Black Mamba's compositions and stuff

[Black Mamba]

Well I don't compose very often, but I would like to share when I do. I will only post my serious ones (I have a bunch of misc. short ones at squaresound). And as of yet there are only a few. :(

Euro Trepid (Piano Solo)
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=CVAKJIS4

Untitled (Cello Solo work in progress)
http://www.geocities.com/hooters8989/cello.mp3

If you don't feel like downloading an MP3, I've attatched their MIDI and MUS.

Now you have no accuse not to leave feeback :@

[Totz]

cello - measure 20 sounds a bit weird, because there's still a 16th note to use somewhere, and the brief time lapse between the two Fs kinda fumbles up that section. The last section (the one with the cool rhythm) NEEDS to be developed soon because I want to hear how it goes! ;)

Euro Trepid - I thought it was a fun little piece to listen to. :) I'm specially fond of measure 21 through the end.

[Black Mamba]

Thank you for the comments Totz. I just opening the cello peice in Finale and didn't realise that little extra bit was included on the MUS. I wouldn't have posted it without that 16th note had I known. Anyway its been a while since I've edited this, actually I've grown rather fond of it. But it is time I go in and start adding to it.

I'm glad you enjoyed Euro Trepid (yay). I'm also fond of measures 21 through the end.

[Black Mamba]

Thanks Nick. A friend of mine (cello player) is nagging me about finishing it so I guess I have no choice.

[Black Mamba]

I've added a bit to my cello composition. Feeback is always good. :)

Any ideas where to go next with this piece?

mp3 - http://www.megaupload.com/?d=I5MFALSG

[Black Mamba]

I just love the cello, so here is something new I've started. If you don't like the cello, then I can make the notes higher and create a violin piece. :tpg:

Please excuse the long silence, finale is just weird like that.

yousendit (expires in 7 days) (http://www.yousendit.com/transfer.php?action=download&ufid=F5649F091086417A)

Let me know if it expires and you would like to listen.

[Totz]

Is it going to be a solo cello piece, BM? 'cause whenever I finish listening to those 8 measures, I hear a violin in my head playing those last two measures. I can't quite explain it, it's just a development that popped up.

Well, whether you do that or not, I liked it. There's not much to pass judgement on, however, so I'll be on the lookout for some more development. ;)

[Black Mamba]

Well, sure. If you'd tell me how to add an intrument in finale, I'll make it a violin/cello duet. Thanks for the comments.

[Totz]

It's easy: click on the Treble Clef button, then Staff -> New Instruments (with Setup Wizard). Choose the violin.

Now, click on Window -> Instrument List. Then, on the dropdown meny when it says the violin's instrument is a cello, select "New Instrument" and then the violin patch (it's number 41, I think).

[Black Mamba]

It's easy: click on the Treble Clef button, then Staff -> New Instruments (with Setup Wizard). Choose the violin.

Now, click on Window -> Instrument List. Then, on the dropdown meny when it says the violin's instrument is a cello, select "New Instrument" and then the violin patch (it's number 41, I think).

Thanks Totz, although it wasn't quite that complicated; must be a different version. But now I seem to have an oddly large space between each two staffs (after each violin and cello). I can't seem to alter it, so it must be me.

Thanks again!

Quick, minor edit in respect to Totz's vision! Should the violin be lowered an octave?

[Stryfe]

Thank you so much Totz D: I totally forgot to ask for that in the Finale help thread, and I'm always remaking my files if they need different instrumentation.

And commenting here without saying anything on your pieces would be quite rude, so I'll say that I either can't get Cello 2 to download right or it's incompatible with my Finale 2005. With that out of the way, Euro Trepid has some nice melodies and gets pretty catchy and fun. It could use some activity on the other hand when only one is playing, though. As for Cello, I really like 16 on, except in 20-22, where the rhythm's just a little weird. Everything before those measures could use a bit more spice, I think. But that's from a percussionist standpoint, everything could use more spice for me.


And now that I've listened to Cello 2 in Notepad 2006, keep it up and expand on it. Just try going ahead. Doodling is one of the best ways to overcome blocks, I find.

[Black Mamba]

I either can't get Cello 2 to download right or it's incompatible with my Finale 2005

:(

Theres an mp3 though, although I don't have an mp3 of the part where Totz's violin suggestion comes in. If you want, I could make one.

