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Keywords:
Heroes (2), Soundtrack (133), Epic (36), Film Score (23), Hans Zimmer (1)
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Description:
Just finished this over the last few evenings. Did most of the composing in one evening/night and finished the structure and missing parts yesterday. Quite enjoy some of Hans Zimmer's soundtracks, hence the sound, and every once in a while I like to shake the tree and see how much I can get out of GB. Thanks to Ben Boldt for the free Claire Fitch Cello and everyone who commented on Fathomless, I've learnt a lot since then (has it been a year yet?)!
I couldn't come up with a name for it, but the music could possibly be the backdrop for an epic story of heroes and warriors - that ancient dignity and discipline (Samurai movie with erhu, hmm, guess not!). But frankly I enjoy thinking that whenever we’re truly happy, we must have won some kind of inner battle, even if that only means standing up to our own limitations - and that would make us heroes too, right?
Done from scratch with GB and JamPacks. The solo instrument is an erhu (JPWorld).
Comments and thoughts always welcome.
Thanks for your time - I think this one's over 6 minutes!
Hardware:
G4, M-Audio midi keyboard
Software:
GB3, JamPacks
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Spacious &mdash 02/13/07 - 10:08:04 PM
wow.. &mdash 02/13/07 - 10:20:24 PM
love the oriental influence and the modern sounds combined with it
so spectacular it's shame my left ear is kinda damaged - around higher frequency so that i could fall really deep into these fabulous gritty sonic textures ! but the arrangement itself, is already very effective.. string and the horn sets really majestic mood.. the drama and all the epicness of it.. blend of mongolian, japanese soul with 24 vibe ! (just my rather personal view on it hehe :) thank you for sharing this track :) and thank you also for checking my uploads with interest! :) [ Reply to This ]
Thanks Hún! &mdash 02/15/07 - 09:03:21 AM
Zimmeresque &mdash 02/13/07 - 11:01:18 PM
Definitely has the epic movie soundtrack feel. I don't think I cared for the strange raspy flute-like thing, it sounded almost like an overdriven (clipped) flute, or a double-reed or bowed string sound, but not terribly pleasant in this setting (I'd prefer a real shakuhachi or even regular flute here.) The other instrumentation is great, gives a good sense of tension as things build. Nice Koto-like plucked sound. Cool rich bass, strong percussive hits, and great strings. My brain fought a little with the almost-shakuhachi flute and koto which should denote a pentatonic setting, versus the very Western sounding movie score music with the modern dissonances... and eventually my brain decided it was OK to just enjoy the Western style sound. I have listened to quite a bit of old Japanese classical koto and shakuhachi/shamisen music, so my brain tends to "expect" certain things when it hears those instruments... that's why it was stuck in a rut. Anyway, overall this had a nice compelling build, great cello sound at the end, and sweet orchestration. Just not very Oriental sounding to me :-)
ttfn,
Drakonis [ Reply to This ]
Happy Birthday Eduard! &mdash 02/15/07 - 09:23:06 AM
Thanks for writing such a long comment. I thought of using a shakuhachi for some of the solos, but in this particular setting I found the erhu to be perfect in carrying the weight of the "story". A tiny instrument against a large orchestra - interesting analogy I thought. I'd like to listen to some of the music you mention and learn from it. And yes, modern soundtracks take a lot of liberty with ethnic influences - I quite enjoy that! [ Reply to This ]
I'm glad... &mdash 02/16/07 - 03:57:39 PM
...you didn't use the Shakuhachi. James Horner put me off that instrument long ago.:) Neat track. I'm really enjoying it--thanks very much for posting it. [ Reply to This ]
Excellent &mdash 02/13/07 - 11:32:41 PM
Very powerful development in this piece. I appreciate the restraint excercised in allowing each new idea to build gradually before the next is introduced. There is room to breathe and take in each phrase, enjoy it as it evolves. Some real depth in this and excellent continuity. You possess a very keen musical mind I look forward to more! [ Reply to This ]
Excellent &mdash 02/15/07 - 09:40:54 AM
