Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 3 1 2 3
#809468 05/06/24 09:30 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 2,755
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 2,755
Background
Some may remember my last docu-song Bletchley Park, this one is a continuation of that WW2 theme and is dedicated to Viktor E. Frankl and all the survivors and non-survivors of the Holocaust. Viktor, like so many German and East European Jews found himself entrapped in the Nazi network of concentration and extermination camps, but amazingly he survived and wrote an epic account of some of his experiences in the camps and the meaning behind survival. He called his book Man’s Search For Meaning.

In my opinion, this relatively small paperback which has been translated into over 20 languages and has sold over 12 million copies, should be required reading at the High School and College levels. Here are a few quotes.

With unthinkable haste, people tore off their clothes. As the time grew shorter, they became increasingly nervous and pulled clumsily at their underwear, belts and shoelaces. Then we heard the first rounds of whipping; leather straps beating down on naked bodies.

The most painful part of beatings is the insult which they imply.

Those who have not gone through a similar experience can hardly conceive of the soul-destroying mental conflict and clashes of will power which a famished man experiences.

In spite of all the enforced physical and mental primitiveness of the life in a concentration camp, it was possible for spiritual life to deepen.

Months later, after liberation, I met a friend from the old death camp. He related to me how he, as camp policeman, had searched for a piece of human flesh that was missing from a pile of corpses. He confiscated it from a pot in which he found it cooking. Cannibalism had broken out.

Fundamentally, therefore, any man can, even under such circumstances, decide what shall become of him – mentally and spiritually. He may retain his human dignity, even in a concentration camp. Dostoevski said once, “There is only one thing I dread: not to be worthy of my sufferings.”


Frankel died in 1997, and it is he that won the victory, not Hitler.

Today, 5/6/24 is Holocaust Remembrance Day. The least we can do is never forget.

This is my first baby-step attempt at doing vocals; way out of my comfort zone. My only consolation is that these vocals are intended to come from beyond the grave.

Technicals
80 BPM

BiaB:
RealTracks in style: 1856:Cello, Background PopCountry Ev 085
RealTracks in style: 677:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm RockBritDriving Ev 085
RealDrums in style:RockBritDrivingEv16^1-a:Snare, HiHat , b:Snare, Ride

Me:
Vocals: I have victory!/We have victory!

Korg Keyboard: Synths/Leads, Clarinet, Strings, Tuba(high register)

Roland Drum Pad (during the outro): Toms, Snare, Hi Hat, Cymbal

Fender: Bass Guitar

Recorded and mixed in Studio One

Victory For Viktor


https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677
BiaB 2026 Windows
For me there’s no better place in the band than to have one leg in the harmony world and the other in the percussive. Thank you Paul Tutmarc and Leo Fender.
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,597
Veteran
Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,597
Wow! Ambitious. Epic. Beautiful. In the immortal words of Roy Neary, "This means something. This is important." Nicely done indeed...


DC Ron
BiaB Audiophile
Presonus Studio One
ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM
Presonus Faderport 16
Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,887
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,887
BT,

Epic indeed! An amazing soundscape. Beautiful, creative and full of emotion. Extremely well done.

Bob

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 160
B
Apprentice
Offline
Apprentice
B
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 160
Very impressive work, beautiful and moving!

I loved the melodic cello, and how the music swells in the last third of the piece - and also those bell-like tones at the end.

I read Frankl's book a couple of years ago, and my main takeaway was that the people in the camps who had a purpose, a reason to live, are the ones who survived.

You've composed a great tribute to Frankl, thanks for sharing!

User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 2,755
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 2,755
Originally Posted by DC Ron
Wow! Ambitious. Epic. Beautiful. In the immortal words of Roy Neary, "This means something. This is important." Nicely done indeed...
Thanks so much DC, glad it spoke something to you. The vocals were particularly challenging for me.
Wasn't Roy's quote associated with mashed potatoes?


https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677
BiaB 2026 Windows
For me there’s no better place in the band than to have one leg in the harmony world and the other in the percussive. Thank you Paul Tutmarc and Leo Fender.
User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,187
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,187
Hi, Steve.

Thanks for the explanation - the introduction makes a lot more sense.

There's a good build to the music, and the quiet interlude in the middle. Sounds good!


-- David Cuny

My virtual singer development blog
Vocal 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: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,243
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,243
I think they call it "program music" where the music tells a tale & tat tales is written down for those listening to follow.
Interesting take...well recorded.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
User Showcase
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 1,095
L
Expert
Offline
Expert
L
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 1,095
A beautiful tribute Bass Thumper
Laurent

User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 2,755
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 2,755
Originally Posted by rsdean
BT,

Epic indeed! An amazing soundscape. Beautiful, creative and full of emotion. Extremely well done.

Bob
Hey Bob, I really appreciate your listen and feedback.
I hope my bullfrog voice didn't detract too much from the overall message.

We owe it to humanity to never forget; it could happen again.
--Steve


https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677
BiaB 2026 Windows
For me there’s no better place in the band than to have one leg in the harmony world and the other in the percussive. Thank you Paul Tutmarc and Leo Fender.
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,042
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,042
Very impressive piece from start to finish! The soundscape does a great job of matching your text. Nothing wrong with your voice BTW, sounded good to these ears.

Well done, enjoyed.

User Showcase
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 2,972
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 2,972
I really like this piece, it seems to come straight out of the 70s prog rock era.
There are quite a few Pink Floyd influences, which is a good thing.
Lots of interesting things keep my attention throughout the song.
Very well done.

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,589
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,589
I agree in that this is a very impressive masterpiece.
Great intro.
A bass solo - brilliant.
Outstanding dynamics.
Super strings and effects.
You best to date!
You have come a long way in a very short period of time.
Loved it.


Back in my day the only time we started panic buying was when the bartender shouted "last call"!

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 2,755
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 2,755
Originally Posted by BobLMusic
Very impressive work, beautiful and moving!

I loved the melodic cello, and how the music swells in the last third of the piece - and also those bell-like tones at the end.

I read Frankl's book a couple of years ago, and my main takeaway was that the people in the camps who had a purpose, a reason to live, are the ones who survived.

You've composed a great tribute to Frankl, thanks for sharing!
Hey BobL, thanks so much.
Yeah the cello in the intro is really nice, I think the artist that was recorded for that RealTrack is Matt Nelson, very talented.
And the bell-like tones at the end is a voice called "Celesta" on my Korg keyboard. Off the top of my head I really don't know how they built that voice but if you're really interested, send me a PM and there might be a way to dive into the menus to find more info on it. I learned from DrDan a couple years ago that the sequence of notes played there is called a motif.

You're absolutely right about Frankl's observing that those that had a purpose in life had a better chance of surviving the camps than those that didn't. I believe he was trained as a psychiatrist and developed the theory that the central human motivational force was the search for meaning in life; much different than Sigmund Frued's theory.

Thanks again for the constructive/engaging comments. I'm just on my journey along with everyone else smile

.


https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677
BiaB 2026 Windows
For me there’s no better place in the band than to have one leg in the harmony world and the other in the percussive. Thank you Paul Tutmarc and Leo Fender.
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 851
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 851
WOW ... an epic journey. Very theatrical work.


Elliott Kayne
elliottkayne@gmail.com
https://www.reverbnation.com/kaynemusic
https://www.facebook.com/ekayne

Health, Wealth, Family, Faith, Friends, and Fun







User Showcase
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,507
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,507
My goodness! What an amazing soundscape and epic musical journey.
I can imagine this playing in a cinema as the background music for a slideshow that documents Nazi concentration camps.
It's very emotive music.
I compliment you on your music skills, too.
Everything flowed seamlessly from section to section. It was an outstanding arrangement.
I really enjoyed going where you took me..

--Noel


MY SONGS...
Audiophile BIAB 2026
User Showcase
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 5,016
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 5,016
Yes, I've read it. Cool subject, albeit unusual, for song, Steve. With the title I was thinking of Victa (Wooten). This is a wonderful interpretation (and I really love your bass). Very creaive indeed. There is majesty within the sorrow, spiritual within the oppression. Viktor's Victory!! It speaks and you created a special musical piece to raise the voice.


Enjoy whatever happens!
marty

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@babumusic51
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/marty-straub
Band in a Box, Reaper, Cakewalk, Ozone 12, EZDrummer
User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 2,755
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 2,755
Originally Posted by dcuny
Hi, Steve.

Thanks for the explanation - the introduction makes a lot more sense.

There's a good build to the music, and the quiet interlude in the middle. Sounds good!
Many thanks David, this one took took much effort to arrange. Glad you liked it.


https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677
BiaB 2026 Windows
For me there’s no better place in the band than to have one leg in the harmony world and the other in the percussive. Thank you Paul Tutmarc and Leo Fender.
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,484
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,484
Quite an excellent atmospheric instrumental piece.

Good job Bass.

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,885
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,885
Steve,

An emotional piece of music - for an emotional story.
Thoughtful arrangement. VERY good production. And mix.
Your bass sounds great. LOVE that you are adding drums yourself - Well done!

This is impressive.

fj

rayc #809691 05/08/24 11:27 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 2,755
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 2,755
Originally Posted by rayc
I think they call it "program music" where the music tells a tale & tat tales is written down for those listening to follow.
Interesting take...well recorded.
Thanks Ray.
But I nor my AI assistant know what "tat tales" are.
Did you mean something else?

"The term “tat tales” does not have a widely recognized or standard meaning in English."


https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677
BiaB 2026 Windows
For me there’s no better place in the band than to have one leg in the harmony world and the other in the percussive. Thank you Paul Tutmarc and Leo Fender.
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 3 1 2 3

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

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.

PG Music News
Update to Build 10 of RealBand® 2026 for Windows®!

If you're already using RealBand 2026 for Windows, download build 10 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.

Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!

If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.

Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!

Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.

PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!

PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.

The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.

The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.

Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!

Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.

Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!

Order now!

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!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics86,108
Posts800,301
Members40,035
Most Online44,367
Mar 4th, 2026
Newest Members
Shakey2, Matt1575, Christian210, jaycallahanart, roshan2121
40,034 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 134
rsdean 99
DC Ron 85
WaoBand 63
DrDan 55
Today's Birthdays
Arie Klaassen, rd151
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5