Terrarum Ellipticus

Ex_Silentio

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Description

This started off as a space ambient piece (still a goal of mine -- to produce a viable piece of space ambient), but it ended up as something not so spacelike. But it is, at least, ambient. One of my favorite songs by U2 uses a Bm-D-Em progression on the chorus. I always thought it would have sounded better to make it it Bm-D-E. So, I've started about 20 times with a song based on Bm-D-E, but never came up with anything I liked.

The title (loosely meaning "Ellipse World") is inspired by a problem I'm involved with at work. I'll spare you the details.

It's longwinded (as always). I thought about editing but, you know, it became one of my babies, and I couldn't muck with it anymore. In the words of Neil Young, "It starts off kinda slow, then fizzles out altogether." Beyond that, this has nothing to do with Neil Young. And it won't remind you of U2, either. I EQed the hell out of it, track by track, but I'm not sure it's completely tamed. Some of the instruments want to clash, and I couldn't quite figure it out. Anyway, I hope you find something worthwhile in it.

Edit: Davajonah pointed out to me that the track is a bit quiet, far below the clip limit. It is quiet. I found that the end part was distorting unless I knocked it down below -2dB. There lies part of the reason for all the EQ fun. Anyway, sorry about that.

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Song Stats

Hits: 2069
Comments: 41
Fans: 20
Plays: 103
Downloads: 81

Uploaded: Aug 31, 2009 - 01:56:52 PM
Last Updated: Aug 31, 2009 - 04:45:57 PM Last Played: May 01, 2013 - 02:20:46 PM

Song License

Creative Commons License:
PublicDomain

Song Actions

Keywords:

ambient (796), ellipse (1)

Hardware:

iMac

Software:

LE7, Zebra 2, Ozone 3, Audacity

Comments

Henke	Henke said 1358 days ago (August 31st, 2009)
	Full of wonder Excellent piece of soothing ambient. Soothing but just enough of energy and development to keep interest. Wow, this is realllly good! Thank you so much, just what I needed tonight. Downloaded. Take care. /Henke Check out my latest song called Spring

Ex_Silentio	Ex_Silentio said 1356 days ago (September 2nd, 2009)
	Development Cause to ponder. Really good ambient barely develops at all. Well, it's just my taste. I haven't worked up the courage to do a non-developing piece. An idea for a MJ Ambient Challenge! Thanks for your support. Check out my latest song called Moonset

Henke	Henke said 1356 days ago (September 2nd, 2009)
	Well, I agree Maybe development wasn't the right word, either. Call it, hm, composition, or sparkles, or... - Oh, and of course I'd love such a challenge :-) /H P.S. Listening again on headphones now and hear some new details. Quite the masterpiece that Narad is talking of (don't be shy ;-) Check out my latest song called Spring

davajonah	davajonah said 1358 days ago (August 31st, 2009)
	FANTASTIC! Yes. I shouted. Duane, this is really beautiful. Nothing seems to clash for me, your EQing has worked. The tune develops wonderfully, the chord changes and synth voices half way through are superb. And what a crescendo near to the end. I love that. Downloaded by me too. Lovely stuff. Thank you. Check out my latest song called Nocturne op. 55 Andante

Ex_Silentio	Ex_Silentio said 1356 days ago (September 2nd, 2009)
	THANK YOU! I'm very pleased. Thanks for your support and your offline comments on this piece. I would happily pay for mixing lessons from the master. Check out my latest song called Moonset

drakonis

drakonis said 1358 days ago (August 31st, 2009)

pear helion is a fruit?
Very, very nice work here... I love the take-your-time slow build, the spaciousness of the mix (at 3:05 the new synth was a bit of a surprise, but it settles in nicely afterward) and the pads are nicely voiced. The EQ is excellent on this, there were a couple of spots where a thin midrange area started to build and "ring" (noticeable in headphones), but definitely didn't detract... great work here! And subjectively, a really pleasing voyage/listen.
ttfn,
Drakonis

Check out my latest song called Belle Aire (for Mandolin Orchestra)

Ex_Silentio	Ex_Silentio said 1356 days ago (September 2nd, 2009)
	Pear helion And don't forget apple helion. But let's do all we can to forget about the latus rectum. Ooops. Sorry. Thanks, Drak, for your comments. I know what you mean about the ringing. It would take someone with mixing skills a couple of notches over my head to bring this piece fully into line. But I'm glad that you liked it on the whole. Check out my latest song called Moonset

