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Description:
One lovely evening during the holiday season, we were enjoying the Christmas tree lights and decorations in our home. On this night, we also had the "angel chimes" going. For those of you who aren't familiar with this gadget, there are 4 small candles that when lit, make 4 dangling angel figures spin around and strike a couple of tiny affixed bells. The soft, rhythmic tinkling sound inspired me to sit down at the piano and "play along" and thus the "Angel Chime Song" was born.
As I've worked over the past several weeks to orchestrate this piece with garageband, it inevitably got a lot bigger feeling than could be accounted for by the little chimes (ok, ok - a LOT bigger). It started feeling more like a big gathering of angels, so the new name is "Angel Convention". But hopefully you can still hear the influence of the original tiny angels spinning around.
Special thanks to Drakonis for his review of the "almost finished" project, with lots of input that made it significantly better.
Hardware:
Mac laptop
M-Audio 61es
Software:
Garageband
Symphony Orchestra Jampack
World Music Jampack
Voices Jampack
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Amazing &mdash 04/04/08 - 07:05:20 PM
You are a very good composer... This is one of the finest thing I've heard in a long time here... I hear spring goes in to summer and I love it.. Kudos and WOW.
Peace, Love & Respect
--
Kenta [ Reply to This ]
i am &mdash 04/04/08 - 07:06:50 PM
Angel Convention &mdash 04/04/08 - 07:22:05 PM
Yes a true charming anglic sound ...it start with...
so soft so decent tincklin then wider and wider even
to feel a mozartian jump with the timpani was awesome
the piano the strings ...just amazing ..what a gem
thnx for sharin !!! [ Reply to This ]
What a wonderful piece Karen &mdash 04/04/08 - 07:35:04 PM
The orchestration and arranging are as good as anything you'd hear from most of the symphony orchestras in the country.
An excellent work my dear Karen, Kudos to you for a beautifully done work.
Ed [ Reply to This ]
Amazing &mdash 04/04/08 - 07:54:26 PM
that something so grand could come from some little angel chimes. I love the story that comes with this, especially being from the holiday season.
The little tinkling thing turned into something really huge! This is one of my favorite things I've heard from you Karen. Excellent work!
I love it [ Reply to This ]
aaahhhhhh &mdash 04/04/08 - 07:59:17 PM
i've been crabby at the end of the each day this week due to chaos swirling around me that wasn't mine, but it certainly rubbed off.
Acute Accumulated Crabbyness - not a good thing to feel on a friday nite.
i listened to this and got excellent tear duct action satisfaction.
and sweet release it was.
i sat there leaning forward, watching the candles magically turn in my mind. loved that birdlike miniature flute sound and the magnificent swell at 2:06! - the delicate closure - you know how to build a song, madam. thank you. i needed that.
just beautiful,
anne
[ Reply to This ]
Karen &mdash 04/04/08 - 08:14:02 PM
You are an amazing keyboardist! This is right up there with the best thats been on MacJams and definitely ready for prime-time. Thanks for the download. Very well produced...drakonis did good too.....Peace, Norman [ Reply to This ]
wonderfull &mdash 04/04/08 - 08:17:10 PM
karen... &mdash 04/04/08 - 08:21:22 PM
very beautiful, and very festive, but that seems to git the whole idea behind this. i would have to guarantee that the little "angel chimes" don't stand a chance next to this! wouldn't it be cool if you could program it to recreate this masterpiece! very nicely done, i'd say that you outdid yourself here...but i think that happens to all of us at times when recreating works. very well done, very well done!
beautiful!
age
-sons of hypnos [ Reply to This ]
wonderful &mdash 04/04/08 - 09:04:09 PM
If my "Holy Night" wanted to catch the humbleness of christmas, your "Angel Convention" found the joy.
Very well composed and played.
My daughters will hear it next christmas, that's for sure.
Faved and downloaded.
Thanks a lot for sharing!
Greetings,
Bernd [ Reply to This ]
Amazing! &mdash 04/04/08 - 09:12:01 PM
This could be a film score, a relaxing afternoon piece, a holiday song and pretty well anything else that music offers. THank you for this superb composition!!!!! [ Reply to This ]
magnificent &mdash 04/04/08 - 09:14:06 PM
you have the best command of the keyboard that i've heard on Macjams. That is saying something indeed. This one of the best piano pieces i've heard here as well. When I read your bio and you say you dabbled in recording when you were you younger. Are you sure it wasn't Carnegie Hall ?
