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Keywords:
classical (360), orchestral (73), strings (242), clarinets (1)
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Description:
The year 2005 proved to be an extremely challenging one for me, as well as for most of the people who touch my life.
Last week, I was in a mood of reflection as this New Year of 2006 began. This piece quickly popped out of my consciousness. This was gratifying after six months of relative non-creativity.
It is a piece about the intensity just past. A piece about Time. And ultimately, a piece about hope.
I think I am entering a much better period in my life now.
Best wishes to everyone here for a happy, prosperous and peaceful 2006!
© 2006 Cameron Kopf
artwork by james joannesson
Hardware:
PowerBook 15" G4/667 mHz/512 MB RAM
m-audio keystation 88es
Software:
GarageBand 2
JamPack 4
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Time &mdash 01/10/06 - 03:37:43 PM
Wish I could give you the kind of detailed critique you post on my
pieces, Cameron, but my mind doesn't work that way. Instead, I will
just tell you that I found this to be a very affecting piece, and very
effective. Your use of dynamics, especially among the brass and
clarinets, is among the best I have heard. The harp, symbolic of time, is
also a perfect device for you to build this meditation around. Excellent
music for reflection. Minimal, yet accessible. I really enjoyed this.
[ Reply to This ]
Time &mdash 01/11/06 - 08:19:26 AM
Tom, thank you very much for your comments. You certainly don't have to be as long-winded (and sometimes excruciatingly detailed!) as *I* can be in my reviews. You expressed yourself very effectively here, and I truly appreciate your feedback. [ Reply to This ]
Beautiful &mdash 01/10/06 - 04:22:45 PM
I'm amazed how much emotion you got out of GB and JamPack - I really
am.
This really is gorgeous.
I really don't have anything to suggest, and even if I did I wouldn't know
what to suggest, so I'm just gonna leave you with a fan and a download.
Gorgeous!
And a happy new year to you, too. [ Reply to This ]
Beautiful &mdash 01/11/06 - 08:25:50 AM
Thanks, Ein!!
You bring up an interesting point about JP4, and this applies to sounds in general.
One of the most important aspects of music is DYNAMICS. This adds greatly to the expressiveness of a sound, even "cheesy" ones, and loops! It's all how they fit together in a balanced sound-field. Even the "nicest" sound -- synthesized OR live -- can grate on the ears if it is too loud or soft.
Dynamics go a long way towards making music expressive and emotional. [ Reply to This ]
after the dearth, the rebirth &mdash 01/10/06 - 04:26:14 PM
Cameron: Very fine piece of inspiration. I am glad you are back in the
songwriting saddle. We need you here. [ Reply to This ]
after the dearth, the rebirth &mdash 01/11/06 - 08:27:57 AM
Artistic Reflection &mdash 01/10/06 - 04:32:55 PM
I approach all music, indeed life itself, emotionally and this hits home
in that vein. The plucked strings set a very pensive, serious, thinking
mood. I listened before I read and was gratified to see that I had picked
up on at least some of what you had gone for here. Or should I say
what you were experiencing. The music just pulsates with someone
doing some heavy thinking. I picture a library or study full of beautiful
furniture, works of art and lots of books and manuscripts. You are
pacing around looking out of a window as the sun comes up. Your
thoughts rise and fall with the music but I don't hear a resolution. More
of an acceptance of what is and what will be. Life is a compromise and
happiness is a journey. I try and not be too harsh a critic of myself. It is
a role that other people are only too willing to take on. [ Reply to This ]
Artistic Reflection &mdash 01/11/06 - 08:33:20 AM
bronco, your comments are very thoughtful, insightful and have a lot of visual imagery. Thanks so much!
Recently, I have gotten into the habit of listening to new pieces BEFORE reading everyone's comments. Although this can result in pointing out the same things over and over again, it also adds objectivity and maximizes "fresh ears". I want my listening experience to be free of other people's reactions. [ Reply to This ]
wistful and nostalgic! &mdash 01/10/06 - 04:37:02 PM
and you have created something wonderful from those challenges so... the coin had two sides after all!! thank you for sharing this beautiful piece and here's to peace and less challenges in this year! "cheers" *clink* xxx [ Reply to This ]
wistful and nostalgic! &mdash 01/10/06 - 04:38:13 PM
wistful and nostalgic! &mdash 01/11/06 - 08:37:32 AM
Caroline, thank you for your best wishes (and toast!) for the New Year. "Raised glass" back at ya!
