Hi!

Just got myself another composition, and this time is because of local forum challenge at my country (called Minstrel Challenge #4, and that's the reason I call it "Minstrel Forest" ). The required theme is forest, and it has to be in MIDI format (.mid, yes.. but I've converted it to .mp3 as is so I can share it easily, but the sound will be just the same).

Here's the link: https://soundcloud.com/mychiilist/minstrel-forest

The quick story:

"Wander around a mysterious forest they never know about, they dare themselves because they know they will find a great treasure within. Unfortunately, they are not alone. The forest is heavily guarded by the forest protectors!"

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It was quite a challenge indeed... It 5 hours before the deadline for me to start composing (I was in the errand, and when the related person invited me to join, it was like a day before, but luckily I got my time). I also got troubles with MIDI format, such as when using FL Studio where the instruments changed into piano when I exported it, but solved by using MIDI out instruments instead (and play around with its channels, so tricky!). Then I also faced the playback speed problem (played it on Win 7 Windows Media Player flawlessly, but not in mac). Due to these reasons I didn't have time to do the mixing (I also don't know how to do the mixing of MIDI format either, because the instruments can't be sent to the mixer last time I tried. lol).

I uploaded it as it is on the challenge (just converted it to .mp3) so I could expect an equal amount of feedback here too.

Thank you!

Sounds good! With your tools are you able to tweak volumes etc? It sounds like it crescendos a bit at the end, might be good to make that lead (woodwind sound) more dynamic.

Thanks neutrient for the reply!

If I do it not for MIDI Out/MIDI, I can simply do it with automation clip. But I tried but somehow the MIDI instrument does not react to it. I can't control the mixer volume as well since that MIDI Out instrument can't be sent to mixer channel. I can only change the volume on each instrument (which means it won't be dynamic).

I really wonder if I could do that in other DAW for MIDI format.

Definitely successful in capturing the forest theme. Would I be right in saying that FF7 was a reference?

I know that midi instruments can go on forever but your woodwind "player" needs to breathe occasionally, it might help the realism.

Thanks xiaoan!

While I am also a big fan of Nobuo Uematsu's work, actually my only reference when doing this was Melody of Aqua (Sailing to the World) by Yasunori Mitsuda to get the feel and tempo up to around 1:27 of the music. What a coincidence, I am curious to know which FF7 music are you referring into? Maybe it could help me more.

I completely agree with you about the realism, I was like "How long does the flute player could play a composition like this?" Maybe I should try to change the middle to another woodwind like Oboe or strings like violin so he or she could rest a while and add a few holes.

I can't remember exactly which one, but it was one of the forests. The one that you get lost in or something.

I didn't mean to change an instrument, more like, let the guy take a breath then start again.

I can't remember exactly which one, but it was one of the forests. The one that you get lost in or something.

I didn't mean to change an instrument, more like, let the guy take a breath then start again.

Cool, thanks! I'll keep up on that.

I like this track...takes me to a faraway place.

I feel you have captured the essence of what you are going for rather well, however I do agree with some of the previous comments, as added dynamics would make this piece stand out much better, also like mentioned before, the piece is in need of breathing here and there. Other than the few bits that could be worked on, it's a wonderful tune and I like the slow trills, it gives a fluttery happy sound. :)

@Bakuda Thanks! I hope it takes you to the hidden treasure from the place as well. =D

@CaseP Thanks for the comments! Yes, I probably was in a hurry making it but I know that is not a good reason to skip the realism issue, I'll do better in the future. The trills were given because I was reminded by Disney's Snow White; the birds. :)