Narad	Narad said 1358 days ago (August 31st, 2009)
	A genuine masterpiece Bravo ! Check out my latest song called Train of industrial delight II

Ex_Silentio	Ex_Silentio said 1356 days ago (September 2nd, 2009)
	Hi, Narad Haha. Well, it's OK I guess. I'm still working up to a genuine masterpiece. Thank you for the kind and flattering comment. Check out my latest song called Moonset

Wummimann	Wummimann said 1358 days ago (August 31st, 2009)
	... the harmonies and the sound choice are so well constructed - sometimes my passion for ambient/synth is in the backgraound of my tunes hidden - but you have such a good feeling to put it all together, sound, chords, harmonies, dynamics - honestly, i like it very , very much Check out my latest song called Leaving Home

Ex_Silentio

Ex_Silentio said 1356 days ago (September 2nd, 2009)

Passion for ambient
I know you have that. I can hear it in your work. Some of your songs would make good standalone ambient pieces if the rock elements were stripped away. That's really a comment on the depth of your compositions. I would like to hear some ambient work from you. You did at least one in the past, and it was fantastic. But your creativity for rock and progressive seems to be at a high point lately. Maybe you shouldn't tamper with perfection, eh?

Check out my latest song called Moonset

ste	ste said 1356 days ago (September 2nd, 2009)
	really enjoyed this and couldn't hear any clashing. great work....i fell into a stoned haze during this Check out my latest song called friday

Ex_Silentio

Ex_Silentio said 1356 days ago (September 2nd, 2009)

Ste
I appreciate the feedback on the clashing or non-clashing. I think I EQed most of the problems away. But even the instrument used for the opening and elsewhere is on the border of being annoying. I like the way that voice SHOULD sound, but it's very temperamental. Stoned haze. Hahaha. Well, that's a unique comment. I should put a warning advisory in the description about operating heavy machinery.

Check out my latest song called Moonset

ShadowofNine	ShadowofNine said 1356 days ago (September 2nd, 2009)
	Floating in space, watching the heavens pass by, yu captured the feel perfectly... Check out my latest song called A Sad Goodbye (Julia's Song)

Ex_Silentio	Ex_Silentio said 1356 days ago (September 2nd, 2009)
	Hi, Shadows Ha! Great! There's hope for me yet to produce some space ambient. As I said, I don't think this ended up as spacey (spacy?) as intended. But it has space ambient underpinnings. I'm so glad you stopped by and left a comment. Check out my latest song called Moonset

ic42

ic42 said 1355 days ago (September 2nd, 2009)

space race
it is a lofty goal, space ambient music. it is out of reach for hakucho, as well. perhaps we shall create a friendly competition. we can reach for stars together. i will try.

this music is paced to perfection. the synthesizer voices create wonder and curiosity. it creates a strong desire for me to attempt a space ambient... perhaps it can become a next project. t minus 30... 0x0

Check out my latest song called Synthopolis 0x02 (VIDEO!)

Ex_Silentio	Ex_Silentio said 1354 days ago (September 4th, 2009)
	Friendly challenge Yes, Hakucho, you're on. I will try also. Thanks you very much for listening and commenting. Check out my latest song called Moonset

Gato	Gato said 1351 days ago (September 7th, 2009)
	A nice journey this piece takes you on. As for not so spacey? I don't know. I could see this as background for a collection of Hubble images perhaps. I think that might work well. Enjoyed Check out my latest song called Aurora

Ex_Silentio	Ex_Silentio said 1347 days ago (September 11th, 2009)
	Hubble Well, that would be very nice. Thanks. I hope you're preparing for the SpaceRace Challenge. Check out my latest song called Moonset

richard13	richard13 said 1350 days ago (September 8th, 2009)
	Amazing journey I'm definitely in a stoned haze as I float toward that distant light and the planet spins slowly below me. Thanks for the trip, and the d/l. Seriously, this is quite (I almost said stellar) beautifully flowing, and I heard no clashes that interfered. Well done. Looking forward to space(y) ambience too. Cheers, Richard Check out my latest song called Caledonia