Really !
To me your one GREAT pianist, arranger, recording artist indeed.
A true monster talent if I ever heard one.
Disney take note, and sign this lady ! But it better be big bucks cause she could get counter offers for more! [ Reply to This ]
Glorious... &mdash 04/04/08 - 09:16:36 PM
I am blown away by the beauty of this piece, Karen. Such wonderful development of the most simple elements. You addition of each instrument is so intelligent and compelling. I am somewhat reminded of the music for Disney's Electric Parade -- your composition is a good. No question about it... Oh, and the playoff at the end: just enchanting. Karen, you have created pure magic here. 10s all the way. Congratulations.
Peace.
Paul [ Reply to This ]
Karen... &mdash 04/04/08 - 09:35:59 PM
Each piece you create is unique... and yet your well of creativity seems bottomless... the sounds you create are ethereal... lovely... a swirl of the most enchanting pop-orchestral sounds I've heard in a while. [ Reply to This ]
Wow &mdash 04/04/08 - 09:36:01 PM
This is gorgeous! The opening is so sweet and small, clearly giving us an introduction to the angelic inspiration. Then it builds and you did this so beautifully. This is a great showcase for your outstanding talent, Karen. As Ziti would say, "Deepest bows". [ Reply to This ]
OMG &mdash 04/04/08 - 09:59:11 PM
This is absolutely brilliant what a fantastic composition
and your piano is magical, It is rare that I down load music but this one goes to my Pod to give me comfort and warmth on my road to work every day, Karen you are an orchestrator, composer,and top flight musician..glad I know you... [ Reply to This ]
Professional stuff! &mdash 04/04/08 - 10:22:55 PM
Wow Karen! This is a fantastic track. As I read the description I half expected this to fit into the Holiday genre. It's neat to hear the story behind the inspiration for song writing. I really enjoyed this one! [ Reply to This ]
Really angelic &mdash 04/04/08 - 10:37:57 PM
This is so Christmas... It puts me in the mood... nothing like Christmas all over in April.... Nice mix and composition. Thanks for sharing [ Reply to This ]
pretty angels &mdash 04/04/08 - 10:47:58 PM
does have a sort of angel/fairy fantasy feel to it. i like the way it starts. it's sounding really pretty so far. nice change to a regular piano sound in the middle. i could hear an accoustic guitar possibly coming in and playing chords somewhere during the first part perhaps. i definitely like the feeling of this piece. [ Reply to This ]
Dreamy .... &mdash 04/04/08 - 10:48:30 PM
... luv the little bells .... I have a "thing" for angels ... so the name of the tune definitely caught my interest before listening .... AND WOW ... when the SWELLS come in .. they are HUGE .. EPIC .... makes my wings look so small (that's it ... I'm going for Wing Enhancements) !!!!! Lovely Karen ... just lovely tune! I know I will re-visit it next Christmas and it will hold a whole new meaning for me! [ Reply to This ]
Angel Convention &mdash 04/04/08 - 11:21:55 PM
I like the motoric rhythms in this piece (which is reminiscent of some of your other work). You put really beautiful colors in the orchestration. Another inspiring musical feast!
chip [ Reply to This ]
Magic &mdash 04/04/08 - 11:54:36 PM
Clarence (from It's A Wonderful Life) would be tickled pink....! &mdash 04/05/08 - 12:04:50 AM
Lots of bells and angels' wings in this one.....what a lovely, lively and buoyant piece this is...
I love it!! :) Such a joyous song. Your skill and talent shine on this one. Absolutely wonderful.
