This is the BEST version yet... &mdash 08/13/07 - 01:19:57 AM
Thanks, B :) &mdash 08/13/07 - 04:10:39 PM
I'm glad you liked this!! Thanks for the listens and encouragement :)
And ditto on the 'amaze and inspire' bit, too!
sbc
(: [ Reply to This ]
This is &mdash 08/13/07 - 01:47:28 AM
Thank you! &mdash 08/13/07 - 04:41:31 PM
Thanks, Len, for coming by and listening, and for the kind words.
It was nice to check out your latest tune--I will have to listen to more on your list! [ Reply to This ]
At last! &mdash 08/13/07 - 01:57:54 AM
I was hoping you'd post this soon, Cat.
Cinematic indeed! I really like your choice of chords in the orchestral 'prelude', then the vocals start, & I'm thinking 'geez, this is great!'....so I start to type thinking the end has been reached, then "BAM!", the full choir starts, & I'm at a loss as to what to type next!
All I can say is, 'Wow'!- faved & downloaded!
Many, Many Thanks for this version Cat!
Cheers & Best wishes,
Alf [ Reply to This ]
:) &mdash 08/13/07 - 08:45:21 PM
It's been great to hear all the versions of 'The Minstrel Boy,' and it was nice to challenge myself to something different and more structured than I've been used to doing lately.
I'm glad you stopped by for a listen. Thanks so much for your lovely comments!
[ Reply to This ]
Absolutely beautiful! &mdash 08/13/07 - 05:10:58 AM
Fantastic! Cat and Rebsie, you need to do more collabs. :-) This is so beautiful and so touching. Thank you!
God bless,
Rick
[ Reply to This ]
Thanks Rick &mdash 08/13/07 - 08:52:15 PM
I'm so glad you stopped by. It's nice to know that you find enjoyment and beauty in this piece--and collaborating with Rebsie has been something I've wanted to do for a long time, now :) [ Reply to This ]
Minstrel Boy (soundtrack mix) &mdash 08/13/07 - 06:07:29 AM
it took me a second to start write here
this is so awesome . the cellos at the
beginning and the horns then teh fife drums
the panning and the back ground sounds
then the choir at the end ..so Impressed
with such charm .. just a perfect gem !! [ Reply to This ]
Feter &mdash 08/13/07 - 09:08:51 PM
Your words are so very kind...thank you!
I'm glad you heard the details in this--the horns and fife, drums and panning, the background sounds.
In approaching this song, I wanted it to have an authentic feel, and yet still reach the size and scale of the movie screen.
Thanks again for dropping by to listen and taking time to comment :)
[ Reply to This ]
Mysti &mdash 08/13/07 - 08:17:30 AM
this is SO wonderful. I have to agree with biba, this is in my opinion the best version ever. The horses in the nature are simply brilliant! You have the whole story, the movie in front of your eyes. The first is leaving the cavalery (the army section with horses), then a flautist with drummer playing to keep the lads in the step, then all foot-soldiers and what is left behind is the sorrow, missing, loving feelings of wives, mothers, lovers, brothers... It is so punctually, in detail worked out, that it is eradiating from the music. You can "hear" the amount of time spent on it and the love and perfection with which you were creating it. Beautiful music, every single instrument there, flutes, drums, horns, (the change from a key to another is truly brilliantly done) and the harmonies at the end.... mysti THAT is simple pure beauty and joy. Wonderfully, a total perfection. [ Reply to This ]
Wow... &mdash 08/13/07 - 09:27:14 PM
...such praise is humbling!
Thank you for these comments.
When I first heard of the vocal challenge, I thought I wouldn't have time to tackle it, but when I went to research the song (I, too, love Celtic and English folk music), I was struck by the song's history, and the fact that it had been a favored tune in the American Civil War. That started all sorts of sonic imaginings, and I started to look for the aural pieces of the puzzle that I was hearing in my head.
It's not often that I can match the greater and grander sounds that I imagine of a piece, but I was able to come close enough with this one. Thanks again for the very kind words.
:) [ Reply to This ]
You've outdone yourself here! &mdash 08/13/07 - 09:02:55 AM
Gives me chills when the singers come in. Perfect buildup to the gorgeous vocals. All the feelings are therre, and the production and arrangement is flawless. Wow. Download this, everybody. [ Reply to This ]
Thank you Roxylee :) &mdash 08/13/07 - 09:49:24 PM
I recorded the harmonies on this first (that was the easy part!) and I really enjoyed singing to Rebsie's main track. It was deciding how to incorporate the chorus into the track as a whole that was the initial question, then, as I could 'hear' the chain of events, the storytelling, in my mind, it made sense that the vocals should come at the very end.