Ex_Silentio	Ex_Silentio said 1347 days ago (September 11th, 2009)
	Hi, Richard I'm pleased that this had an effect on you. I appreciate very much your nice words and the feedback. Space ambient in prep (I think). Check out my latest song called Moonset

tokai	tokai said 1349 days ago (September 9th, 2009)
	Nebula class music. What a treat to have another of your ambient waterfalls trickling over an out of body experience. Yep,it can be safely said that you know all about music and composition. Beam me up, take me with you. Check out my latest song called yucatec

Ex_Silentio	Ex_Silentio said 1347 days ago (September 11th, 2009)
	Nebula class Ah, I took one of those a long time ago. Fascinating stuff. Your "you know all about" comment is clearly unwarranted, Steve. There's more music in your little finger than in my entire head. But I'm glad you came by for a listen. Ambient is easy. Good ambient ... hmmm ... that's another matter. It's fun to try. Check out my latest song called Moonset

Char	Char said 1347 days ago (September 11th, 2009)
	Oh yes. Quite an evocative mood exemplifying spatial drift, cosmic consciousness, ethereal sights and sounds. No sounds in actua; but sounds within imagination. Perfect, ex. And I am interested in the work problem as you are somewhat of an Enigma. Yeah, I'm curious. Loved it. Thank you. Check out my latest song called The Sea

Ex_Silentio	Ex_Silentio said 1347 days ago (September 11th, 2009)
	Char A new avatar. No more smiling Char? Really quite a poetic comment. But that is consistent with your aptitude for writing lyrics. How nice of you to exercise your talent on one of my little ditties. As for the inspiration, let's just say I'm working on ellipses, and how to turn one ellipse into another --- ellipticus interruptus. Check out my latest song called Moonset

Reinholt56	Reinholt56 said 1346 days ago (September 12th, 2009)
	Hi Duane...... I'm sorry I missed this. It is excellent atmosphere Ambient, a little down-volume but with the difficulties you had taming the piece, I'm glad that you decided to post it. Good luck with the equations..... Take care. Paul Check out my latest song called When The Time Comes (An Ambiental Mix)

Ex_Silentio	Ex_Silentio said 1346 days ago (September 12th, 2009)
	Thanks, Paul No problem. I was hoping that you would give this a listen at some point, but no rush. I know you've been otherwise occupied. I hope you'll be participating in the SpaceRace Challenge. Check out my latest song called Moonset

Doug Somers

Doug Somers said 1346 days ago (September 12th, 2009)

Aural treats from outer space
Expertly developed, with each set of tones being given plenty of time to establish their space and feel without being too repetitive, then morphing gracefully into the next phrase. This is so gentle up to the 3 minute mark that when I heard the lead synths come in it really startled me at first. Not good or bad, just how it was for me. You have a lot of detail here which was clearly very carefully considered as to placement, tone and amount and that shows a great attention to how you assemble your art. There is a subtlety too that is easily missed when I soak in the overall mix, but on a second listen you have lots of supporting tones that provide the heartbeat to move the rest of the sweeps forward.

I love space ambient and this is a first class example of the genre. I can spin and float along with this all day. Bravissimo!!

Doug

Check out my latest song called The Asteroid [Doom2012]

Ex_Silentio	Ex_Silentio said 1342 days ago (September 16th, 2009)
	Thoughtful comment I appreciate your analysis, Doug. Very nice of you. Glad you liked it, and thanks for the kind words. Check out my latest song called Moonset

Parichayaka

Parichayaka said 1342 days ago (September 16th, 2009)

Expansion
Loved listening to this. I like that it has less of a space, but more of an organic feel to it. Very soothing, with an energy that exudes soft strength. Very enjoyable. Even on my basic JBL creature speakers this sounds great - the EQing paid off, and it's not unusual to spend endless hours on mixing (please tell me that's true!), especially with synth pads - lower midtones are particularly tricky. Volume is never an issue in my books. Hans Zimmer doesn't seem to care about that either, his albums usually are usually well below the expected volume levels to maintain the full spectrum of sounds without over-compressing or limiting I assume. Anyways - gorgeous track!

