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Back in June, I posted a little piano piece: Blind Love. I’d been composing it last spring, during the time our sweet old Boston Terrier, Waverly (now age 13.5) was having all kinds of ever worsening eye problems. We had some grueling months of surgeries and other treatments that were really difficult for him, all in an effort to save his vision, but ultimately his eyes became too diseased and had to be removed. As I was describing on the “Blind Love” song page last June, it was a very emotionally challenging time for all of us. The humans were heartbroken and the doggie was initially petrified in the sudden darkness. However, he actually adapted quite quickly to his new situation and we were so heartened by his willingness to keep trying.
And he continues to be such a trooper in his blindness, still taking a long walk most days. His circuit includes an off-leash romp in a large open area where he’s learned he can crank it up without fear of crashing into anything (talk about “running blind”!) Still though, blindness is challenging, and these 6 months have seen him really slowing down as he enters truly old age for his breed. He has been a remarkable and wonderful companion for all these years, and we are so grateful for every day that we still get to have him around.
It took a long time for me to start “hearing” the orchestration for this song. When I posted the piano solo in June, I assumed I would dive right into orchestrating, but it just wasn’t there for me. So we enjoyed a great summer of motorcycle trips, and I figured that in September, it would be there. But alas …. still nothing. I was starting to think this song was destined to forever remain as a solo piano piece only (not that there’s anything wrong with THAT), when suddenly in mid-October …… KA-BOOM! I couldn’t open Logic fast enough, and quickly entered that odd state, where composing takes precedence over many things that aren’t really that optional (like eating and sleeping). As most of you very well know, it’s a compelling state that is both joyous and maddening. The “composing fever” – how do we survive it? I’ve also been plagued as usual by a severe case of OCTD (Obsessive-Compulsive Tweak Disorder), so I feel fortunate to have this completed before Christmas!
The piano software here is the mighty Synthogy Ivory German Concert Grand II. Orchestral instruments are from the Miroslav Philharmonik, with a couple of odds and ends from the Symphony Orchestra Jam Pack. I played the piano part on my Kawai MP8, and everything else is penciled in Logic Express. I had such a great time doing this, I’m kind of sorry it’s over. I hope you enjoy this little orchestral ode to my sweet old doggie, and by extension, to all beloved pets everywhere!
***** Special thanks to Andrew (alackbass) for the late stage technical feedback, and showing me a cool new trick in Audacity. Also, thanks to Bryn (particledots) for experimenting with my final file in a couple of his (many) mastering programs. Although ultimately I decided I preferred the unmastered version, it was very helpful to get another set of experienced ears on my EQ and compression choices.
And he continues to be such a trooper in his blindness, still taking a long walk most days. His circuit includes an off-leash romp in a large open area where he’s learned he can crank it up without fear of crashing into anything (talk about “running blind”!) Still though, blindness is challenging, and these 6 months have seen him really slowing down as he enters truly old age for his breed. He has been a remarkable and wonderful companion for all these years, and we are so grateful for every day that we still get to have him around.
It took a long time for me to start “hearing” the orchestration for this song. When I posted the piano solo in June, I assumed I would dive right into orchestrating, but it just wasn’t there for me. So we enjoyed a great summer of motorcycle trips, and I figured that in September, it would be there. But alas …. still nothing. I was starting to think this song was destined to forever remain as a solo piano piece only (not that there’s anything wrong with THAT), when suddenly in mid-October …… KA-BOOM! I couldn’t open Logic fast enough, and quickly entered that odd state, where composing takes precedence over many things that aren’t really that optional (like eating and sleeping). As most of you very well know, it’s a compelling state that is both joyous and maddening. The “composing fever” – how do we survive it? I’ve also been plagued as usual by a severe case of OCTD (Obsessive-Compulsive Tweak Disorder), so I feel fortunate to have this completed before Christmas!
The piano software here is the mighty Synthogy Ivory German Concert Grand II. Orchestral instruments are from the Miroslav Philharmonik, with a couple of odds and ends from the Symphony Orchestra Jam Pack. I played the piano part on my Kawai MP8, and everything else is penciled in Logic Express. I had such a great time doing this, I’m kind of sorry it’s over. I hope you enjoy this little orchestral ode to my sweet old doggie, and by extension, to all beloved pets everywhere!
***** Special thanks to Andrew (alackbass) for the late stage technical feedback, and showing me a cool new trick in Audacity. Also, thanks to Bryn (particledots) for experimenting with my final file in a couple of his (many) mastering programs. Although ultimately I decided I preferred the unmastered version, it was very helpful to get another set of experienced ears on my EQ and compression choices.
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Jarvoid
the opening " build " gives the feeling og a pooch running its head off...whatever its age or ability....yes there is a sweeping freeness....is that even a proper word or is it a new jarvoism ?....throughout this that speaks of pooches and kitties being there own true and naughty selves...all pets are naughty...it is their job description....mischief, mayhem and merriment so this does a fine job...great stuff !!
Chris...oh look firsties...
(and after firsties come fridies.....sorry)