Thank you for taking time to leave a comment. All this feedback is very helpful :) [ Reply to This ]
fine work indeed.... &mdash 08/13/07 - 09:49:24 AM
Maybe not so pink & fluffly... &mdash 08/13/07 - 10:39:40 PM
...but I'm so glad you listened and left a comment!! :)
thank you, Caroline! [ Reply to This ]
uh... &mdash 08/13/07 - 10:21:02 AM
oh, right, I'm supposed to type something in this box. Superlatives fail me. The composition is amazing... appropriately sparse, nice slow build, and you tweaked timings here and there to give that ragged imprecisely played feel... perfectly imperfect. Lots of space for the music to breathe. The slogging footsteps were effective, and choosing a long quiet breath before Rebsie sings was also inspired. The harmonies you built were great. Overall, yes, I hear this as pro Hollywood Soundtrack quality, no doubt. Kudos again to Rebsie for offering a wonderful recording.
Stunning work.
ttfn,
Drakonis [ Reply to This ]
uh....uh.... &mdash 08/14/07 - 02:58:18 PM
...and I'm supposed to reply to what you wrote in the box above this....??
Well, first of all, let me tell you "Thank you!"
I value your comments and your dragon's ear for detail :)
I felt very fortunate to find those tracks of 'slogging footsteps' and horses on freesound--they were perfect for the feel I wanted to add to this track.
As for the imperfect timing, this was one blessed instance in which my usual 'battle with the metronome' paid off in my playing. I was able to let things be, instead of tweaking/quantizing things to order!
And singing along with Rebsie was a joy, as is sharing the result here.
So, thanks again for sharing your enjoyment and thoughts on this track.
I appreciate it! :) [ Reply to This ]
Great ! &mdash 08/13/07 - 10:47:12 AM
A real Cinematic version of Minstrel Boy, beautiful horns and cellos, nice to hear Mrs. Fairholms vocal here with yours Cat, much enjoyed listening to this piece.
Thanks for sharing this here with us.
Take Care
==============
Yeman Auf Al-Rawi [ Reply to This ]
Thanks so much! &mdash 09/15/07 - 08:36:55 PM
...for these lovely comments :)
And, I agree--it was great to sing along with Rebsie's beautiful voice at last! [ Reply to This ]
Misty Misty Misty... &mdash 08/13/07 - 11:12:29 AM
What a nice composition
Not much left to the imagination...
You could give lessons on how to make music graphically vivid. Great job of detailing a scene of events, and from a 'specific' moment in time.
Great job of placing effects. And I thought that the addition of the male backing vocal was a excellent choice.
This flowed REALLY nicely, too!
I especially thought that the instrumentation was lacking as much of the digital feel that's usually prevalent w/ midi - Nice job w/ that. A really nice production
All n all, an excellent arrangement!
Felt like the only thing missing was the smell of popcorn, and or, a box of ju ju beans...
Thanks! Very well done! Dion
[ Reply to This ]
Dion.... &mdash 09/15/07 - 08:30:17 PM
John Williams = Mystified? &mdash 08/13/07 - 12:37:39 PM
Is that who you really are? You've created an amazing soundscape/intro, followed by a sublime harmonization. I am HUGELY impressed by this! [ Reply to This ]
Thank you... &mdash 09/15/07 - 08:41:21 PM
Very well done to you both.... &mdash 08/13/07 - 12:54:13 PM
This track oozes hard work and is a great track to boot.
I seem to have problems with downloading this track. It happens with a lot of the tracks I try and download from MJ's lately. So I have to listen through the player applet only whilst I'm online. Not the best way to appreciate a piece of music. (I'm not ranting at you guys, just letting off some steam. The windows are clouding up here).
I can see this being used in the way you say. It would fit very well. Plenty of atmosphere and great production.
Well done.
Take care.
Paul. [ Reply to This ]
Well this is very nice,,, &mdash 08/13/07 - 02:24:13 PM
Mystified. Definitely the quality for a soundtrack. I can see this in the movies, very impressive!!! [ Reply to This ]
Thank you! &mdash 09/15/07 - 08:42:45 PM
I appreciate you stopping by to listen and taking the time to leave a comment :) [ Reply to This ]
Ooo. &mdash 08/13/07 - 02:49:04 PM
Beautifully done, Cat! Lovely stirring orchestration with the melody variations. Is that the Fitch Cello? Then the vocal section with its amazingly richly layers. You did well to get the harmonies so crisp when my timing was all over the place! :) [ Reply to This ]
The Fitch Cello it is :) &mdash 09/15/07 - 08:28:48 PM
...and your timing was FINE :)
I had a lot of fun singing to your track and harmonizing! Thanks for the opportunity, and I'm so glad you like the result :) [ Reply to This ]
Wow &mdash 08/13/07 - 04:03:16 PM
Awesome .. &mdash 08/13/07 - 04:18:17 PM
.. lovely rendition here. Nicely paced .. good length and the harmonies were just brill at the end.