This comment says a lot about you. Very generous and obviously an expert musical ear. My composing is intuitive at best, with little formal training - I'm actually learning from a comment like this! Thank you! [ Reply to This ]
Very Evocative ... Chinese not Japanese? &mdash 02/14/07 - 01:02:14 AM
As always an incredibly well crafted piece. Maybe something Chinese as the Erhu is a chinese stringed instrument and not japanese. Intense cinimatic style with great percussion. Love it! BTW those are the Chinese characters for Hero (Pinyin). Nice piece. [ Reply to This ]
Right! &mdash 02/15/07 - 01:31:58 PM
Thanks for pointing that out! Changed the image to something I can relate to a little better. Now I'm using a Japanese Koto, Persian Santoor, Chinese erhu and a Korean Buddhist temple as artwork. The joy of being an unpaid artist with no obligations and constraints! [ Reply to This ]
Koto = Guzheng &mdash 02/15/07 - 03:36:10 PM
Hehe...your halfway there...the Koto is the Japanese variant of the Chinese Guzheng (basically the exact same instrument. I like the new artwork too! --- Graham Metcalfe - Information Architecture and Art Direction Please visit my portfolio site at www.ghmetcalfe.com. [ Reply to This ]
Big and wonderful! &mdash 02/14/07 - 05:51:43 AM
Wow, you think big! Eduard mentions the epic soundtrack feel, and it has that in spades. Interesting blend of cultures; you succeeded in pulling this off extremely well. I may have mentioned this to you already, but have you ever seen Atom Egoyan's film, "Exotica"? The soundtrack is by Mychael Danna, and it is filled with references to the 'exotic' (i.e. other cultures), and I think it's an amazing soundtrack. An amazing film, too; it won an award at the Cannes Film Festival in 1994. [ Reply to This ]
Interesting &mdash 02/15/07 - 03:05:20 PM
Thanks for the comment, Clark. I just saw Little Miss Sunshine recently, what a sweet movie/soundtrack - Mychael Danna did the music for that one too, thanks for pointing him out to me! [ Reply to This ]
Great! &mdash 02/14/07 - 09:17:20 AM
I would never have expected any less.
Great stuff always from you.
Carl
[ Reply to This ]
Majestic and intimate. &mdash 02/14/07 - 11:44:30 AM
Begins with a sorrowful lament and progresses to a powerful and majestic statement.
I too am a fan of Zimmer's work and this would fit in quite well with his cannon. One of your best yet. Loved the transparencies of the mix and the searing dark undertones.
Brilliant!!! [ Reply to This ]
Majestic and intimate. &mdash 02/15/07 - 04:01:36 PM
What a generous comment and I really appreciate your interpretation and insight. I especially like the aspect of cultivating virtues in the portayal of Japanese or Chinese heros (thinking of "Yojimbo","Hidden Fortress" or even Jet-Li's "Hero" for example) who talk little and speak through their selfless actions. So I kept the ending rather simple and humble, as opposed to a big finale. Thanks again for listening! [ Reply to This ]
I'm speechless... &mdash 02/14/07 - 12:57:17 PM
I just never get tired of your music. And I must admit, when I get a notification about a new upload of yours - I skip all others waiting in the inbox. That's how much I like your work.
This is the kind of stuff I wish I could write. Very cinematic, very big, very Zimmerian. I'm a huge Zimmer fan, as I'm sure I've said before, and if you had access to a real orchestra and the proper equipment you'd be right up there with him.
That's my humble opinion, anyway.
I love all the eastern instruments and I really like how you combine it with the standard Hollywood style of cinematic compositions.
I absolutely love this.
-Einar S. [ Reply to This ]
Speechless too &mdash 02/16/07 - 10:51:21 AM
Thanks, Einar for this extremely nice comment! I'm glad I can return all the compliments, and let me just say that when I was your age, I was nowhere near musically, where you already are. [ Reply to This ]
Magnificent &mdash 02/14/07 - 01:31:49 PM
This is at least as good as Sakamoto's soundtrack for 'the last emperor'. Gosh man! GOSH MAN! You really went waaaay over the boundaries of GB to my ears. This is... I mean... AMAZINGLY great!
Brilliant choice of instruments. Arrangement and production are world-class. And WHAT A COMPOSITION! And this Clair Fitch Cello is soooo ...WOW... from the belly. Euh... sorry for all the capitals I used in this comment, but I can't underline enough the astonishing qualities of this track. I probably wear this out.
