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#795665 01/14/24 04:04 PM
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An Elf's Funeral

Comments were made about my Bridge to Nowhere that Dwarfs would fight with the Elfs because they could not enter the Mystical Elfland. Well that fight did happen and all but one Elf made it to safety. This is the song they played at that Elf's funeral.

Sometimes things just fall into place. The weather is so bad here that BobH couldn't make it over today; we get together every Sunday to play guitar. So after shoveling out my driveway I had an idea for this song. I found a BiaB style I liked, chose the instruments, then played my parts, and did the mix. All of this happened in about four hours.

BiaB style = Neon Sign MIDI Smooth Jazz Waltz
Tempo = 50 BPN\M

I deleted the bass and drum tracks.
Piano - EZLeys2 - Dream Machine - preset Celesta Mellow
Guitar - Keyzone Classic - preset Basic EP
Strings - Kontakt - The String Collection - preset Percisa Strings
Me-Bass - Kontakt - Amadeus - preset Basses
Me via my new breath controller and keyboard controller the Swam Viola and EastWest's Play - Alto choir.

Before anyone asks I use the combination of those controllers because it gives me more simultaneous control over the selected patch. My right hand can play the note(s) while my left can control the nuances like tremolo, vibrato, slurs,etc. If I desire I can also program my MIDI foot pedal controller for more options. I can also play polyphonically while the wind controller is only one note at a time. The wind controller does have it benefits so I will be using that also. I had to experiment so this is my first time with the breath controller.

As always all comments are welcomed.


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Divorce is twenty grand!

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MarioD #795671 01/14/24 04:54 PM
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I find it interesting that most everyone who writes and records music here has one or more personal styles, sort of like a musical thumb print. And this song is a good example of one of your styles. Calming, soothing, other worldly, mysterious, but peaceful.

I can envision this elf travelling to his next world in the form of a slowly rising shooting star.

Nicely done Mario, especially the e-piano.


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MarioD #795705 01/14/24 09:07 PM
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Hi Mario,

This is so beautiful. You own this genre. This matches or exceeds anything I've heard as bg music in high-production films. Mysterious, mystical, and masterfully executed. The richness and full use of the soundstage fills the listener's ears with an encompassing richness that's so beautiful and moving.

What a wonderful example of the genre.

Best to you,

Alan


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MarioD #795728 01/15/24 04:11 AM
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Mario,

Ethereal and haunting... You create such beautiful compositions. Your new breath controller is a win.

This is excellent!

Bob

MarioD #795743 01/15/24 07:06 AM
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Good stuff, Mario! Especially like what you did with the breath controller.

MarioD #795757 01/15/24 08:01 AM
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Wow, so soothing, I really enjoy the instrumental!!

MarioD #795765 01/15/24 08:31 AM
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Seriously, Mario, you gotta hook up with some movie writers. You have a great imagination, and tell stories so brilliantly with your music. No kidding, this is so compelling, and you really bring out the sadness that even the most soulless dwarf would feel. And yet you add compassion and comfort for the grieving elves.


Enjoy whatever happens!
marty

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MarioD #795781 01/15/24 09:55 AM
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Ok, Gandalf, stop with the sorcery already! Seriously, Mario, this is really cool stuff. You really know how to create a sonic landscape. Your creative use of instruments is very impressive, too. Well done (again)!


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MarioD #795912 01/16/24 06:41 AM
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Hard to add to the above accolades other than to say we agree totally.

Great track choice, mix and performances.
Sounds like you are having fun with the new controller.

And most importantly we hope the elf community appreciates this fitting tribute to their fallen comrade!

J&B


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MarioD #795914 01/16/24 06:51 AM
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Nicely done.

As was pointed out, you seem to do this style exceptionally well.

Very calm and serene.


You can find my music at:
www.herbhartley.com
Add nothing that adds nothing to the music.
You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.

The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
MarioD #795962 01/16/24 10:10 AM
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Heavenly.