I also appreciate your sentiments about the process I went through with this piece. [ Reply to This ]
Sweet and soulful &mdash 01/10/06 - 04:44:19 PM
I didn't have to read the description to get a feeling for this one. The calm, reflective mood enters into you right away. I am curious as to how the viola (is it?) was recorded, or is it really just jam pack 4? There is definitely a sense of serenity and hope. Alltogether enjoyable piece! [ Reply to This ]
Sweet and soulful &mdash 01/12/06 - 08:09:51 AM
I'm glad, Parichayaka, that you enjoyed this. The viola sound -- and all the others in this piece -- are from JamPack 4.
No synthesized sound can truly replace the "real thing", but JP4 is pretty good. VERY good, in fact. I have yet to find better orchestral synthed sounds. If anyone knows of ones better than JP4, please let me know!
Also, I want to welcome you to MacJams! This is a great site and community, and you'll have a good time here. [ Reply to This ]
Exquisite! &mdash 01/10/06 - 05:11:53 PM
The swell of the horns is what captures me the most. The subtle
woodwinds simply snuck up on me. The continuum of the harp lays the
groundwork of a "three-layered" sound field. Not only does it have
great left-to-right seperation, but creates a front-to-rear, top-to-
bottom ambience as a surrounding emotional envelope.
As the listener, I am walking through the players. Rather than them
being static, they too, are moving around me, creating a push-pull
emotion that evokes stark realism. This 3-D effect also is conveyed in
the two dimensional artwork. The arrangement and dynamics are
breathtaking. This is now on my iPod AND cell phone!
Wounds DO heal all time! [ Reply to This ]
Exquisite! &mdash 01/11/06 - 08:43:12 AM
WOW, Al!!! Great description of sound. You're a recording studio engineer, too, apparently! (Just add that to your ever-growing hat rack.)
I appreciate the depth and detail of your comments, as always.
I'm honored that this piece is on your iPod *AND* your phone. ;-) [ Reply to This ]
Yeah! he's back - right? &mdash 01/10/06 - 05:33:18 PM
I've been offline for almost two weeks, and will prolly get into trouble
for jump'n to the 'top' of my 45 MJ alerts, but you've been away the
longest, Cameron.
I'm sure that I can speak for many when I say, that MJ's surely has
missed you. Music like this piece is one of the many reasons why your
space here has felt phat, but not empty. This piece immediately went
to a place of resonance within... So gentle, it's expressed w/ rich warm
coloring and soft textures, while having everything precisely in it's
place. Complex, yet simple.
By the sounds of this, I can tell that it REALLY was a tough year for you
and as well, it has been for me too. I do hope that things are better for
you in the upcoming days of this spank'n new year.
Welcome back! And thanks for sharing, Cameron.
Dion/Cyd [ Reply to This ]
Yeah! he's back - right? &mdash 01/11/06 - 08:52:13 AM
Dion, thank you so much for listening and commenting on this piece. I always look forward to reading your comments; they are compelling, go straight to the heart of the matter and have a certain uniqueness. Just like your music!
"Simple yet complex".....thank you! That's exactly what I was going for.
[ Reply to This ]
Beautiful Music &mdash 01/10/06 - 06:06:13 PM
Thank you, Cameron for coming back to us. You and James have been
on my mind, often and it's the biggest thrill of this year, so far, to see a
new piece of music from you, especially one so emotionally and
musically deep.
I wish you a beautiful New Year.
[ Reply to This ]
Beautiful Music &mdash 01/11/06 - 08:55:14 AM
Lisa, your good feelings warm my heart -- very much needed -- THANKS! [ Reply to This ]
oh my lordie &mdash 01/10/06 - 06:19:44 PM
this is a VERY beautiful piece, Cameron. The composition is charged
with hope and sadness....very great work
d/l and in the iPod, thank you!
deepest bows
z [ Reply to This ]
oh my lordie &mdash 01/11/06 - 08:57:49 AM
Discordant but Delightful &mdash 01/10/06 - 07:36:15 PM
In my experience, the two life situations that evoke the most creativity
are: 1) Love and 2) Adversity.
