<pony><WIP><Orchestral> Fanfare intro

[CitricAcid]

I figure while I'm working on the rest of the piece, I can get some feedback on this intro. I'm reasonably happy with it, but I want to be sure that the listeners are happy with it too. Any feedback is appreciated. For the record, very minimal mixing has been done to this at this point.

http://www.mediafire.com/listen/8lv7lh1 ... /Intro.mp3

In case you're interested, I am composing this for this image. This the first time in ages I've tried putting music to a still image, and it's proved difficult.

[Callenby]

I think you have a very good start with this. I have to say that the samples aren't the greatest ever, but quality libraries are damn expensive so it's not a huge deal. Still, see if you can't do some EQing to make it sound sharper.

The mixing for the most part is fine, though you could try playing around with certain parts' dynamics to accentuate expression. It's a tad on the robotic side as is.

The biggest criticism I have, though, would be the tone. I looked at the image you linked to and, sorry, I didn't get the sense that this was supposed to accompany it. That doesn't mean it's bad, just unsuited to that particular image. At least to me, your fanfare suggested something stately and regal, like a procession or coronation. The image, on the other hand, suggested to me conflict and perseverance through strife. It depicts a storm, and the fanfare was a little too chipper for that. I think if you began with the bit from 0:30 onward it might match it better. That's just my opinion, though.

[CitricAcid]

I think you have a very good start with this. I have to say that the samples aren't the greatest ever, but quality libraries are damn expensive so it's not a huge deal. Still, see if you can't do some EQing to make it sound sharper.

I agree. Hopefully I can fix this some at the mixing stage. Do you know of any good brass libraries? I'd like to find one that leans away from the typical Hollywood sound and is multipurpose enough that I could get a big band -type sound out of it if I wanted.

The mixing for the most part is fine, though you could try playing around with certain parts' dynamics to accentuate expression. It's a tad on the robotic side as is.

Any particular instruments that you think need more expression? There's already a TON of automation in this, but I probably tend to skimp on it in areas that I shouldn't.

The biggest criticism I have, though, would be the tone. I looked at the image you linked to and, sorry, I didn't get the sense that this was supposed to accompany it. That doesn't mean it's bad, just unsuited to that particular image. At least to me, your fanfare suggested something stately and regal, like a procession or coronation. The image, on the other hand, suggested to me conflict and perseverance through strife. It depicts a storm, and the fanfare was a little too chipper for that. I think if you began with the bit from 0:30 onward it might match it better. That's just my opinion, though.

You are 100% right. This is why I'm not an artist. I've looked at this image over and over and completely missed the emotion and symbolism. I should just stick to film where emotions are more obvious (or the director tells you what they are). Unfortunately I'm already semi-committed to using this image. Before I started I messaged the artist for permission to use it in a video, and I don't want to back out of that. Maybe I'll see if I can find another one of his pictures that is more appropriate for the piece.

EDIT: How about this one? http://pyrestorm.deviantart.com/art/Rai ... 2928&qo=21

[Callenby]

I agree. Hopefully I can fix this some at the mixing stage. Do you know of any good brass libraries? I'd like to find one that leans away from the typical Hollywood sound and is multipurpose enough that I could get a big band -type sound out of it if I wanted.

Hmm, I work mostly with strings so I'm not very well versed in brass libraries. If you don't already know about them, you could look into Cinesamples or Orchestraltools. If you meant a good and cheap brass library, then I can't really help you because I don't know of any. Like I said, I'm string-centric.

Any particular instruments that you think need more expression? There's already a TON of automation in this, but I probably tend to skimp on it in areas that I shouldn't.

I didn't have specific instances in mind, but maybe bring out the brass and woodwinds a little more, especially when grouped with other sections. Whatever will give it more 'oomph'. That's not very specific, I know. Sorry.