Thank you so much for sharing :) [ Reply to This ]
Beautiful &mdash 04/05/08 - 12:59:27 AM
Such an uplifting and inspiring piece of music..... build in this song is excellent...playing is exceptional....very melodic and evokes such positive musical imagry and pleasant emotions....I think it is brilliant! [ Reply to This ]
Oh my gosh! &mdash 04/05/08 - 01:29:57 AM
Karen, I just came in after a night out with my family and checked my mail. So excited to see that you posted a new one, I went ahead and listened , even though it is almost 1:30 in the morning...and I am old :)
WOW~! What a wonderful surpise and gift to receive. This is magnificent. Truly beautiful. I love angels and angel stories...and this is perfect. I am just so proud of the work you did with this one. You have tons and tons of great talent my friend! Absolutely fantastic!!! Thanks so much for this amazing song. [ Reply to This ]
BEAUTIFUL! &mdash 04/05/08 - 02:25:03 AM
is this a tear in my eye? well done!
Thank you for sharing your wonderful talent [ Reply to This ]
Simply wonderful..... &mdash 04/05/08 - 06:00:01 AM
This is a really wonderful piece of music.
A brilliant idea brought to a beautiful conclusion with the finished product becoming a magical experience.
Take care.
Paul
[ Reply to This ]
wow &mdash 04/05/08 - 06:53:04 AM
i am amazed at your composing abilities! this is definitely fabulous work! [ Reply to This ]
Karen- &mdash 04/05/08 - 07:53:46 AM
I told you already why this song touched me. When I hear this joyful, playful music I imagine my precious little angel dancing on the clouds... and every time I hear it (I'm listening again as I type) I get a huge smile on my face and an ache in my heart (and maybe a tear or two). With this beautiful song you have struck a couple of emotional different emotional chords at the same time... and that's not easy to do.
Karen, thank you for sharing this wonderful song... FYI, I shared it with my wife and she loved it too! [ Reply to This ]
wow karen &mdash 04/05/08 - 09:03:16 AM
simply beautiful ... you bring such joy to your music .. it just leaps out at you and caresses your ears the dives straight to the heart .... lovely and KUDOS to you! [ Reply to This ]
Wow .. &mdash 04/05/08 - 09:59:45 AM
.. so pretty, joyful, fluttering, triumphant, jubilatory, light and merry: I get clearly a winter season .. from soft snow falls, to family gatherings round the tree .. fairy lights .. roaring fires .. carol singers... high angels .. whoops .. I mean .. angels on high ;o)
Arrangement is fabulous .. loved the swells (really helps pace the piece out well)... brilliant orchestration .. and .. well .. your skills on keys are without question er .. unquestionable! :o)
You must remind everyone of this one at Christmas...
definite application for anything from mainstream Christmas to Barbie/Disney princess story DVDs... funny I was just watching "The Polar Express" recently ..and it wouldn't have been out of place in that kind of movie either.
My only complaint was the title, nothing conventional here .. just plain brilliant! How 'bout "faerie lights" .. all in favor say "egg nog!" ;o) Top notch, well done Karen. [ Reply to This ]
This is sooo "Karen"-ey :-) &mdash 04/05/08 - 10:07:49 AM
As I listen to more pieces by you, you have a distinctive (and enjoyable) style. And there's always your love of tuned percussion, probably as a lifetime piano player... the bells the bells! This is in some ways, quite simple, but that is what makes it elegant... you are learning not to throw in the kitchen sink, except at the right time. And those orchestral swells sound very good now, love it! The music evokes crystal clear cold night outside, and warm cozy inside, perfect holiday music, and very upbeat and beautifully emotive. Tears of joy. Excellent work here... I do see this as the music backdrop for a video of a fireplace, sparkly lights and candles, and a gathering of friends.
ttfn,
Drakonis [ Reply to This ]
Bell-Ringer.. &mdash 04/05/08 - 10:55:46 AM
Stop by the Front Office... and pick up your wings. You've earned them with this joyous piece of music.
Soaring and... breath-taking music in flight. ;)
--- Joe [ Reply to This ]
Joy &mdash 04/05/08 - 10:58:25 AM
Fabulous New Age composition and recording. Christmas incarnate. So pleasant. Excellent track. [ Reply to This ]
Always nice &mdash 04/05/08 - 01:18:20 PM
You're what this site is all about. I'm jealous.
OUTSTANDING. But that's like a hack B-movie director saying Spielberg did a good job.
