Example of vagueness

[daveydad]

Here's an example of a listing that makes me hesitate to submit to... it mentions anything from piano and strings to full blown orchestration but it doesn't state piano solos are okay... which is exactly what the Clint Mansell reference is. So does this means I'd be safe submitting piano solos???

EMOTIONAL ORCHESTRAL UNDERSCORE INSTRUMENTALS are needed by a very busy NON-Exclusive Music Library that needs to meet increased demand in this genre. They’re looking for compelling
Down-To-Mid-Tempo Instrumental Cues that would be in the range of pieces you’d hear from composers like James Horner, Clint Mansell, Tom Tykwer etc., etc., etc. Please take a listen to the following examples to get in the general ballpark of what they’re getting requests for:

“Legends Of The Fall Soundtrack” by James Horner:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VyRbyP3Daxs

“Together We Will Live Forever” by Clint Mansell:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swAicg0GjNg

“Cloud Atlas End Title” by Tom Tykwer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gC4XvBXvW6o

Passionate, emotionally stirring pieces that revolve around a single motif that evokes emotions like sadness, hurt, longing, desperation, etc. should do the trick! Arrangements that run the gamut from piano and strings to full-blown orchestral instrumentation could all work. Some hybrid accompaniment is welcome, but please avoid instrument samples that are dated, stiff, or sound obviously MIDI-driven and “synth-y.” Expert use of virtual instruments will get you to the top of the pile if your compositions are strong as well.

[daveydad]

BTW, I just emailed the head screener to see what he says....

[daveydad]

Head screener's comments:

Hi David. That's a good question. I think that the key line in the listing description is "Arrangements that run the gamut from piano and strings to full-blown orchestral instrumentation could all work." Solo piano is outside of that requirement (I imagine piano with a minimal, light string backing would be fine), and I would expect whoever screens that listing to adhere to that. The solo piano reference is there as an example of mood and vibe as far as I can see - the reference tracks illustrate the listing requirements and don't take precedence over the written listing details.