You are 100% right. This is why I'm not an artist. I've looked at this image over and over and completely missed the emotion and symbolism. I should just stick to film where emotions are more obvious (or the director tells you what they are). Unfortunately I'm already semi-committed to using this image. Before I started I messaged the artist for permission to use it in a video, and I don't want to back out of that. Maybe I'll see if I can find another one of his pictures that is more appropriate for the piece.

I wouldn't worry too much about that. I've also gotten permission to use an image and then ended up completely changing the project. Don't be afraid to back out, either. Nothing says you have to use it.

EDIT: How about this one? http://pyrestorm.deviantart.com/art/Rai ... 2928&qo=21

I think that's a better fit, but still not quite there. I would try and find something without Rainbow Dash at all. Your choice of instrumentation doesn't characterize her super well, I don't think. Maybe one of the princesses or simply Canterlot itself? Remember, the image is of secondary importance here. Yes, it's nice to have something that exactly fits the mood of your piece, but the key thing is to make your music the best that it can be.

[Docinterlude]

I think you have a very good start with this. I have to say that the samples aren't the greatest ever, but quality libraries are damn expensive so it's not a huge deal. Still, see if you can't do some EQing to make it sound sharper.

I agree. Hopefully I can fix this some at the mixing stage. Do you know of any good brass libraries? I'd like to find one that leans away from the typical Hollywood sound and is multipurpose enough that I could get a big band -type sound out of it if I wanted.

The mixing for the most part is fine, though you could try playing around with certain parts' dynamics to accentuate expression. It's a tad on the robotic side as is.

Any particular instruments that you think need more expression? There's already a TON of automation in this, but I probably tend to skimp on it in areas that I shouldn't.

The biggest criticism I have, though, would be the tone. I looked at the image you linked to and, sorry, I didn't get the sense that this was supposed to accompany it. That doesn't mean it's bad, just unsuited to that particular image. At least to me, your fanfare suggested something stately and regal, like a procession or coronation. The image, on the other hand, suggested to me conflict and perseverance through strife. It depicts a storm, and the fanfare was a little too chipper for that. I think if you began with the bit from 0:30 onward it might match it better. That's just my opinion, though.

You are 100% right. This is why I'm not an artist. I've looked at this image over and over and completely missed the emotion and symbolism. I should just stick to film where emotions are more obvious (or the director tells you what they are). Unfortunately I'm already semi-committed to using this image. Before I started I messaged the artist for permission to use it in a video, and I don't want to back out of that. Maybe I'll see if I can find another one of his pictures that is more appropriate for the piece.

EDIT: How about this one? http://pyrestorm.deviantart.com/art/Rai ... 2928&qo=21

I heard the song, it is great. If you want more realistic purpose and ensemble, you can always try VSL, It is expensive, but you can't deny the realism.

Like Callenby said, and he said correctly enough. You need to bring out more the Brass and Woodwinds more. They are part of the orchestra. You need to put them there. You need to respect na Orchestral rule, fundemental rule, which is weight the orchestra correctly (Balance).

Don't forget to write what is humanly possible for these section. Don't make it too easy nor too hard. Make it something between easy (lyrical) and hard (virtuosistic).

[CitricAcid]

I heard the song, it is great. If you want more realistic purpose and ensemble, you can always try VSL, It is expensive, but you can't deny the realism.

Like Callenby said, and he said correctly enough. You need to bring out more the Brass and Woodwinds more. They are part of the orchestra. You need to put them there. You need to respect na Orchestral rule, fundemental rule, which is weight the orchestra correctly (Balance).

Don't forget to write what is humanly possible for these section. Don't make it too easy nor too hard. Make it something between easy (lyrical) and hard (virtuosistic).

I actually took a look at VSL a while ago, and while I'm aware that it is the industry standard, their audio demos suck. It's really hard for me to believe that it's worth spending 10 grand on an orchestral library (Or 3 grand if I just want the brass) if they can't make decent sounding demos. I'll consider VSL when/if I start earning significant income from making music. In the meantime, I'm going to consider ProjectSAM's Orchestral Brass Classic, unless I find some other decent brass library. It will probably be January before I actually start thinking about buying anything, though.