Check out my latest song called Tosh Frenzy

Ex_Silentio

Ex_Silentio said 1341 days ago (September 17th, 2009)

Parichayaka
Thanks so much for taking the time to come by and listen. I am informed by your comments, and my favorite type of comment is one which illuminates, since I am still learning. It is good to read that you spend a lot of effort on your production. I have wondered if it is natural talent or better software that I lack. If it's more work that is required, THAT I can handle. Of course, my musical skills (or lack thereof) ... well, that is another matter. The volume issue --- I have mixed feelings about that. Your comments on that are quite interesting. Food for further thought.

Check out my latest song called Moonset

Parichayaka

Parichayaka said 1341 days ago (September 17th, 2009)

EQ and mastering
I'm actually relying mostly on good software and professionally tweaked samples (the ones that are usually NOT free) for a good mix, since when it comes to mastering and EQing, it's a little bit beyond common sense, good ear and musical talent. In my experience it gets awfully technical quick, at which point I'll have to admit that adapt amateurs like us will get to a very good standard, with a lot of work, but I would still go to a professional mixing and mastering place if I wanted to have a CD quality track. Then again, midi and synth only tracks are still easier to manage than any track with live recordings...Am I even making sense here? :)

Check out my latest song called Tosh Frenzy

Ex_Silentio

Ex_Silentio said 1337 days ago (September 21st, 2009)

Yes, you are making sense
I haven't yet hit the "technical barrier." I am just a dabbler. I haven't even read my instruction manuals. I am impatient to make music that requires patience -- patience on my part and patience on the part of the listener. Something must give. Thanks again for your patience in making thoughtful and detailed comments. People like you keep me glued to MJ.

Check out my latest song called Moonset

kassia

kassia said 1339 days ago (September 19th, 2009)

i dream of creating pieces like this
and pieces like this make me dreamy. beautiful ambient with just enough unexpectedness to keep me fully engaged. love your sound choices. regardless of whether or not you think you were successful in creating a space ambient piece, this is wonderfully deep and broad in sound, very full sound but with lots of room for breathy beauty. i love it.

Check out my latest song called Greensleeves

Ex_Silentio	Ex_Silentio said 1337 days ago (September 21st, 2009)
	Such modesty Oh, Kassia, you are a master. Your latest few pieces leave no doubt of that. You don't need to merely dream. You have dazzled us. I hope you will contribute to the SpaceRace Challenge. Thank you for listening. Check out my latest song called Moonset

Vaisvil	Vaisvil said 1329 days ago (September 29th, 2009)
	relaxing nice space trip here! Check out my latest song called Hit Chart Blues

Ex_Silentio	Ex_Silentio said 1325 days ago (October 3rd, 2009)
	Appreciated Thanks for listening and commenting Vaisvil. I've been enjoying your work. Check out my latest song called Moonset

Char	Char said 1217 days ago (January 19th, 2010)
	I love what you do. I'm grateful for the generous sharing of your creations. An artist, a creator makes something out of nothing. I hear voices in your cosmos. The beauty is worth all the pain. Wow! Thank you. Check out my latest song called The Sea

dantimmermans	dantimmermans said 1138 days ago (April 8th, 2010)
	this isn't space ambient? there are some truly wonderful chord changes here, and I really like the textures you've developed. Check out my latest song called 'Oh Yeah!' by the band Oh Yeah!

hackneybloke

hackneybloke said 709 days ago (June 11th, 2011)

terrarum
this is fantastic. that repetitive bass is like a heart beat. wow....love those sudden echo synth sounds coming in from nowhere....great dynamic change. maintains interest. the soundbed is very warm and enveloping...triptastic. sounds fantastic on headphones....all warm and comforting....a ride through space in a ship made of cotton wool. the build of the final section is beautifully dramatic....could have sustained that a bit longer before fading. really cool track.

Check out my latest song called Every People Know w/Rok41, KTB, Scofugate & Sisters

PatriciaGirl	PatriciaGirl said 659 days ago (July 31st, 2011)
	Excellent Very smooth trance for me. Just the right amount of length as well. Thanks so much for sharing. I'm off to listen to more of your tracks :) Patty Check out my latest song called Derelict

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Artist Info

Name: Call me Ex
Location: Utopia California, USA

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Genre Info

Ambient music is a loosely defined musical genre that incorporates elements of a number of different styles - including jazz, electronic music, new age, rock and roll, modern classical music, reggae, traditional, world and even noise.

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