LL [ Reply to This ]
What else can be said... &mdash 04/05/08 - 02:14:31 PM
Wow! &mdash 04/05/08 - 02:17:58 PM
This is so beautiful. It just put me in a great mood right away! I love it! [ Reply to This ]
Wow Karen!!! &mdash 04/05/08 - 02:43:21 PM
I wish I could play like you!!! This is VERY BEAUTIFUL!!! THANKS FOR SHARING YOUR GIFT!!! :) [ Reply to This ]
brilliant &mdash 04/05/08 - 04:42:57 PM
I think I owe you a "WOW"... &mdash 04/05/08 - 05:35:04 PM
And i feel like being just rude enough to ask you for your autograph but, I'll allow grace the upper hand and just say, thanks for sharing your art!
Pretty much scrambling around and looking for the socks that ya blew off my humble little feet... Oh..., there they are... way up there...
Good thing I didn't have shoes on...
D [ Reply to This ]
well this wonderful &mdash 04/05/08 - 06:19:30 PM
a sweet music box that dances and sings through a forest of sunlight and shadows..... i bet a $100.00 it was written in the afternoon... [ Reply to This ]
so nice! &mdash 04/05/08 - 06:47:07 PM
This is amazing how you can do this with GB. I am pretty clueless when it comes to the software. You have made an awesome piece!! So uplifting and carefree. I love when it starts to get BIG!! I really do love it.
A [ Reply to This ]
Wow! &mdash 04/05/08 - 07:02:49 PM
Holy cow! Look at that score. Richly deserved, Karen! This is one of the most charming piece of music I've heard in a long time. Are you open to singers taking it to play with? I hear some things and I'll bet other people do as well. [ Reply to This ]
wonderful! &mdash 04/05/08 - 07:30:18 PM
This is wonderful and calming! And sound so full of life, almost like one those great classic classicals! [ Reply to This ]
A very upbeat group of cherubs! &mdash 04/05/08 - 08:27:57 PM
Everyone has heaped well deserved praise on this wunnerful piece of music. I want to add my two cents by saying I sensed a distinctly American orchestral tone, almost Copeland-ish in its feel. Anyway, I'm glad to share a stage with you! [ Reply to This ]
so nice &mdash 04/05/08 - 11:40:55 PM
Production is amazing Karen &mdash 04/06/08 - 12:53:18 AM
I love how you seem to hear all the available options (and then some) and work with them to produce complex yet simple tunes that excite the senses - for me, your songs are about wide open spaces, sweeping curves and ever opening vistas.
Here you repeat the themes, but never in a repetitive way (I know that doesn't make sense, hope you get what I mean).
Lovely, heart warming stuff.
Neil
[ Reply to This ]
Outstanding..... &mdash 04/06/08 - 11:17:01 AM
I could see them dancing on the clouds, enjoying this....
Masterful work... Your timing is impeccable and your hearing
all of this in your head...
God has given you a great gift.... Baby... and your doing what he intended you to do with it.... Shear it with the WORLD....
I.............LIKE IT............ [ Reply to This ]
Karen! &mdash 04/06/08 - 04:02:28 PM
Wow, this was just stunning! Such a great piece of music! Light and full of joy! I usually do not vote on MJ, but on this I gave all 10's without hesitation. (Sorry you had one of those moron vote bombers, though :-(
I'll have to listen to more of your songs after this!
Thanks!
/Henke [ Reply to This ]
Switched On Bach . . . &mdash 04/06/08 - 04:04:06 PM
with much better sampling rates.
And that first crescendo!!! Wow.
You have a great sense of voicing, movement, and dynamics. I really enjoy listening to your music to see how you move through these three pieces of your compositions. It always puts a smile on my face.
Did you quantize the notes in this composition? I ask because it sounds really perfect. Perhaps I've been listening to too much jazz lately, but I would almost like to hear a more slurred, less precise phrasing to some of the instruments. It's so on the money!
I hope this becomes a canonized holiday song. It's music worth singing about. And it's fitting that you told me to check this song out while I'm touring the University of Chicago's Divinity School :)
Nice work,
-g [ Reply to This ]
uplifting &mdash 04/06/08 - 05:06:40 PM
What a lovely track. Completely uplifting and heartwarming. I love the story of the angel chimes you provided, it adds a wonderful extra image to the painting. It does build into quite a symphonic cascade, expanding well beyond the humble beginnings of the song. Thank you.
Philip [ Reply to This ]
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Peace, Love & Respect
--
Kenta
[ Reply to This ]