- Walter [ Reply to This ]
Vielen Dank! &mdash 02/16/07 - 10:58:03 AM
I can't thank you enough for your enthusiasm! Thanks also for pointing out that soundtrack, I'm absolutely sure I don't deserve the comparison, but I'm curious to listen to it now! [ Reply to This ]
Pretty amazing &mdash 02/14/07 - 01:59:12 PM
Lots of lush, beautiful moments in here. Very cinematic and original... I don't think I've heard much that sounded like this--with the unique instrumentation and harmonies and whatnot. This seems to flow effortlessly from the gentle and open to the intense and heavy; it took me on an enjoyable journey. Thanks for sharing! [ Reply to This ]
Thank you! &mdash 02/16/07 - 11:08:27 AM
Really appreciate your comment - especially coming from The Man Who Brought You NATARAJA™. Talk about "original" music! Thanks again. [ Reply to This ]
A brilliant,epic piece of music... &mdash 02/14/07 - 03:50:11 PM
I had let this music pass me by but indirectly Moorlandt pointed me in the right direction. I'm glad that he did.
Listening to this piece of music was an experience. A great experience.
Wonderful.
R.
[ Reply to This ]
What a compliment &mdash 02/16/07 - 11:14:06 AM
I had the same experience, with music like that, especially soundtracks, it often depends on which mood you're in. Volume also makes a difference ;-) I've also seen that you've been busy making music yourself. HAVE to check it out! [ Reply to This ]
jerk. :-) &mdash 02/14/07 - 03:52:00 PM
Keep this up and I'm going to quit for good. :-)
Kidding aside, this is nothing short of amazing, again. Big things ahead for you -- it's too much talent to go unnoticed. Unreal, my friend. [ Reply to This ]
haha! &mdash 02/16/07 - 12:54:59 PM
I'll leave name and fame to other people who want and deserve it. Very kind though, and thanks always for your tremendous encouragement! [ Reply to This ]
Wow wow wow &mdash 02/14/07 - 10:13:07 PM
Ok, this just proves to me that I HAVE to come on Macjams more often to check out the new talent. It's been a while, but this is just fantastic. The depth of the piece as a whole is out of this world, as is the orchestration. Personally, I love the Erhu in this piece, and don't think it sounds like an overdriven flute. It sounds really authentic, and adds a strong, yet sylph like quality. The quality of production is top-notch - can't find anything to complain about or even constructive criticism. You've pretty much nailed it in my opinion. And I love the strings as well - fantastic composing! Well done. [ Reply to This ]
too generous &mdash 02/16/07 - 01:26:51 PM
A few weeks ago I sat down and wanted to write a softer and more soulful soundtrack piece and just couldn't find the right inspiration. When I listened to your "Serene Scene" the other day I was truly amazed, as it was exactly the sound and feel I couldn't seem to come up with. So yeah, listen to as much music as possible on MJ, there's every chance you'll find music that will inspire you to go beyond your previous achievement. I did. Thanks for the nice comment! [ Reply to This ]
Powerful & Energetic &mdash 02/15/07 - 12:53:01 PM
Imagine my frustration that my hotel internet connection was so bad that your song wouldn't load for a couple of days! Late last night I was finally able to download it, and am listening to it now offline.
As usual, you have created an artful, imaginative and musically rich score. The chord progressions make sense, flow well and hold together the piece nicely, while the energetic, insistent percussion beat carries it along.
The erhu provides the perfect exotic touch. I like the way you introduced the theme at the beginning, and then rounded the piece off nicely by bringing it back towards the end.
You got the optimal good sound out of the Fitch cello, by keeping it in the lower register. (I had FITS trying to make it sound good up higher in my piece "Hegira".)
Your handling of the strings was generally excellent. Every once in a while, though, the reverb was on the verge of being too much. But the overall effect and treatment in the piece was great.
