|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647 |
A Shadow In The DarkThis is the first time I've attempted a piece like this. I've always been partial to piano-violin semi-classical pieces. I think this sits somewhere between semi-classical, symphonic and orchestral. I think it might be a decent track for either part of a film score or the theme for a film. I worked on this for about 6 hours last night and this is where I said "I ain't gonna get it much better, so go with it." I think writing a song is much like writing a novel in one way in particular: You consider it finished when you get tired of tweaking it. I'm not real happy with the background choir on the chorus, but it'll do for now. Packed away somewhere I have a pretty nice set of choral loops and string sections. When I'm not so lazy/tired, I'll dig it out and make a few more tweaks. I also would like to add some timpanis one bar before the chorus I redid the chord pattern from the style demo and added six more Real Tracks. The demo track only had the String Quartet and Horn Section - I'm to blame for everything else. This style is a completely new adventure for me so any comments for improvement are seriously welcome. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. The nitty-gritty: Title: A Shadow In The Dark.SGU Key=A, Tempo 80, Length (m:s)=2:36 Style is _SYMPHON.STY (Symphonic Horns & Strings) RealTracks in song: ~2482:Bass, Acoustic, Bowed Held Ev 085 RealTracks in style: ~2291:Horn Section, Rhythm SlowPopPads Ev16 065 RealTracks in song: 2457:Strings, Rhythm CelticAir Ev 085 RealTracks in style: 2335:String Quartet, Rhythm PopHall Ev 085 RealTracks in song: 2337:Violin, Background, PopHigh Ev 085 (1TrackStringSection) RealTracks in song: 2365:Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm CelticAir Ev 085 RealTracks in song: 3063:Vocal Aahs, Rhythm Pop3-part Ev 085 RealTracks in song: 2747:Synth, Rhythm AltHipHopHorn Ev16 085 Loop in Song: Dubstep\Dubstep - no_way_out_140_choir_f_sharp_minor.wav Also a midi vocal choir from another program that I will replace with a better one later. *******************
Last edited by Al-David; 11/21/18 12:28 AM.
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,677
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,677 |
Hi Alan,
this is definitely different from your last songs, but it's very very nice and I like it. It's got a great chord progression and could even imahine to have vocals on it.
Like I said in an earlier comment: Your stuff is so tasteful !
Thanks für sharing this beautiful tune.
Stefan
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,951
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,951 |
Man, what a beautiful piece of music! Stirring and emotive. I could certainly see this as a film score.
And yes, a full choir would just put this right over the top! Definitely worth revisiting at some point, Alan, because I think you have something special with this one.
Best to you and Di.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,414
PG Music Staff
|
|
PG Music Staff
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,414 |
Wow - wouldn't have thought this was your first rodeo in this styling. You definitely did a fantastic job  It is truly beautiful. Hits all the right notes, and sounds solemn and cinematic. I wouldn't bat an eyelash hearing this as part of a movie soundtrack. You should be proud of this one - thanks for sharing!
Cheers,
Deryk
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,443
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,443 |
Nice job Alan! Really enjoyed this!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 1,664
PG Music Staff
|
|
PG Music Staff
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 1,664 |
Hi Al-David, what a marvelous piece I might say! I found this very easy to listen and I dig the overall timbres. Definitely has that tension and release a soundtrack piece would call for. Thanks for sharing!
Cheers,
Joe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,193
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,193 |
Dear "Al-David"...
Your composition, "A Shadow in the Dark", is an expansively peaceful, exquisitely composed and heart-tugging piece of musical imagination. It possesses a classically eloquent sense of drama, wave after wave of musical tension resolved by the sweetness of the strings arrangement, and ends so abruptly that it hurt.
You are a man of many musical faces (as if you didn't know that already!) Sure, it would work just fine on the soundtrack of a film, but as far as I'm concerned, it works best in the form I hesitantly imagine that it was conceived in: a piece of tranquilizing "memory" music that reflects the sensitivity and spiritual nature of its composer -- you.
Borne aloft by it,
LOREN
Last edited by bluage; 11/21/18 08:44 AM.
"Music is what feelings sound like."-- borrowed from a Cakewalk Music Creator forum member, "Mamabear".
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,647
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,647 |
Alan
That was nice, and a very impressive piece.
Excellent use of the tracks and some serious imagination.
Peter
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,615
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,615 |
This tune reminds me of rolling surf. Great melody and feel. Rob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,143
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,143 |
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.
-- David Cuny My virtual singer development blogVocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?BiaB 2025 | Windows 11 | Reaper | Way too many VSTis.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,218
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,218 |
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..
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357 |
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647 |
Hi Alan,
this is definitely different from your last songs, but it's very very nice and I like it. It's got a great chord progression and could even imahine to have vocals on it.
Like I said in an earlier comment: Your stuff is so tasteful !
Thanks für sharing this beautiful tune.
Stefan Hi Stefan Thank you very much. I really appreciate your very nice words. 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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647 |
Man, what a beautiful piece of music! Stirring and emotive. I could certainly see this as a film score.
And yes, a full choir would just put this right over the top! Definitely worth revisiting at some point, Alan, because I think you have something special with this one.
Best to you and Di.
Thank you Dave! I'm more than delighted with your comments and encouragement. I do plan to revisit this after the holidays (gonna wait and see what BIAN 2019 has to offer). Wishing you the very best. 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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647 |
Wow - wouldn't have thought this was your first rodeo in this styling. You definitely did a fantastic job It is truly beautiful. Hits all the right notes, and sounds solemn and cinematic. I wouldn't bat an eyelash hearing this as part of a movie soundtrack. You should be proud of this one - thanks for sharing! Thanks, Deryk, Yes, it's my first foray in this genre. I'm delighted it turned out fairly good. 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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647 |
Nice job Alan! Really enjoyed this!
Thank you, David. You are much too kind! 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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647 |
Hi Al-David, what a marvelous piece I might say! I found this very easy to listen and I dig the overall timbres. Definitely has that tension and release a soundtrack piece would call for. Thanks for sharing! Joe, Many thanks - sure do appreciate all that. Wishing you well. 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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647 |
Dear "Al-David"...
Your composition, "A Shadow in the Dark", is an expansively peaceful, exquisitely composed and heart-tugging piece of musical imagination. It possesses a classically eloquent sense of drama, wave after wave of musical tension resolved by the sweetness of the strings arrangement, and ends so abruptly that it hurt.
You are a man of many musical faces (as if you didn't know that already!) Sure, it would work just fine on the soundtrack of a film, but as far as I'm concerned, it works best in the form I hesitantly imagine that it was conceived in: a piece of tranquilizing "memory" music that reflects the sensitivity and spiritual nature of its composer -- you.
Borne aloft by it,
LOREN Hello Loren. Your reviews are always so exquisite and put a smile on my face. 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. Thank you again. Wishing you the best. 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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,369
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,369 |
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!
Windows 11, Intel Core i5-8600T 2.3Ghz, 16 gig ram, BIAB 2025 MegaPak, SampleTank 4, Keystation49 Kybd, Neewer NW-800 mic
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,193
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,193 |
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
"Music is what feelings sound like."-- borrowed from a Cakewalk Music Creator forum member, "Mamabear".
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can process an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
- The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
- Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
- Playable RealTracks Set 5
- RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
- SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
- Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
- RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
- SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,767
Posts795,980
Members39,955
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean