Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2
#868424 11/19/25 02:23 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,515
MarioD Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,515
Opus Number One

I am way out of my comfort zone while trying something new like this. This is my most ambitious song attempt to date so I hope you let me know what you think, good or bad.

BiaB style - Kladerman Piano Style
Tempo - 65 BPM
I only used the piano and utility tracks

Piano - Kontakt - Glissando Harp
Utility track - Kontakt Amadeus - Full String Ensemble
Utility track copied - Kontakt - Solid String Orchestra
Utility track copied -EastWest - Symphonic Choir

Via my breath and keyboard controllers I am playing the following Swam instruments:
double bass, oboe, bassoon, French horns 1+2, and the trumpets 1+2

Also I am playing a Kontakt bass track, the glissando harp (Kontakt-harp) and the Sforzando (Kontakt - Amadeus - full ensemble) strings.

All comments are welcomed.


The bumper sticker said "I'm a veterinarian, therefore I can drive like an animal".
Suddenly I realized how many proctologists are on the road.

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
MarioD #868453 11/20/25 01:50 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,037
C
Expert
Offline
Expert
C
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,037
Hi Mario - congratulations on this lovely piece, you are heading into a very interesting direction
with the classical instruments and arrangement! Have you come across Christian Henson on YT
who is a very able & experienced composer/teacher of orchestral scoring:
- many free tutorials on YT by him, my guess is
he'll really fire up your progress and hopefully inspire you?
I liked your choice of chords, instruments and the arrangement - very nicely done!
Two small gripes if you'll allow me - at 0.44, 4.24 and 5.40 the melody line notes don't quite fit the
underlying harmony (to my ears anyway)? You play the melody lines quite 'staccato', wondering
whether the feel of the whole piece might be improved by playing the melodies in a more 'flowing'
fashion, softly from note to note with more 'feel'?
Well done Mario - looking forward to more classical masterpieces from you!!
Best, Carl

MarioD #868461 11/20/25 03:20 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 1,058
Expert
Online Content
Expert
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 1,058
Hi Mario!
Well, I was fully immersed in that one. It was like it became the soundtrack to my daydream, and in my book, that’s a compliment when a piece transports you somewhere else. And talking about transport, it gave me a sense of travel over vast distances. In a small way, it reminded me of a classical piece by Alexander Borodin called ‘In the Steppes of Central Asia’ - it’s worthy of a listen if you haven’t heard it before. For forum members from Australia, it was used as the theme tune of the TV series ‘RPA’.
Your piece was really pleasing to listen to, Mario!
Andrew

MarioD #868462 11/20/25 03:41 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,834
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,834
Mario,

You are a true musical master...

This is absolutely beautiful. Full of texture and ambiance - mixed perfectly.

Loved this!

Bob

MarioD #868468 11/20/25 05:07 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,548
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,548
Geez, Mario, seems there's nothing you can't do with excellence. This sounds FABULOUS to my (non-classically trained) ears. Love the dreamy, expansive soundscape and your (always wonderful) playing. Well done again, Maestro!


DC Ron
BiaB Audiophile
Presonus Studio One
ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM
Presonus Faderport 16
Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
MarioD #868471 11/20/25 05:19 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,012
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,012
Wow, really good, Mario! I wouldn't even know how to start to create a piece like this.

Excellent!!

MarioD #868506 11/20/25 08:40 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 805
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 805
Mario, I love that you're not afraid to venture out of your comfort zone. And I'm impressed that when you do, you create something as transporting as this. It's a little Sgt. Pepper, a lot graceful, and unique. Would suit a pas de deux..which is happening in my mind right now.

MarioD #868517 11/20/25 09:11 AM
User Showcase
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 2,169
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 2,169
As ever I love the Swamming. Very Morricone-esqe in parts and definitely a soundtrack vibe to it. Very soothing to listen to and it's definitely one of your best.


Some favourite Waoist Adages:
#1: Play on the Way.
#13: Ask not for whom the flower blooms, it blooms for you.
#58: Bring consciousness to it.
#63: On the road to effortlessness, effort must be made.
#92: Be Love Now, the rest will come on its own.
MarioD #868591 11/20/25 01:04 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,187
Veteran
Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,187
Hi, Mario.

As Andrew said, it's like a soundtrack to a daydream.

A pleasant excursion! smile


-- 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.
MarioD #868624 11/20/25 02:42 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 2,932
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 2,932
Comfort zone is for wimps, Mario.
And it's good that you left it behind, because this is beautiful.
Classic film music.
LOVE the Oboe and the Bassoon.
This is definitely my new favorite piece of yours[Linked Image - Only viewable when logged in]

camog #868684 11/20/25 05:42 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,515
MarioD Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,515
Originally Posted by camog
Hi Mario - congratulations on this lovely piece, you are heading into a very interesting direction
with the classical instruments and arrangement! Have you come across Christian Henson on YT
who is a very able & experienced composer/teacher of orchestral scoring:
- many free tutorials on YT by him, my guess is
he'll really fire up your progress and hopefully inspire you?
I liked your choice of chords, instruments and the arrangement - very nicely done!
Two small gripes if you'll allow me - at 0.44, 4.24 and 5.40 the melody line notes don't quite fit the
underlying harmony (to my ears anyway)? You play the melody lines quite 'staccato', wondering
whether the feel of the whole piece might be improved by playing the melodies in a more 'flowing'
fashion, softly from note to note with more 'feel'?
Well done Mario - looking forward to more classical masterpieces from you!!
Best, Carl

Thanx Carl for listening and commenting. I bookmarked your video suggestion. I'll check those areas that concerned you. It maybe that I used some chord extensions in those areas. I have "weird" hearing at times as I do like using those extensions, but they probably don't really work in genres like this. That is unless you are like me and my hearing!


The bumper sticker said "I'm a veterinarian, therefore I can drive like an animal".
Suddenly I realized how many proctologists are on the road.

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,515
MarioD Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,515
Originally Posted by Andrew Dee
Hi Mario!
Well, I was fully immersed in that one. It was like it became the soundtrack to my daydream, and in my book, that’s a compliment when a piece transports you somewhere else. And talking about transport, it gave me a sense of travel over vast distances. In a small way, it reminded me of a classical piece by Alexander Borodin called ‘In the Steppes of Central Asia’ - it’s worthy of a listen if you haven’t heard it before. For forum members from Australia, it was used as the theme tune of the TV series ‘RPA’.
Your piece was really pleasing to listen to, Mario!
Andrew

Thanx so much Andrew. I was not familiar with ‘In the Steppes of Central Asia’ so I listened to some of it and I was impressed. I DLed the URL and I will listen to the entire 30 minutes of it soon. Thanx for suggesting that.


The bumper sticker said "I'm a veterinarian, therefore I can drive like an animal".
Suddenly I realized how many proctologists are on the road.

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
rsdean #868691 11/20/25 05:53 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,515
MarioD Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,515
Originally Posted by rsdean
Mario,

You are a true musical master...

This is absolutely beautiful. Full of texture and ambiance - mixed perfectly.

Loved this!

Bob

Thanx Bob. Musical master? Not really just an old guitarist having fun. I played first chair French horn in my high school's orchestra and I do miss playing classical music. But that playing took place a very very long time ago. I'm glad that you liked my first attempt.


The bumper sticker said "I'm a veterinarian, therefore I can drive like an animal".
Suddenly I realized how many proctologists are on the road.

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
DC Ron #868695 11/20/25 05:59 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,515
MarioD Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,515
Originally Posted by DC Ron
Geez, Mario, seems there's nothing you can't do with excellence. This sounds FABULOUS to my (non-classically trained) ears. Love the dreamy, expansive soundscape and your (always wonderful) playing. Well done again, Maestro!

Thanx Ron. I'm glad that you liked it. Trust me there is a lot of things I can't do, including playing music. I just like to push BiaB and to explore genres that I would have never tried without BiaB. Although BiaB can be very frustrating at times it is worth every soon to be extinct penny I paid for it. It opens a lot of musical doors if one just looks and tries new things.


The bumper sticker said "I'm a veterinarian, therefore I can drive like an animal".
Suddenly I realized how many proctologists are on the road.

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,515
MarioD Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,515
Originally Posted by BlueAttitude
Wow, really good, Mario! I wouldn't even know how to start to create a piece like this.

Excellent!!

Thanx Dave. I'm sure that if you tried you would do a fantastic job on a song like this.


The bumper sticker said "I'm a veterinarian, therefore I can drive like an animal".
Suddenly I realized how many proctologists are on the road.

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
BYOBand #868716 11/20/25 07:41 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,515
MarioD Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,515
Originally Posted by BYOBand
Mario, I love that you're not afraid to venture out of your comfort zone. And I'm impressed that when you do, you create something as transporting as this. It's a little Sgt. Pepper, a lot graceful, and unique. Would suit a pas de deux..which is happening in my mind right now.

Thanx Beth. I am a firm believer that with BiaB and a little imagination one can produce any musical genre. I'm glad you liked this little experiment of mine.


The bumper sticker said "I'm a veterinarian, therefore I can drive like an animal".
Suddenly I realized how many proctologists are on the road.

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
WaoBand #868717 11/20/25 07:43 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,515
MarioD Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,515
Originally Posted by WaoBand
As ever I love the Swamming. Very Morricone-esqe in parts and definitely a soundtrack vibe to it. Very soothing to listen to and it's definitely one of your best.
'

Thanx Chay. I really like those Swam instruments and I enjoy playing them, as well as my other instruments, both physical and VSTis. Thanx for those very kind comments.


The bumper sticker said "I'm a veterinarian, therefore I can drive like an animal".
Suddenly I realized how many proctologists are on the road.

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
dcuny #868718 11/20/25 07:43 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,515
MarioD Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,515
Originally Posted by dcuny
Hi, Mario.

As Andrew said, it's like a soundtrack to a daydream.

A pleasant excursion! smile

Thanx so much David.


The bumper sticker said "I'm a veterinarian, therefore I can drive like an animal".
Suddenly I realized how many proctologists are on the road.

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,515
MarioD Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,515
Originally Posted by B.D.Thomas
Comfort zone is for wimps, Mario.
And it's good that you left it behind, because this is beautiful.
Classic film music.
LOVE the Oboe and the Bassoon.
This is definitely my new favorite piece of yours[Linked Image - Only viewable when logged in]

Thanx Brian for this wonderful review of my song. I also like those Swam Oboes and Bassoons. All of the Swam instruments sound excellent IMHO.


The bumper sticker said "I'm a veterinarian, therefore I can drive like an animal".
Suddenly I realized how many proctologists are on the road.

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
MarioD #868720 11/20/25 07:49 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 160
B
Apprentice
Offline
Apprentice
B
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 160
Mario, congratulations on composing a most impressive and beautiful piece of music! I enjoyed the mellow voices of each new instrument, and how their melodies flowed tastefully over the shifting arpeggios in the background. The forward movement of the music gave me the sense of walking through a forest. Very nicely done!

Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2

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
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!

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

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics86,042
Posts799,254
Members40,015
Most Online44,367
Mar 4th, 2026
Newest Members
m3talmud, Chunie, Karandeep, Simon1, beedo
40,016 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 144
rsdean 104
DC Ron 101
DrDan 75
Today's Birthdays
John Kern, sampai
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5