With that out of the way, Euro Trepid has some nice melodies and gets pretty catchy and fun. It could use some activity on the other hand when only one is playing, though. As for Cello, I really like 16 on, except in 20-22, where the rhythm's just a little weird. Everything before those measures could use a bit more spice, I think. But that's from a percussionist standpoint, everything could use more spice for me.

I completely agree with you on everything you've said. The beging of Euro Trepid definatly needs right hand accompaniment. I as well really like 16-18 from cello1 and find 20-22's rythm to sound odd. It was my attempt at progressing the piece into that high note, not the greatest progression. Thanks for the comments!!

[Totz]

Thanks Totz, although it wasn't quite that complicated; must be a different version. But now I seem to have an oddly large space between each two staffs (after each violin and cello). I can't seem to alter it, so it must be me.

Thanks again!

Quick, minor edit in respect to Totz's vision! Should the violin be lowered an octave?

Sure, no problem! :)

And yeah, that was pretty much what I had in mind, but with some minor differences (don't hate me ;_; ). There would be no double-stopping in the violin, and it would play an appogiatura E, then quarter note F, quarter note G, eighth note F, eighth note E, quarter note C, and then two half note Ds. The C being middle C and the rest right on that octave.

Thank you so much Totz D: I totally forgot to ask for that in the Finale help thread, and I'm always remaking my files if they need different instrumentation.

No problem, Stryfe. :)

[Black Mamba]

There would be no double-stopping in the violin, and it would play an appogiatura E, then quarter note F, quarter note G, eighth note F, eighth note E, quarter note C, and then two half note Ds. The C being middle C and the rest right on that octave.

da- ermm.... Just edit it please. >_<

[Totz]

Sorry, I should've done that in the first place. My bad. ;_;

[Black Mamba]

Definatly better, I knew I should've lowered the violin an octave! But that is a great way to introduce the violin, rather then have the double-stopping straight away. Although I would eventually like the violin to progress into some double-stopping, mainly because I think it sounds cool ._.

May I ask what it is you did there with the first quarter note in the 9th measure?

[Totz]

Glad to hear you liked it. :)

The E right before the F? That's an appoggiatura. It doesn't count as one of the 4 beats. Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grace_note) can explain it better than I can.

Anyway, to write one, click on the slashed eighth note button, which is to the right of the tuplet button. You click on the note you want (eighth, sixteenth, etc.), then on it (or vice-versa) and then write it as any other note.

[Black Mamba]

I finally figured out the easy process of copy/paste in finale. So heres a new composition I composed using that "technic" (if you could call it that).

I'm still having a hard time with length.

[Black Mamba]

Not really a composition, but a rendering. I got new software and am currently having having tons of fun playing around with the soundfonts. Just thought I'd share...

Battle I (http://download.yousendit.com/A4156C854A6120E5) from the Unlimited SaGa OST. Composed by Hamauzu.

[Totz]

420 - I liked how the celesta complements the piano on this one. :) If you're having trouble with length, write some variations on the theme. For example, change the duration of the notes, rewrite the harmony, stuff like that.

Battle I - the piano (?) sounded too distant, and the melody overpowers it. The staccato are REALLY staccato, wow, you can barely hear those notes. I did like the synthy sound of the melody, though. I don't know if you can do that with what you're using, but some electronic beats would fit thar rendering like a glove! :)

[Black Mamba]

420 - I liked how the celesta complements the piano on this one. If you're having trouble with length, write some variations on the theme. For example, change the duration of the notes, rewrite the harmony, stuff like that.


I'm always afraid to stray too far away from the melody or add variation. I keep thinking I'll ruin what I have or the composition will sound too random if I add too much variety. I really love to layer the same theme among different instruments though. Attached is a new composition where I attempted to add some variation (see oboe).

Battle I - the piano (?) sounded too distant, and the melody overpowers it. The staccato are REALLY staccato, wow, you can barely hear those notes. I did like the synthy sound of the melody, though. I don't know if you can do that with what you're using, but some electronic beats would fit thar rendering like a glove!

Yeah, I shouldn't have posted that. Its was done rather quickly. I just loved it because its Battle I, and I can't get enough of Battle I (yay Hamauzu). ^^

Here are two other, more serious, renderings:

Zitah - Intro (http://www.megaupload.com/?d=2NN7KQAM)
The intro to "Zitah" from FFXI. I was going for a new age kinda feel

Mako (http://download.yousendit.com/6F134CAF31F5CD7D)
Like Battle I, I just love this tune from FFVII. Not so sure what I was going for though....