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Originally Posted by Bass Thumper
I find it interesting that most everyone who writes and records music here has one or more personal styles, sort of like a musical thumb print. And this song is a good example of one of your styles. Calming, soothing, other worldly, mysterious, but peaceful.

I can envision this elf travelling to his next world in the form of a slowly rising shooting star.

Nicely done Mario, especially the e-piano.

Thanx so much Steve for this very kind review. That EP track is all BiaB, all I did was choose the sound.


Love is grand.
Divorce is twenty grand!

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Originally Posted by Al-David
Hi Mario,

This is so beautiful. You own this genre. This matches or exceeds anything I've heard as bg music in high-production films. Mysterious, mystical, and masterfully executed. The richness and full use of the soundstage fills the listener's ears with an encompassing richness that's so beautiful and moving.

What a wonderful example of the genre.

Best to you,

Alan

Thanx Alan for this kind review. Sometimes the quick and dirty songs come out the best, at least for me they do. I'm glad you liked it.


Love is grand.
Divorce is twenty grand!

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
rsdean #796031 01/16/24 04:43 PM
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Originally Posted by rsdean
Mario,

Ethereal and haunting... You create such beautiful compositions. Your new breath controller is a win.

This is excellent!

Bob

Thanx Bob. I do like that breath controller as it open up more natural expression, at least for me it does.

Originally Posted by BlueAttitude
Good stuff, Mario! Especially like what you did with the breath controller.

Thanx so much Dave.


Love is grand.
Divorce is twenty grand!

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Originally Posted by Ronnie Fields
Wow, so soothing, I really enjoy the instrumental!!

Thanx so much Ronnie.


Love is grand.
Divorce is twenty grand!

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Originally Posted by BabuMusic
Seriously, Mario, you gotta hook up with some movie writers. You have a great imagination, and tell stories so brilliantly with your music. No kidding, this is so compelling, and you really bring out the sadness that even the most soulless dwarf would feel. And yet you add compassion and comfort for the grieving elves.

Thanx so much Marty. I try to tell stories via music both with and without vocals. Sometimes they come out just fine while other times.....well I don't post them wink


Love is grand.
Divorce is twenty grand!

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
DC Ron #796034 01/16/24 04:48 PM
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Originally Posted by DC Ron
Ok, Gandalf, stop with the sorcery already! Seriously, Mario, this is really cool stuff. You really know how to create a sonic landscape. Your creative use of instruments is very impressive, too. Well done (again)!

Thanx Ron I appreciate your kind review. I try to paint sonic landscapes with the instruments I have. Sometimes they come out OK while other times they don't get posted!


Love is grand.
Divorce is twenty grand!

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Originally Posted by Janice & Bud
Hard to add to the above accolades other than to say we agree totally.

Great track choice, mix and performances.
Sounds like you are having fun with the new controller.

And most importantly we hope the elf community appreciates this fitting tribute to their fallen comrade!

J&B

Thanx Janice and Bud. Yes the elfs did appreciate this tribute and in fact gave me a box of chocolate cookies!


Love is grand.
Divorce is twenty grand!

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Originally Posted by Guitarhacker
Nicely done.

As was pointed out, you seem to do this style exceptionally well.

Very calm and serene.

Thanx so much Herb.

Originally Posted by floyd jane
Heavenly.

Thanx Floyd.


Love is grand.
Divorce is twenty grand!

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
MarioD #796090 01/17/24 05:04 AM
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Mario, if there ever was a magical elf on The forum that would be you.

You have more elven magic in the tiniest top sliver of your pinky finger on your right hand then some elves have in their whole pipe stem, and I'm getting that directly from Tolkien himself because he's sitting right here believe it or not.

But seriously man you have mastered this genre of freaky, bluesy, melancholy, surreal, yet happy and ethereal improv jazz genius .

I hope your elven music never dies and there will never be a need to have the funeral March or burning pyre for the last ritual of the elven King. I hope it lives on in eternity in the hallowed Halls of Narnia.

Loved it.

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