Good job -- again! I always look forward to your posts. [ Reply to This ]
invaluable... &mdash 02/16/07 - 01:37:42 PM
...that we have pro-musicians like you give free advice and encouragement to hobby musicians like me! I agree with the reverb, glad you're pointing that out. Frankly, I use reverb to cover up the lack of detail and dynamic quality in the software instruments, but once I have a better sound library, I am planning to cut back on that, especially on the drums and string section. Thanks again, Cameron - and I listened to "Hegira" - enjoyed it tremendously. [ Reply to This ]
Gorgeous &mdash 02/15/07 - 01:30:34 PM
This is a beautiful piece - I hear some Zimmer influence, and also reminds me of one of his protege's, Mark Mancina, who did "Speed" and "Twister". But mainly - there is an awe-inspiring sense of Bach in the mixture here, your arranging of the strings is quite divine, always ascending in heavenly columns of power, with the occasional dramatic dissonance. No-brainer, right into the iPod - music like this makes for an intense driving experience - open-road, of course. Thanks for your incredible work on this! [ Reply to This ]
Wow &mdash 02/17/07 - 02:19:08 PM
I wonder if your comment isn't better than the actual music?! But thanks for your interesting and generous words. Mancina hmm - remember you pointed him out to me once before. I really have to check out his music now. Thanks so much! [ Reply to This ]
Wow &mdash 02/15/07 - 03:52:15 PM
Don't know what to say, this is huge. Excellent songwriting/composing and arrangements, as well as performance. Zimmer for sure, but I can also hear some Michael Nyman in here, not in the choice of instruments perhaps, but in the basic structure of the composition. This is very elegant, dramatic and longing. Thank you! [ Reply to This ]
Thank you! &mdash 02/17/07 - 04:10:38 PM
I was only familiar with Nyman's name not his music. So much to learn! [ Reply to This ]
Wide Angle Lens. &mdash 02/15/07 - 05:07:25 PM
Rich and tasty imagery. Being a closet fan of Martial Arts movies, I think this would be perfect...
I really enjoyed the ebbs and flows of this piece and it's emotional urgency.
Solid.
Possible titles:
Conquest and The Aftermath
Tears of the Land
The History of Change
[ Reply to This ]
Wide Angle Lens. &mdash 02/17/07 - 04:24:21 PM
Thanks for your excellent ideas for a name! They are spot-on. Really glad you commented - I just listened to some of your music - excellent stuff, I'm really impressed. [ Reply to This ]
Simply breathtaking... &mdash 02/15/07 - 11:49:42 PM
...Fantastic soundscape. Wonderful, full-bodied evocative stylization for the cinema. Light and airey... heavy and emotional. Oriental for some reason... or simply 'world'. Thanks for posting this treat!
The chord progressions are phenom!!!
Alimar [ Reply to This ]
Thanks a lot Alimar! &mdash 02/17/07 - 08:57:31 PM
I remember our chat conversation about the pencil tool a while ago - especially for the string arrangement it's impossible to play all of the octaves and sections in live, so there I was pencilling and thinking "this is how Alimar must create his masterpieces"! :) [ Reply to This ]
magnificent production... &mdash 02/15/07 - 11:52:43 PM
...orchestration & composition!
You Sir, are a an artisan. I'm amazed at the depth of sound you get out of GB3....immediately faved!
Thank You!
AA [ Reply to This ]
Gotta love garageband... &mdash 02/17/07 - 09:05:44 PM
Really like what you did with "Somehow" by the way! Happy it was you ahead of Heros in the ratings all week. Thanks again for stopping by! [ Reply to This ]
Plush &mdash 02/16/07 - 09:38:35 AM
Like an exotic tapestry. I'm so inspired. This is extraordinary work from every angle! [ Reply to This ]
Thank you! &mdash 02/17/07 - 09:14:30 PM
I can see that &mdash 02/16/07 - 10:39:21 AM
I will have to keep an ear cocked your direction... this is such great work... I love that the melody is established simply in the begining, then the subtle chords and rythems undergird the melody... and as you develop, you keep changing the complexity under the melody... this is real smart stuff... but we don't write music with our heads... it's better when it comes from the heart... and this is certainly not lacking in heart...