-----------------------

Thanks for the comments Totz!! :tpg:

[Totz]

Mako - oh no, you didn't! That sounds awesome, BM! One thing, though: the pad you used for the chords is a bit too loud and full.. so you could either turn the volume down or turn the volume of the echoing thingy up (the latter would be what I would do ;)).

104 - that's soo nice to listen to :) I've got some ideas on how you can develop it some more, and I'll post it later today or tomorrow

Since Megaupload is a rabid anti-Totzite, I couldn't download your Zitah :(

[Black Mamba]

Mako - oh no, you didn't! That sounds awesome, BM! One thing, though: the pad you used for the chords is a bit too loud and full.. so you could either turn the volume down or turn the volume of the echoing thingy up (the latter would be what I would do ).

I know exactly what you mean. I had a hard time leveling those chords right. If I went too low, they seemed bland and where only noticable at their peak. Too high and they where, are you describe it, too full and loud. Listening to it now, I agree 100% that they need taken down a tad. However, me being the idiot that I was, didn't save the "sythn file" (like photoshop's PSD, multilayers format). Therefore I can't go back and tweak anything. :(

I've started to, not only exporting the .wav, but saving the sythn file as well so I can go back and tweak should I need to. An important, and obviouse step I never took. :grr:

104 - that's soo nice to listen to I've got some ideas on how you can develop it some more, and I'll post it later today or tomorrow

Thank you. :). I look forward to your progression ideas, since I'm at lost at where to go now. Its my inability to compose anything longer than 1:00. Any further and I feel like I'm repeating myself.

Since Megaupload is a rabid anti-Totzite, I couldn't download your Zitah

Zitah - Intro via yousendit (http://download.yousendit.com/A1C5875B56B22892)

---------

Thanks for the comments es muchos!!!!

[Totz]

Wow, that sounds like it could really be from the game, I'm impressed. Too bad I don't even remember the original Zitah tune :tpg:

Remembering or not, it's awesome either way! What software are you using?

[Black Mamba]

Wow, that sounds like it could really be from the game, I'm impressed. Too bad I don't even remember the original Zitah tune

Thank you. If you so desire, I can upload the original for you; its a beautiful piece of music.

Remembering or not, it's awesome either way! What software are you using?

"SynthFont". Its a nice program that allows a pretty good variety of options. Better yet, its free :tpg:

[Totz]

Thank you. If you so desire, I can upload the original for you; its a beautiful piece of music.

That's ok, I have it here somewhere :thumbs:

"SynthFont". Its a nice program that allows a pretty good variety of options. Better yet, its free :tpg:

I've never heard of it, but it's free, so yay :tpg:

[Black Mamba]

Well, I was bored to I decided to write a ringtone.

Yeah, I'm pretty lame.

http://www.openomy.com/download/Black%20Mamba/ringtone.mp3

[Black Mamba]

Quick opinion from someone please, does this seem too random or is it too early to tell?

EDIT: A minor update, added more to the violin's part

[Black Mamba]

Well, I got tired of waiting so I pushed forward regardless. I decided to change to violin to a cello since its tone, imo, better fitted the piece.

I'm really feeling this one. I think it could be my first real, multintrument composition. I seem to be handeling my length issue rather well and I can see this piece being one of proper length.

From here I plan on the next movement being a cello solo with the piano's bass. What do you think?


-Check Below for Update-

[Black Mamba]

Update! My friend Gen (BassClef on the forums) talks about some kind of counter melody between the cello and guitar; not quite sure what she means. ^^)

I'm suprised at how well this is coming along; I'm approaching a minute and still have a ways to go. Thats amazing for me. Now if I can only figure out how to stop finale from cutting me off at around the 1 min. mark....

-See below for update-

[Black Mamba]

To honor this wonderful day of Final Fantasy XII's release date, I decided to render Josh Barron's arrangement of "Eruyt Village" from the FFXII OST. Josh's version is very acoustic, whereas my rendering is more new age and spacey (?). Lemme know what you think!

Josh Barron - Eruyt Village Remix (http://www.openomy.com/download/Black%20Mamba/Josh%20Barron%20-%20Eruyt%20Village.mp3)

[Kaibigan]

Cello2 is a wonderful pice, make sure you finish it! :) I can't to wait see it having a nice development and ending.

[Black Mamba]

Thanks for the nice comment on my 2nd cell piece piyanista't manunulat!