Love seems to produce an obvious wellspring and a burst of creativity.
But adversity's production is much more subtle and delayed. Perhaps
it's because our creativity is pressed into service during times of trial
as a salve for our aching spirits and its byproducts don't emerge until
after our soul's been steadied and the crises have past.
This is a very stirring piece, with subtle dissonance quietly merging
into lovely melody on the cusp of distress. Very artful... very
emotional... and very lovely.
Here's wishing you --- and all MacJammers --- more of #1's
inspiration in 2006! [ Reply to This ]
Discordant but Delightful &mdash 01/11/06 - 09:03:10 AM
J.H., you have expressed the polarity of the world in vivid terms. Yin and yang. Darkness and Light. Love and adversity. It is the stuff which propels us from one learning experience to the next.
The "bad" stuff makes the "good" stuff better!
Thanks for listening and for your wonderful comments.
I think we're ALL ready for a good year! [ Reply to This ]
Serenity and reverence &mdash 01/10/06 - 09:24:47 PM
Hard to describe this piece, Cameron. Dissonance (even if it is subtle, as it
is here) is usually not something to create a sense of calm, but it does so
here and in a lovely and contemplative way, reaching and drawing in.
This is a remarkable piece in so many ways. Your use of dynamics here is
just exquisite, with the steady, constant pace of the harp underlying all
else, like the steady passage of time.
Beautiful, beautiful...
Thank you.
[ Reply to This ]
Serenity and reverence &mdash 01/11/06 - 09:10:23 AM
Mysti, many thanks for lending your musical ear and your always perceptive comments to this piece today. You definitely received the musical message I was sending, and I appreciate your awareness and sensitivity.
I'm glad that the dissonance is not "too much". Lately I am striving to incorporate more of that in a few of my pieces, without tipping over into unpleasantness. Just enough to gently nudge the listener in both soothing, yet stimulating ways. This is a great challenge, and a worthy one for me to explore. [ Reply to This ]
Wowsers &mdash 01/11/06 - 03:58:09 AM
Cameron, you're back to your best. Good to have your magic around
again. This is a wonderful piece: haunting and hopeful at once. [ Reply to This ]
Wowsers &mdash 01/11/06 - 09:13:29 AM
Yes! &mdash 01/11/06 - 08:39:55 AM
Woven textures of sounds, a nice parallel to how lives weave together in interesting ways. The compostion has a living quality. Maybe the underpinning piano riff has a heart beat to it. Living and organic. The piece indeed seems to be a journey of sorts. I love the repeating melodies, subtle and lovely. There is such a sense of reflection. Pretty. The flow is hypnotic.
Cameron..having a piece from you again just brings a wonderful vibe to our little town here. Nice, man ...very very nice. Thanks Mister. [ Reply to This ]
Yes! &mdash 01/11/06 - 09:21:02 AM
Tom, your comments always have a unique twist, and shed light into new corners. Your observations and images about this piece are very well-put -- thank you!
It *IS* nice to be back in the Village of MacJams again. I am pleasantly overwhelmed by the outpouring of good feelings and excellent comments by everyone who has "stopped by" to listen to this piece. I am very touched. [ Reply to This ]
Artwork &mdash 01/11/06 - 08:41:54 AM
DYNAMICS &mdash 01/11/06 - 09:54:47 AM
Welcome back. I liked your comment
on DYNAMICS. I have not heard that
basic & most important word very much
in some time.
This composition sounds clear and the notes
connect to a destination so well.
scotty [ Reply to This ]
DYNAMICS &mdash 01/11/06 - 11:04:29 AM
Scotty, thanks for your "welcome back" and your listen/comments!
Yes, it's sometimes easy to forget dynamics as we're creating pieces, especially on music software. We can get caught up in the sounds themselves. It's good to be reminded! [ Reply to This ]
Previous day? &mdash 01/11/06 - 10:51:20 AM
Strange as I listened, because to me this song feels like birth and evolution as it starts out with a "water drop", forming into a beautiful array of harmonies! And oh those harmonies! Great, thick and magical string harmonies! I'll give you prize for most massive harmony which I'm sure that classical background definitely influences!
I also liked those bits of dissonance (I think I heard some mild dissonance blended in there)... harmonies dissonance consonance Cameron = Beautiful track [ Reply to This ]
Previous day? &mdash 01/11/06 - 11:07:33 AM
Thanks for stopping by, packo! Great to hear from you.