Excellent. [ Reply to This ]
So glad to see thet the Minstrel Boy &mdash 08/13/07 - 05:51:35 PM
lives on - and what finer way to carry on his legend than with this amazing offering. You really took the song to heart and worked every aspect of it's meaning and grandeur into your composition. Hats off to you! [ Reply to This ]
Wow &mdash 08/13/07 - 06:01:50 PM
Nicely Orchestrated &mdash 08/14/07 - 11:26:22 AM
This was very nicely put together. The singing was (of course) wonderful and the choice of instruments and pacing beautifully captured the theme. Great work...you've got an incredible range of style and interests. Can't wait to hear the next one! [ Reply to This ]
Cleverly done &mdash 08/14/07 - 04:44:34 PM
Lots of lovely layers that have been so well constructed. This is definately professional standard. Fantastic mix and a blinding entry. Jaw dropping and awe inspiring. [ Reply to This ]
Damn, that's a good harmonizer! &mdash 08/14/07 - 05:01:02 PM
Oh wait, you actually sang those harmony vocals? Nice!
Kind of an interesting take to have the instrumental and vocal parts completely separate. I was expecting a combination of the two.
Good work on the instrument part in particular: you've really fleshed out the melody to a symphonic piece.
Victor. [ Reply to This ]
Hope Tom A has heard this &mdash 08/14/07 - 06:51:47 PM
You've outdone yourself this one. They really don't make letters big enough to write the wow that needs to go in this space.
How did you do the male vocals, they really sound real? [ Reply to This ]
the male vocals.... &mdash 09/15/07 - 08:26:18 PM
....are my vocals affected with the vocal transformer in GB3, which I really like to work with! I went in and eq'd them as well, to give them a fuller 'bass' sound and to lessen the 'robotic' effect of the transformer.
Thanks for your comments here, Lisa :) [ Reply to This ]
Its great!!! &mdash 08/15/07 - 09:51:32 AM
infact,,I had a great grandfather that I have a picture of in local band like your picture. But I think they did Sousa stuff..this reminds me of a war march. good job
[ Reply to This ]
Fabulous! &mdash 08/17/07 - 07:35:55 AM
This is a really great track...its lovely to hear you and Rebsie singing together at last! The instrumentation on this is perfect too....should be used for the next Hollywood Civil war epic
Steve [ Reply to This ]
Rebsie & Mysti together at last... &mdash 08/19/07 - 03:28:42 PM
... it's like Al Pacino and Robert De Niro meeting for that first time in 'Heat'. Good work, Mysti! :)
---
Check out my <a href="http://www.epilepticgibbon.co.uk">music podcast</a> [ Reply to This ]
hehehee &mdash 09/15/07 - 08:47:10 PM
Yes! Together at last! It was about time!
Glad you enjoyed the result :D [ Reply to This ]
shiver. &mdash 08/17/07 - 12:01:26 PM
Cat, this gave me goosebumps. It's full and rich and full of 'sound' -- I know that sounds rediculous, but there's so much packed into this, it really leaves me awestruck. Amazing arrangement with an astonishing aftershock. [ Reply to This ]
Thanks, MissC :) &mdash 09/15/07 - 08:52:40 PM
speechless &mdash 08/18/07 - 04:03:12 PM
that is so perfect. you are such a great talent. i am a sucker for french horns BTW. [ Reply to This ]
thank you, Michael &mdash 09/15/07 - 08:58:33 PM
I'm a sucker for the JamPack 4 Classical Instruments. Being able to write for orchestral instruments like this has opened up a whole new musical dimension for this classical singer.
Thanks again for your comments :) [ Reply to This ]
Movie theater in my head... &mdash 08/31/07 - 06:43:21 PM
Where did you get that drum!? I must have it!
So richly visual.
Now someone needs to make the film to go with it.
I guess maybe I just made the visual to play inside my movie theater head... (I wish the reels didn't make so much noise... all that clicking and clacking...., really...)
Wonderful singing at the end... wow....
[ Reply to This ]
feature film.... &mdash 09/15/07 - 09:09:59 PM
I'd expect no less than a deluxe movie theatre inside your head, Mr. Steve!!
Thanks for your comments here--Hope you had popcorn and Jr. Mints handy!
(Oh...all the drums were from Jam Pack 4: Symphony.) [ Reply to This ]
Rough Riders &mdash 09/06/07 - 10:08:32 AM
I'll never forget the scene in RR when the band got a direct hit. Instruments everywhere. Music has a lot to do with esprite de corps. Wonder if spirit was on the minds of those that died while playing, maybe Minstral Boy. MB was used in that movie as the King Pin for spirit in the RR corps. Odd how each group that must fight harkens back at least and most likely to the last generation. Certainly this is passed on in tradition. [ Reply to This ]
*Jaw hits floor* &mdash 01/18/08 - 05:56:51 AM
WOW, Mysti! That's the best version I've heard! *pounces on the fave and download buttons* [ Reply to This ]
|
:0)
Fantastic
[ Reply to This ]