Classical-ish bit, Something different (for me).....

[CHuckmott]

Playing with some of the string sounds in Omnisphere (all but the flute, which is kind of buried and from GArritan PO) and Addictive Keys Grand Piano, whch in my opinion is a useable Grand Piano (what do you think in this context ?) came up with this, most of it today....

Not myn genre and straight from finishing off some rough edges, but I kind of like it at this point, if for nothing but a good head start? OR would you call it done? Would you call "decent" at least?

DId I mention this is a new to me genre/experiment.....?

https://soundcloud.com/chuck-mott/serenity

Comments on mix/arrangement... are the vocals too much? Are there parts you would drop out (No not all of them smarty ). Thanks.

[Kolstad]

I think it's a good start. I would consider developing this by adding/subtracting layers every 10-15sec (layer arrangement)..
As is, I find the piano quite midi sounding and lacking depth, to be honest, so I would use a little processing, and try to at least add a bass where it's alone, to support it with more sustain and bottom end.

I like the string patch, but I think the choir might limit the opportunities for the track, so I would only add this if absolutely neccessary..
Either way you can use it as a piece to practice layer arrangement.

[CHuckmott]

Thanks....I left it fairly lengthy to get a feel for what worked and what doesn't. The solo piano bit can go if that is the consensus, as can the vocal patches. Anyone else hearing the oohs as a potential obstacle? Maybe try editing the piano a bit, add a patch with some reverb ? Also can use Trillian to add an acoustic bass? Anyway don't be afradi to recommend as Songcabinet just did.

[CHuckmott]

Listening back, good points. I think the vocal tracks probably need to go, they just don't seem to work here.GOing to look at some other patches and the midi performances for the piano as well. Good feedback, thanks again .

[funsongs]

Just an opinion...that's what you're asking for?

Right out of the gate, it reminded me of "Imagine" by John Lennon. The tempo, for being driven by kind of a hard-sounding piano, made it feel a bit more Pop/Rock; and too speedy to feel like it's really representative of "serene".

That stated, and wanting be positive about what you've started: what if, instead of the piano playing those notes, you let that be the sound of a bass fiddle being "bowed"; maybe unison played with a cello? Bring in something light, perhaps a flute, where the melody begins...around :17.
Seems you'd keep the same feel, but it would sound closer to being a classical piece. String quartet with flute?

I don't know if it might also help to slow it down just a bit.

Interested to see how you develop this. Sounds like something worth experimenting with, and trying some different approaches.
Hope that helps.
Cheers.
Peter R.

[CHuckmott]

It's completely midi, so anything goes. Gonna sleep on it and look tomorrow. Not tied into needing it to sound like a classical piece, just thought that was more what it sounded like. I have another patch I tweaked already. Not really trusting the orchestral samples I have ( or my own programming of them more the case). Equal parts both, to try the string quartet thing. Truth be known the piece was more inspired by an artist/band known as Eluvium. But once I got that piano part going, and added the one string part, drums etc , didn't seem to fit.

[CHuckmott]

Updated....dffferent piano patch...shortened my a measure. Lowered vocal patches. Closer to being what it is. One question: what is this exactly>? Neo Classical? New Age? How's the balance(s) on this? Feeling any better? https://soundcloud.com/chuck-mott/serenity Thanks all.

[KevinVeatch]

I like what Magne Kolstad said a few posts up, changing up the texture at intervals. If the goal is to keep a person's attention (and that may or may not be the goal I suppose), consider adding or altering something every two or four measures (rather than a certain number of seconds). Also try editing the velocities of your piano notes to create dynamics in the playing. That can help it sound more real, less midi. Hope this helps -- Kevin

[CHuckmott]

Should have known I couldn't get away with looping a piano part over and over . Maybe select the whole thing and randomize? Every 4 bars there is something new coming in. The string layers...another string layer....the vocal patch. I'll listen again......

[KevinVeatch]

That's good that you have something new coming in every four bars. Perhaps tweak something half way through each of those four bars as well (something new to catch the ear every two bars). It can probably be as simple as a slight variation in piano note timing or velocity.

A fun to try (at least it would be fun for me if I were there): Find a friend who plays decent piano, and have them play it for real (no copy-paste loop). Even if they are playing the same notes over and over, if they vary the intensity of their playing it'll really change the authenticity of the piece. The fun-factor is that your friend ends up having a personal investment in your project, and it's good for overall life.