I'm glad you liked the little bits of dissonance. A little of that goes a long way and I didn't want to overdo it in this piece. [ Reply to This ]
Nice reflection &mdash 01/11/06 - 01:33:42 PM
Time is the main character here, thoughtful, moving, progressing.
Excellently crafted - now downloaded.
Thank you for pointing me to this song. [ Reply to This ]
Nice reflection &mdash 01/11/06 - 02:00:24 PM
...and thank YOU for listening and commenting!
(I liked your "trading comments" idea. It worked well today.)
You definitely "got" the concept of Time in this piece, I appreciate you pointing that out. [ Reply to This ]
exquisite &mdash 01/11/06 - 02:29:43 PM
I have very little experience with this sort of music Cameron, but when
I saw you had returned, felt an urge to give it a listen. This piece
transcends personal preferences and musical background - for me it
was calming and energising; uplifting and sad; but at all times moving.
It's clear that JP4 in the hands of someone with skills, vision and
passion can create exquisite pieces of music. This is amongst the very
best posts I've heard on MJ, and it is with great pleasure that I say
"welcome back"!
Neil [ Reply to This ]
exquisite &mdash 01/11/06 - 02:40:01 PM
I have very little experience with this sort of music Cameron, but when
I saw you had returned, felt an urge to give it a listen. This piece
transcends personal preferences and musical background - for me it
was calming and energising; uplifting and sad; but at all times moving.
It's clear that JP4 in the hands of someone with skills, vision and
passion can create exquisite pieces of music. This is amongst the very
best posts I've heard on MJ, and it is with great pleasure that I say
"welcome back"!
Neil [ Reply to This ]
exquisite &mdash 01/11/06 - 03:03:03 PM
Neil, I have truly achieved my musical goals if I can reach people not ordinarily attracted to this genre, so I am VERY glad that this piece has reached you in a good way.
Thanks for your welcome! I didn't realize I was gone so long.....that old Time thing goin' on again. I guess I had a major Rip Van Winkle Moment! [ Reply to This ]
gorgeous &mdash 01/11/06 - 03:20:47 PM
i couldn't even begin to write anything like this, let alone bring it to life in
GB. dynamics are great.
i'm also amazed at how lifelike it all sounds - maybe partially because of
your dynamics. the horns sound SO real!
thanks for coming back with something so lovely! [ Reply to This ]
gorgeous &mdash 01/12/06 - 08:11:44 AM
beautiful &mdash 01/11/06 - 03:51:21 PM
those long periods with out creativity are when your subconscious gathers everything you need to make your next piece. i go through them too. and the first piece when you come out of it is always amazing as everything starts to flow from you. this is beautiful. 2005 was half good half bad for me. glad you put it all into a nice song. [ Reply to This ]
beautiful &mdash 01/12/06 - 08:17:18 AM
chance, you are absolutely right about the creative process. Thanks for listening and for your nice comments.
Here's hoping that you have a great 2006! [ Reply to This ]
Just beautiful! &mdash 01/12/06 - 09:33:00 AM
This is such a beautiful piece, I didnt pay attetntion to anything, just enjoyed it a lot!! [ Reply to This ]
Just beautiful! &mdash 01/13/06 - 08:08:04 AM
selters, I'm very glad you liked the piece. It is not always important or necessary to "critique" or offer suggestions on music -- the fact that you just sat back and enjoyed this piece is good enough for me! Thanks for your comments. [ Reply to This ]
I have no idea &mdash 01/13/06 - 04:27:27 AM
how to offer anything constructive on such an obviously brilliant and
beautiful work of art. So let me tell how pleasant I found this to listen to.
A perfect song for personal refelection. [ Reply to This ]
I have no idea &mdash 01/13/06 - 08:11:05 AM
Thanks for stopping by to listen and comment, aclarke. I have found almost ALL comments to be constructive, one way or another, in varying degrees. Yours was fine! Thanks again. [ Reply to This ]
As Usual .... &mdash 01/13/06 - 05:14:31 PM
All the "good stuff" has already been said ... so I shall add my "ditto" to the list .... a very relaxing listen .... I think I actually kinda drifted off there for a moment and my head snapped back to attention when the song ended .... "hypnotic" I think is the word I am thinking here .... very nice! [ Reply to This ]
As Usual .... &mdash 01/14/06 - 09:25:05 AM
Thanks, Alannah! I'm glad that you were able to relax while listening to this -- but not fall asleep! ;-) [ Reply to This ]
I wouldn't expect any less... &mdash 01/13/06 - 09:32:10 PM
... from you Cameron.