I have an update on my piano, guitar, and cello piece. 1:25, woot! Defiantly a milestone for me. What do you think of the latest transition where I bring in the intro melody? I would love for any comments/suggests at all on this piece.

I can upload the .MUS if requested.

Thanks for listening!

[Totz]

Josh's Eruyt - FFXII on acid? I believe so. It feels much more "complete" than the original that I wouldn't mind listening to it in-game. You know what? Now you need to find a Stillshrine of Miriam arrangement and make it better too! It's the best freaking track of the game ;_;

And you're like one step away from an Eruyt dance mix: just add some beats or something and unleash on it and go clubbing. And for more awesomeness, record yourself saying ERUYT and insert it at random parts of the mp3.

Oh, and 0:50 = :bows: Awesome moment right there <3

I have an update on my piano, guitar, and cello piece. 1:25, woot! Defiantly a milestone for me. What do you think of the latest transition where I bring in the intro melody? I would love for any comments/suggests at all on this piece.

I can upload the .MUS if requested.

Thanks for listening!

*requests the .MUS file* :)

[Black Mamba]

Josh's Eruyt - FFXII on acid? I believe so. It feels much more "complete" than the original that I wouldn't mind listening to it in-game. You know what?

Thanks for the comments! I'm glad someone likes it. Josh and I are discussing on how to improve it. So far I've increased the strings (:50 coincidentally) to add more depth; and Josh was thinking perhaps adding some sound effects. Something along the lines of Eternity ~ Memory of Light and Waves.

Now you need to find a Stillshrine of Miriam arrangement and make it better too! It's the best freaking track of the game ;_;

You talk as if your not already a talented arranger. Get to it. :p

And you're like one step away from an Eruyt dance mix: just add some beats or something and unleash on it and go clubbing. And for more awesomeness, record yourself saying ERUYT and insert it at random parts of the mp3.

rotfl! (literally). Now all I have to do is get to that point in the game and find out how to pronounce it. :tpg:

*requests the .MUS file*

No problem my good man. Please excuse that little bit at the very end, edited it out and wanted to save it.

Thanks again for the comments!

[Totz]

Thanks for the comments! I'm glad someone likes it. Josh and I are discussing on how to improve it. So far I've increased the strings (:50 coincidentally) to add more depth; and Josh was thinking perhaps adding some sound effects. Something along the lines of Eternity ~ Memory of Light and Waves.

Ooh, that's a good idea. And since you guys are looking for inspiration in X-2, I suggest listening to "Abyss of the Farplane" or "Macalania Forest."

You talk as if your not already a talented arranger. Get to it. :p

Hah, thanks, but I wish I could. No midi = no arranging :tpg:

rotfl! (literally). Now all I have to do is get to that point in the game and find out how to pronounce it. :tpg:

Record every possible pronunciation! It would be like (bold = emphasis) TSK TSK TSK ERUYT WHOOSH ZYZT ERUYT TOONTS TOONTS ERUYT

\:tpg:/

No problem my good man. Please excuse that little bit at the very end, edited it out and wanted to save it.

Thanks again for the comments!

No problem, BM. :)
Ah, much better now, comment time!

mm1: I imagine that would be hell for a guitarist to play, but it sounds cool
mm12-16: cool chord progression there, especially on mm15
mm22-24: the cello is awesome on the section that begins on mm22 <3 And I love how everything resolves itself on mm25.
mm25: <3<3<3
mm30-31: an awesome way to finish a section :thumbs:

I'm digging it so far, so keep it up! :)

[Black Mamba]

Record every possible pronunciation! It would be like (bold = emphasis) TSK TSK TSK ERUYT WHOOSH ZYZT ERUYT TOONTS TOONTS ERUYT

You know what... I'm gonna skip the two-hundred 'lols' and 'rotfl' and just say you kill me. *wipes away tear*

mm1: I imagine that would be hell for a guitarist to play, but it sounds cool
mm12-16: cool chord progression there, especially on mm15
mm22-24: the cello is awesome on the section that begins on mm22 <3 And I love how everything resolves itself on mm25.
mm25: <3<3<3
mm30-31: an awesome way to finish a section

I'm guessing "mm" was referring to the measures, hehe (not so technical when it comes to music, if you could call basic knowledge technical). Again, thanks for the compliments! This is a piece that I've been working on for awhile now, its nice to finally hear some input.

