Reflection Of Time

[christig]

Hi all.I've been working on this piece and was hoping for some feedback. I'm wanting to submit this for tv/film placements.I've used EWQL for my orchestra and Ivory for the piano. Any help would be greatly appreciated!Reflection Of Timehttp://www.taximusic.com/stream/185704/reflect ... .mp3thanks Christi

[cameron]

Christi,I'm no expert on film/TV, but this is a beautiful piece. Certainly sounds like a film score to my ears.Cam

[silvercord]

Hi Christi!i think, with a bit more orchestration this can be killeri hear strings and piano..and they sound good..but around1;32 the strings are playing what sounds to be the big themefor some reason i think that this theme should be supported bymore instruments...something to give it more dimention...hornsperhaps? a choir section? any other suggestions for Christi, friends?peacegeoff

[ideascapes]

Christi,Thanks for the chance to comment on your nice piece, "Reflection of Time." After listening through and reading the previous comments, I think I would record two versions of this piece--one simple and sweet (as you have done here), and another with more instrumentation/orchestration as Geoff recommended.The version you posted here seems to meet one standard of film/TV cues: keeping a steady emotion throughout. This would allow usage behind a scene without much editing, and so could appeal to music supervisors. A more dynamic version would be cool to record, because the song could certainly support it and I found myself--as a listener, not a viewer--hoping for it.A few more specific comments on a 2nd and 3rd listen: - Piano tone is good for a plug-in - I think the playing of the piano in the introduction could be a little more emotional; it sounds a bit tentative - Your solo string sounds are pretty good, but when exposed, you can hear that the vibrato is constant and so, not entirely realistic - The legato strings in the middle passage work better to my ears--no vibrato - When the marcato string comes about 3/4 through, several of the first few strokes sound out of timeHope this helps! Despite my comments, this piece could definitely work in the right film/TV situation.Vinceideascapes musicwww.vinceconstantino.com

[christig]

Thanks Cam, Geoff, and Vince for taking time to listen and comment.This is the kind of feedback I was hoping for. Geoff, I like the idea of building more in the string lead.Vince the 2 version idea I like as well. Thank you for all your constructive comments. Very helpful. as far as the solo strings and constant vibrato, any suggestions as to how to deal with this? I'm very new to using these plug ins. I know there are things you can do with a breath controller or mod wheel. I have a Roland RD700 keyboard for MIDI input.I've talked myself in and out of the first beat in the marcato section being in time. Thanks for confirming.Do you guys think this is good enough to pitch to a library as is?

[davekershaw]

This is a really nice Christie.Must say, the first few notes conjured up "Rock-a Bye baby".Hope you don't mind my saying.The screeners are really tough on strings sounding synthetic, and you need to work on that before you submit. Unfortunately, I know that from experience, as do many others here.What I thought sounded like real strings on my tracks a year ago,now sound so obviously synthetic as I develope an ear for it.Since then, I've been working on improving my programming.If you look back, there are several threads that will help, as it's a problem that many people have had.This is a really nice piece, and I think it's worth spending more time on before submitting.I do hope this all sound as positive as it's meant to be.Dave.

[christig]

Definitely positive and appreciated Dave! Thank you for your time and knowledge. I know the strings are tricky and I'm just learning this. This is really my first attempt at a stand a lone orchestration. I will definitely research the forum.I also purchased Gilreath's Guide to MIDI Orchestration. Any chapters or pages anyone might feel are helpful to make their point are welcomed.

[stephen1977]

Beautiful piece Christi.Definitely film score material in its current state.I do agree with others that you could raise the bar a bit as far as adding more orchestration.Have you quantized this at all? Nothing major, but I am echoing what another has mentioned with some of the strings sounding a tad bit off time.About mid way through I started hearing subtle female vocals... ...not really words, but more just oooohs and aaaahs in an almost crying fashion. This might make a good addition. I would keep them in the background however and not focus on them too much, but more of an addition.The samples aren't bad, but to the trained ear, easily noticeable. For most, no one will know the difference. I can even hear some light acoustic guitar work accenting the changes, etc.But don't get me wrong, what you have works for what it is, I'm just trying to see this developed a little more in my head. Some of the string sounds come across a bit overbearing in the mix. I would suggest toning down some of the higher roster string areas. As I'm listening a 3rd time, light percussion may add well to this too. Not too much, but a light shaker and maybe a tambourine hit here and there, or possibly some crescendos with cymbals, lightly in the background with mallets. This would help accent your dynamic changes much better IMHO.But, again, as is, this is beautiful, don't mind me and my constant need to build songs too much. Thanks for sharing!

[zoom]

Hey Christi!Very nice piece that really could have a bunch of different applications... you may actually want to try several different takes of the theme... one sweet (this one), one more dynamic and emotional (using more contrasts between phrases and sections, building orchestration), and one that's maybe more on the heavy side to show a stronger emotion. I can hear all sorts of possibilities here, even one that's more modern sounding, with a drum kit and a stronger beat. It's very versatile!With the strings, I think you need to use a blend of some of the different mics that EWQL offers, or possibly use octaves to bring in more depth. It should also lessen the sampled sound a bit. You especially need to pay attention to the releases of the strings in the staccato section -- that's what really gives it away as a synth IMO. You could also double the lines in other instrumentation -- oboe or french horn can be a nice touch.With some very minor touches though, this is a solid piece and I enjoyed the listen. Thanks for sharing!

[christig]

Thanks Stephen for your insights!Yes, I wondered if the highs got a little abrasive in the string lead. I've listened to this on several systems and I get different feedback on each one. Can anyone tell me if this is subjective? or just too harsh?Thanks Zoom for your feedback as well. I will try the different mic instances. All of you guys are just great for lending me your expertise. The real bummer of it all is my power company shut off power to our area for most of the day while they make upgades so I'm relegated to a coffee shop and a laptop and can't access my gear!