Acoustic/Electric/Washburn D200S Acoustic*Stromberg Monterey Jazz Guitar Loops: https://aldavidmusic.wixsite.com/bestmusicloops
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That is lovely Alan and certainly cinematic!
The advantages of the BiaB Midi SuperTracks are HUGE for a piece like this. This one begs for a Grand Steinway sounds as floyd mentioned. The MST's have been revelatory for me. I'm very fortunate that my DAW, Logic Pro X, comes packed with hundreds of sounds. It's fun to audition the piano sounds against the same MST to hear the differences.
Actually, I feel a bit presumptuous with my comments as I do not work with this genre but I feel that strong about the MSTs!
We enjoyed it!
Bud Hey Ya'll (or as my mother used to say - You-uns all), Appreciate the feedback and the suggestions for the MSTs. I'll give them a listen as soon as I can. And I'll keep them in mind for future projects. Never feel presumptuous to offer me suggestions for improvement - I eat'em up but don't spit 'em out! Thanks so much. Best to you. Alan
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