[Black Mamba]

Yay more for incompleteness!! But they're getting longer, so I guess I'm getting better. This one is pretty special since its a combination of several melodies I original composed sitting at the piano (not just through finale), thus the boring bass. I can't for the life of me write an interesting bass.

I also have an arrangement of Final Fantasy XII's Game Over... in my head. There ain't not way in hell its becoming an MIDI until I get MIDI cables. Perhaps I'll make a crappy recording with my mp3 player....

Speaking of MIDI cables I need to get me some. Then I can start creating real compositions and not have to insert each note by hand.

[Totz]

Yay more for incompleteness!! But they're getting longer, so I guess I'm getting better. This one is pretty special since its a combination of several melodies I original composed sitting at the piano (not just through finale), thus the boring bass. I can't for the life of me write an interesting bass.

I also have an arrangement of Final Fantasy XII's Game Over... in my head. There ain't not way in hell its becoming an MIDI until I get MIDI cables. Perhaps I'll make a crappy recording with my mp3 player....

Speaking of MIDI cables I need to get me some. Then I can start creating real compositions and not have to insert each note by hand.

Ooh, I like that thing where the piano plays the melody, then the strings play the same melody a few measures later. I like the melodies you have there, BM, and I would encourage you to play with them like that in any way you can.

I'd just suggest you have both a violin and a cello so you can do the same with just the strings.

Like in the attachment below (I couldn't resist, the development came right after I finished listening to it; it was kinda freaky). Please don't hate me for doing this ;_; I didn't change anything, just tried adding some stuff after the part you stopped. /:tpg:\ *runs*

[Black Mamba]

I forgot that most prefer the .mus, so I got that uploaded as well.

[Black Mamba]

Ooh, I like that thing where the piano plays the melody, then the strings play the same melody a few measures later. I like the melodies you have there, BM, and I would encourage you to play with them like that in any way you can.

I'd just suggest you have both a violin and a cello so you can do the same with just the strings.

Like in the attachment below (I couldn't resist, the development came right after I finished listening to it; it was kinda freaky). Please don't hate me for doing this ;_; I didn't change anything, just tried adding some stuff after the part you stopped. /:tpg:\ *runs*

You've ruin my beautiful composition! How dare you!! :grr:

The fact that something hits you and you take the time to let me hear it is awesome. Its so bizarre to hear an expert's extension on something that I very much consider my own (the melodies are ingrained in my head). You took it all in a direction that I never would have been able to come up with... and for that I thank you.

...

*runs off to kinda/sorta half plagiarize*

[Totz]

You've ruin my beautiful composition! How dare you!! :grr:

The fact that something hits you and you take the time to let me hear it is awesome. Its so bizarre to hear an expert's extension on something that I very much consider my own (the melodies are ingrained in my head). You took it all in a direction that I never would have been able to come up with... and for that I thank you.

...

*runs off to kinda/sorta half plagiarize*

Expert? :tpg: I'm just like you, BM! If you keep putting me up on a pedestal, our (possible) marriage is going to be a disaster, I can tell you that much. :(

Dude, you don't have to kinda/sorta half plagiarize it, it's yours already :tpg: Take it and modify it to suit your needs! I'm just glad you liked it. :thumbs:

[Black Mamba]

Hmm... (http://www.openomy.com/download/Black%20Mamba/118.mp3)

Blame my holiday spirit? This time around I actually tried composing in a style. Hope it turns out ok, hope I actually finish it among others....

I can upload the Mus or Midi upon request.

[Totz]

Openomy is down, BM. Again. ;_;

[Rain]

Openomy is down, BM. Again. ;_;In lieu of these file sharing dilemmas, I am tempted to ask a few of you guys if you wouldn't be interested in starting up an ftp devoted to hosting files...If we split it a few ways, it shouldn't be too expensive.

[Totz]

In lieu of these file sharing dilemmas, I am tempted to ask a few of you guys if you wouldn't be interested in starting up an ftp devoted to hosting files...If we split it a few ways, it shouldn't be too expensive.

Then we'd have the same problem whenever there was something wrong with the ftp. :tpg:

[Black Mamba]

In lieu of these file sharing dilemmas, I am tempted to ask a few of you guys if you wouldn't be interested in starting up an ftp devoted to hosting files...If we split it a few ways, it shouldn't be too expensive.

I don't think it would be worth the fee, at least for me. Most of my composition I don't bother rendering. Plus I don't mind uploading to yousendit occasionally.