Sorry about the delay in getting to comment on this one.
This was a very moving song. This isn't my usual genre of choice, so I
can't be critical of it's composition... only it's emotional value... moving.
d. [ Reply to This ]
I wouldn't expect any less... &mdash 01/14/06 - 09:28:17 AM
Darren, it is especially gratifying to me that you liked this piece, which is not in a genre you usually seek out. Thanks so much for listening and commenting! [ Reply to This ]
Excellent Work Cameron &mdash 01/15/06 - 09:24:57 AM
Excellent Work Cameron &mdash 01/16/06 - 08:49:34 AM
Thanks for stopping by, Bryan -- "DLed & Fav'd" are two of my favorite words! I greatly appreciate it. [ Reply to This ]
simply superb &mdash 01/16/06 - 12:00:09 AM
simply superb &mdash 01/16/06 - 08:51:32 AM
respect!!! &mdash 01/16/06 - 07:51:09 AM
I just started using GB and so I have bow infront of your great skills!
thx 4 letting me listen to it
iSong
[ Reply to This ]
respect!!! &mdash 01/16/06 - 08:53:33 AM
iSong, I am very glad you liked this. Thanks for listening/commenting.
And....HAVE FUN with GarageBand! It's a wonderful program. [ Reply to This ]
pensive, thoughtful &mdash 01/16/06 - 08:45:07 AM
provoking. I love this piece. Downloading now. I love the simplicity
and tender voice-ing of the instruments. Lovely choices in melody and
movement. Great job. Thank you. kelli [ Reply to This ]
pensive, thoughtful &mdash 01/16/06 - 08:57:41 AM
Thank you, kelli, for your "to-the-point" comments -- very expressively put in very few words....in sort of the same way I was trying to convey this music!
I appreciate your listening and listing this as a favorite. [ Reply to This ]
damn. &mdash 01/16/06 - 09:04:36 AM
Incredible work... beautifully simple... very moving. Nice artwork,
too. [ Reply to This ]
I can't believe it! &mdash 01/16/06 - 09:06:34 AM
Is this all Jam Pack 4? I didn't scrutinize it thru headphones, but through
my speakers it sounds pretty darn convincingly "live", or like real
instruments... I'll have to listen again. [ Reply to This ]
I can't believe it! &mdash 01/16/06 - 09:17:38 AM
Hey Stun, thanks for stopping by! I'm glad you liked the piece (and the artwork; I'll pass along your compliments to james)....and YES, all the sounds are from JamPack 4. It's an amazing orchestral collection, for sure. [ Reply to This ]
Contemplative streams of... &mdash 01/16/06 - 11:39:47 AM
musical consciousness. LIstening to this piece begin,
I experience the sensation of time slowing down and
my mind coming to a place of rest... stopping it's harried
activity. As the violin enters in, it is as if a new line of
thought on the past and reflecting on what it could mean
for the future. The french horn replies... another aspect, another pause, maybe another consideration.
As the song returns to the beginning treatment... brought
back again to the original reflections on thoughts and
feelings of life.
No musical input, except to say this is a beautiful
composition.
Jack [ Reply to This ]
Contemplative streams of... &mdash 01/17/06 - 08:39:35 AM
Jack, you have provided plenty of input here! Thanks so much for stopping by. I always appreciate your thoughtful and observant comments. [ Reply to This ]
Very nice work &mdash 01/16/06 - 07:11:18 PM
Designed especially for being contemplative, I think. The long, drawn out
chords with subtle shifts, the insistent | |
pieces, Cameron, but my mind doesn't work that way. Instead, I will
just tell you that I found this to be a very affecting piece, and very
effective. Your use of dynamics, especially among the brass and
clarinets, is among the best I have heard. The harp, symbolic of time, is
also a perfect device for you to build this meditation around. Excellent
music for reflection. Minimal, yet accessible. I really enjoyed this.
[ Reply to This ]