I did some exploratory writing yesterday and came up with this little song. Musical comments are welcome. "A crazy little night in Paris." Rain - Prelude2 Thanks, Ryan

First thought (2 seconds in): too much rev. Rather...the reverb's sustained too much. The amount of reverb (size and amount added) are fine I suppose...but just take out half the sustain.

Very creative and interesting musically though. You definitely have an active/busy mind with making this stuff. Good job.

New version. A bit cleaner with less decay.

Rain - Prelude2

I like it a lot. I couldn't think Paris, but I did think retro gaming. Forgive me if I miss the mark completely but...

I mean, just the instrument choice alone puts me back on a scratchy green couch with a square controller in my hand stomping around Dragon Warrior. The melody keeps drifting and drifting but never really lands. This works for the piece really well. Gives it a bigger scope.

That was one of the things game composers had to contend with on those old machines. Very low fidelity instruments means they had to create atmosphere using melodic devices. The musicality of it wins the theme.

This was most likely played on a "synth" or "non" weighted keyboard as the playing didn't have too much variation velocity wise. Again, intentional or not, that keeps with the theme better. Had you a hammer-action or full weight keyboard and let's say a more realistic piano patch then the piece would be COMPLETELY different.

I could go on, but I'm afraid I read too much into everything.

Good job and thanks for sharing (didn't hear the original version...)

Tony

Quote: Original post by anthemaudio
I like it a lot. I couldn't think Paris, but I did think retro gaming. Forgive me if I miss the mark completely but...

hehe you didn't miss anything at all actually. I wasn't consciously trying to write something that was an homage to retro gaming music, but as far as development goes, that style has probably become my predominate stylistic preference on a musical level.

Quote: Original post by anthemaudio
I mean, just the instrument choice alone puts me back on a scratchy green couch with a square controller in my hand stomping around Dragon Warrior. The melody keeps drifting and drifting but never really lands. This works for the piece really well. Gives it a bigger scope.

hehe really? Wow. Thanks! :) I showed the piece to a classical enthusiast (old school classical baroque appreciator :p) and he just couldn't sympathize with the 'jumpiness' of the piece. It seems natural to me to hear music in this way and not be too hypocritical probably because I spent so much time playing the same games as you growing up. :) That makes me very happy that I was able to take you back. Thanks.

Quote: Original post by anthemaudioThis was most likely played on a "synth" or "non" weighted keyboard as the playing didn't have too much variation velocity wise. Again, intentional or not, that keeps with the theme better. Had you a hammer-action or full weight keyboard and let's say a more realistic piano patch then the piece would be COMPLETELY different.

Good call on the "synth" estimation, you are absolutely right. I actually played a few of the phrasings first (on the keyboard) and then developed the rest manually in the note sequencer. I wanted the piece to retain a smoothness throughout so I am glad I was successful there. There are a few changes in dynamics but not enough to dampen the flow of the piece.

The piece is aimed to be more atmospheric but I think from the standpoint of development it could benefit from a bit more emphasis on tonal centers. It does drift a bit much even though there is a lot of connectivity with harmonic materials... Perhaps I will make another movement which stresses more genuine classical melodic development with a similar thematic presentation.

Quote: Original post by anthemaudio[Good job and thanks for sharing (didn't hear the original version...)

Thanks you very much Tony. Your comments are very much appreciated

Take care

Ryan