Openomy is down, BM. Again. ;_;

Its working now, but just in case (http://download.yousendit.com/69302EF8508C19C6).

[Totz]

It stops when it starts developing more ;_;

Keep it up because some of us want MORE! :thumbs:

[Rain]

I don't think it would be worth the fee, at least for me. Most of my composition I don't bother rendering. Plus I don't mind uploading to yousendit occasionally.That's true. Just thought I would throw the idea out there. :) Theres nothing makes me mad like unreliable crappy file sharing sites.

Its working now, but just in case (http://download.yousendit.com/69302EF8508C19C6).I like how this piece is developed. The flute (is that a flute? I can't tell exactly on the sample) could be slowed down a bit but I absolutely love when it is joined by the BOOMING timpani and the additional instrumentation. Very cool because it is a bit sudden and unexpected. It will be cool to see how this piece develops.

:)

[Black Mamba]

That's true. Just thought I would throw the idea out there. Theres nothing makes me mad like unreliable crappy file sharing sites.

Tell me about it. Perhaps Chris might give you some space, since all of your compositions are nicely rendered and in mp3 format.

I like how this piece is developed. The flute (is that a flute? I can't tell exactly on the sample) could be slowed down a bit but I absolutely love when it is joined by the BOOMING timpani and the additional instrumentation. Very cool because it is a bit sudden and unexpected. It will be cool to see how this piece develops.

Thanks, I apologize for the free and rather crappy synths. It took me forever to get the flute how I wanted it, I ended up layering it with a cool spacey sample so it would blend well and add depth. I'm still not sure, though, about the sax echoing towards the end; I like it as an intro but that may be it. I wanted to keep it going for traditional purposes, however I think it sounds odd when all the additional tracks get going.

I'll slow the flute down, I think I did cram an awful lot in such a short time. However I'm not sure how to do that without actually making the notes longer. You see, I compose through finale then render in a separate program (I can only dream about using programs like Fruit Loops and Reason). Is there a way you can slow the tempo for certain measures in finale?

I sorta faded out there. Questions and comments directed towards anyone who'll read!

Thanks for the comments Rain, it means alot!

[Totz]

Is there a way you can slow the tempo for certain measures in finale?

Yep. :) Click on the mf button, double click on the measure you want the tempo to change, then scroll down till you find rit.. Click on "Duplicate," then "Edit," then on the "Playback" tab.

On that tab, you'll find "Type" and "None" selected. Change from "None" to "Tempo." As you select it, "Quarter Note" will appear beside it. Leave that untouched. Right underneath all that, click on "Set to Value" and select whatever tempo you want. Click OK.

EDIT: for clarity's sake, you do that if you want to slow down the tempo. To accelerate it, do the same thing, but with the accel. option. Sorry about that!

Then, to go back to the original tempo, click again on the mf button, double click the measure you want, now scroll down and find the a tempo. "Duplicate," "Edit," "Playback" tab, just like last time.

"None" turns to "Tempo," "Quarter Note" stays the same, then you input the original tempo in the "Set to Value" field. Click OK.

I hope that helps!

[Black Mamba]

I hope that helps!

It does. Thanks for typing all that up!

[Totz]

It does. Thanks for typing all that up!

You're very much welcome! :)

If it's a bitch to understand, which I wouldn't doubt it is, I could explain with pictures and stuff. You just say LET MY PEOPLE GO, and pics will come!

Also, the Israelites will leave Egypt, but that's another story.

[Jared]

You can set the tempo using rit? Does that gradually slow it down to a certain tempo (like I've been trying for years?!?!) haha

I've always used the moderato, adagio, etc, and modified them as I saw fit, often creating 'vivo' and using it. :D

[Black Mamba]

Using Totz's step by step instructions, I not only wrapped this piece up, but I also utilized some nifty tempo changes I normally would have no clue how to do. So here it is and, my god, its actually finished (http://download.yousendit.com/D5E86AC77B437D98)

Because openomy is being its usual "I'm too good to load" self.

[Totz]

You can set the tempo using rit? Does that gradually slow it down to a certain tempo (like I've been trying for years?!?!) haha

I've always used the moderato, adagio, etc, and modified them as I saw fit, often creating 'vivo' and using it. :D

:tpg:
It's not a perfect transition from, say, 120 to 100, but it does its job well.
If you're using from Finale '04 (I think) up, there's the whole Human Playback thing, which adds a certain charm to pieces. Try setting it to "Romantic" and writing a solo piano piece. :)

Using Totz's step by step instructions, I not only wrapped this piece up, but I also utilized some nifty tempo changes I normally would have no clue how to do. So here it is and, my god, its actually finished (http://download.yousendit.com/D5E86AC77B437D98)

Because openomy is being its usual "I'm too good to load" self.