exellent [ Reply to This ]
Profound statement... &mdash 02/17/07 - 09:22:39 PM
Thank you Scott, I'm really grateful for what you say about music coming from the heart. Even in my more dynamic music I try not indulge too much in anything destructive or restless, but be somewhat rooted in a rather calm state of mind. If I succeed or not, your comment is extremely encouraging, especially after enjoying and marvelling at your latest post which is full of that power and poise! [ Reply to This ]
Not much to add &mdash 02/16/07 - 04:12:42 PM
Just want to say that I am still quite amazed at what you can get out of GB. Powerful and brilliant! Thank you! [ Reply to This ]
Tack själv Henrik! &mdash 02/17/07 - 09:36:32 PM
moving &mdash 02/16/07 - 05:55:19 PM
epic and large. makes me want to run downstairs and dust off my old chest filled with 16th century Japanese battle armament. Suit up and then go kick the ass of poverty, hate, disease and hunger the world over. Seriously, Pari, your mixes are always so incredibly clean and upfront. This is beautiful. This was very moving. [ Reply to This ]
Haha! &mdash 02/17/07 - 09:26:08 PM
I know what you mean, except that I've never even seen a real sword in my life! I'm glad you took your time to listen, thanks so much! [ Reply to This ]
The demands of a genre &mdash 02/16/07 - 09:16:02 PM
The erhu sounds lovely, and I really enjoyed the intro of the song. Then the orchestra came in......
Ok, you're an excellent composer of film music. The orchestral parts of this track are excellent, especially given the limitations of the jam packs.
But something about the combination of the erhu & orchesta rankles with me. I think it's the combination of the solo and the 16ths motion, first in the lower strings, and later in the heroic percussion. Your introduction suggests a slow piece, but then the orchestra lays down a really busy rhythm. Later on, you're using the solo in the places where the music comes to a bit of a rest. I think that works very well, but the initial contrast is just a bit too much for me.
Victor. [ Reply to This ]
You see... &mdash 02/17/07 - 09:51:05 PM
...the fact that you actually call me a "film composer" I take as a great compliment. I'm not sure what you mean by the 16th movement, but I'm happy that you would have preferred a "slower" or calmer piece, as usually it's the opposite and few people seem to have the peace or patience to indulge in a soundtrack without or little percussion. I'll listen to it again with what you've said in mind, and I'm sure I'll understand. And thanks for your honest opinion. [ Reply to This ]
Speechless &mdash 02/17/07 - 05:39:02 AM
WOW ! &mdash 02/17/07 - 09:50:20 AM
downloading for the ipod as I write this ! I love the arrangement and composition. You are very talented dude - I am so inspired to go record something ! [ Reply to This ]
Cool sound &mdash 02/17/07 - 12:59:42 PM
This does indeed have a film score feel for a movie set in the Far East. It's great how it flows from serene one moment to heroic another. Epic, indeed. Nice use of the erhu, a difficult instrument with its gritty raspy sound. Beautiful job, once again. [ Reply to This ]
Nothing else to say &mdash 02/17/07 - 01:20:18 PM
Your DLs outnumber your fans by half again.. that says more than anything I ever can. Wondrous yummy floating stuff.. cello attacks and fades are stupendous.
Colour me a little dumbfounded and very very happy you checked my stuff out and thus leading me to your own treasure trove here.
This has epic inner battle wafting cloud like through the whole piece ...some whipping cream over the luscious velevety choclate of a personal and final victory. I am alas, hungry for more :)
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it is a movie in itself &mdash 02/17/07 - 03:04:51 PM
tremendous emotion and energy in this.
excellent. excellent. excellent.
i was hoping the erhu would return for the ending, and you did not disappoint! wow!
thanks [ Reply to This ]
Music to soar by... &mdash 02/17/07 - 05:55:45 PM
This is just so expansive and rich.
Everyone's said it all already, so I'll just add: Magnificent!
Thank you :) [ Reply to This ]
BLOWS ME AWAY! &mdash 02/18/07 - 07:38:34 PM
This is suspenseful, beautiful, intense and powerful all at the same time. Best I've heard in this Genre! I can see the murder unfolding in the cabin! Amazing work my friend! [ Reply to This ]
Wow! &mdash 02/18/07 - 08:32:50 PM
Great mix of different instruments. Like many Westerners, I haven't listened to very much Asian music, so i just let the sounds flow over me as the song went on. I like the way you let this grow at its own pace. (I would have introduced new themes too quickly) It gains power as it moves, and I think 'epic' describes it very well. Yes, I'd say it's BETTER than some soundtracks I've heard in the past year or so. You have more patience and less cliche in this music than some pros. [ Reply to This ]
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