Oh snap, the section that begins at 0:49 caught me by surprise: the guitar appeared and then the flute joined in on the party; awesome right there.

The pad (or strings?) you have there make up for a great texture, and whatever it is that's doubling the flute near the end has a great sound as well.

I thought the faster section was a nice contrast to the original tempo; I also liked the theme you have going on. You could have like a million variations expressing all kinds of moods. I would suggest a string quartet, because a) strings are awesome, b) four is an even number, and c) :thumbs:.

Awesome work, BM! :thumbs:

[Jared]

What exactly does the human playback do, Totz? I've never really noticed a difference between the styles, though I haven't experimented too much.

As for the piece BM, I enjoyed it. The opening is the weakest section, but the rest flows very nicely.

My favorite part is when the flutes harmonize with each other (or with the other instruments, its hard to tell) at around 1:12. It is a refreshing change from the preceding section and the harmony is very sweet there.

My only real complaint about the piece is the lack of harmony, in general (besides at 1:12). Often the melody goes unaccompanied aside from a few bass parts. Simply adding in another instrument line, playing a simple harmony or counter melody, would beef up the piece considerably and produce a much fuller sound all around.

Overall though, well done! As Totz said, the theme is very capable of having many variations, it was definite and that is a very good quality. It doesn't sound random and you developed it well. Good job!

[Totz]

What exactly does the human playback do, Totz? I've never really noticed a difference between the styles, though I haven't experimented too much.

I haven't experimented a lot either, but I know the "Jazz" style changes everything and the "Romantic" one adds pedal and other small touches I sure as heck can't explain. :tpg: But in most cases, it's so subtle it takes me quite some time to notice the difference.

[Black Mamba]

I thought the faster section was a nice contrast to the original tempo; I also liked the theme you have going on. You could have like a million variations expressing all kinds of moods. I would suggest a string quartet, because a) strings are awesome, b) four is an even number, and c) :thumbs: .

Thanks for the nice comments Totz. I also have grown to like the theme and would love to try another variation of it. But a string quartet? That would be pretty difficult, but I guess I could give it a try. Any idea of a style? I'm think maybe a battle tune, as if writing a string quartet wasn't hard enough.....

EDIT: I'm also one who has had some fun with the human playback option, however I usually just leave it alone when writing.

Jared, probably the biggest compliment is saying it doesn't sound random. That means alot since thats my biggest fear when composing. I do agree with you, the piece does seem a little shallow and needs a counter melody. Whats there isn't going to keep four string instruments busy, so that'll give me something new to write. Thanks for the comments!

[Totz]

Thanks for the nice comments Totz. I also have grown to like the theme and would love to try another variation of it. But a string quartet? That would be pretty difficult, but I guess I could give it a try. Any idea of a style? I'm think maybe a battle tune, as if writing a string quartet wasn't hard enough.....

You could try writing a battle theme in KH's style. Have an ostinato running and then you develop the theme and whatever else you want. :)

[Jared]

No problem man. :D

As for the string quartet idea. String quartets are a bit challenging to write for, but so far, I haven't found a more rewarding ensemble (though I've only completed one piece for strings, the Hollow Bastion arrangement). Strings are capable of a lot compared to most other instruments; their range is huge, both their style range and their pitch range.

Though it was a challenge, I had a TON of fun working with strings and I'm sure you would too! They work great for battle themes, too I think! Hollow Bastion/Forze del Male made an appropriate string sound and Forze del Male translated nicely to the ensemble. Strings can just have such a dangerous sound that they work well for such a purpose.

[Black Mamba]

To introduce the 'stuff' in Black Mamba's compositions and stuff.

I don't normally write poetry. Last time I did, it was for that damn poetry book in 7th grade. But lately, I've been inspired. Inspired by the atmospheric piece, "The One Who Bares Fangs at God" by Mitsuda (best to listen when reading). Compliment, critique, bash, all is welcome.

he who bares fangs at god
- is not afraid
he who questions the conservative hear
- reveals the truth
he who tames the monster of hate
- liberates all

Do you dare to bare,
your fangs at god?