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This piece is inspired by Richard's Trio in Gm (Ride the Wave) http://www.macjams.com/song/71669
I was immediately really taken by Richard's piece when I heard it. It had this wonderful quality of power and grace, and it was one of those pieces where I immediately hear an evolved interpretation (doesn't happen often, but Kassia's Hang Drum was another example). I liked the way Richard varied the time signature, used harmonies in the flutes and violas which intentionally didn't always align in time with the piano chord changes, and also how they sometimes introduced very interesting dissonances and new harmonies by not following what the piano was playing at all. The other cool thing was that Richard kept to 3 instruments, something I almost never do as I can get quickly carried away. That said, I heard room for a vocal (ok, now 4 instruments) and a little more flourish on the existing strings and piano so I asked Richard if I could have a go and he kindly agreed.
By and large I used the piano chord progressions Richard laid down as is. The MIDI files he sent me contained a longer tune that he posted with the final minutes unheard in his post because they were faded and cut, and I brought up the volume and kept going. I added some walking notes in the bass of the piano and some bits and bobs on the right hand to both vary the arpeggio and to help lead into the next chord. The strings were also toyed with, adding melodic arcs here and there and changing a few of the original viola chords if I thought it could work. I also kept the 4/4 and 2/4 timing in 90% of the original. The vocal was challenging to fit the timing and harmonies, and after lots of futzing around I think it is close enough for now. (It's after posting that I often hear the most glaring of the things that didn't really work). All of the samples were changed to those from East West Quantum Leap.
The flutes got the short shrift in this arrangement since they are more or less a pad, so apologies to any flute players out there. Not a lot happening in their track I'm afraid.
Richard sent me these fine words after having a listen to the development of this version:
"My tune "Trio in Gm" is another in a series of educational experiments by which I am trying to learn a little about music composition. I really don't know what I'm doing but Doug sure does. Something in my piece spoke to him and inspired him to create this absolutely gorgeous piece of music. I am thrilled to think that I was the catalyst but appreciate that what you hear now is Doug's genius. Thank you for the honour Doug, and for the heavenly music."
I appreciate Richard's kind words of course, and moreover his generosity in letting me fiddle with his creation, and the wonderful innate musical sense he has when he brings forth music.
Finally, the song title comes from ideas that Richard and I combined. For me, a really magical night was spent in a warm wind watching the clouds drift by the moonlit starry sky. Richard was reminded of angels, and the original song had the riding the wave theme, so here we go:
Angels Riding the Nightwind
We hope you enjoy it!
Artwork by Mario John Borgatti from http://spaceart1.ning.com/profile/MarioJohnBorgatti
I was immediately really taken by Richard's piece when I heard it. It had this wonderful quality of power and grace, and it was one of those pieces where I immediately hear an evolved interpretation (doesn't happen often, but Kassia's Hang Drum was another example). I liked the way Richard varied the time signature, used harmonies in the flutes and violas which intentionally didn't always align in time with the piano chord changes, and also how they sometimes introduced very interesting dissonances and new harmonies by not following what the piano was playing at all. The other cool thing was that Richard kept to 3 instruments, something I almost never do as I can get quickly carried away. That said, I heard room for a vocal (ok, now 4 instruments) and a little more flourish on the existing strings and piano so I asked Richard if I could have a go and he kindly agreed.
By and large I used the piano chord progressions Richard laid down as is. The MIDI files he sent me contained a longer tune that he posted with the final minutes unheard in his post because they were faded and cut, and I brought up the volume and kept going. I added some walking notes in the bass of the piano and some bits and bobs on the right hand to both vary the arpeggio and to help lead into the next chord. The strings were also toyed with, adding melodic arcs here and there and changing a few of the original viola chords if I thought it could work. I also kept the 4/4 and 2/4 timing in 90% of the original. The vocal was challenging to fit the timing and harmonies, and after lots of futzing around I think it is close enough for now. (It's after posting that I often hear the most glaring of the things that didn't really work). All of the samples were changed to those from East West Quantum Leap.
The flutes got the short shrift in this arrangement since they are more or less a pad, so apologies to any flute players out there. Not a lot happening in their track I'm afraid.
Richard sent me these fine words after having a listen to the development of this version:
"My tune "Trio in Gm" is another in a series of educational experiments by which I am trying to learn a little about music composition. I really don't know what I'm doing but Doug sure does. Something in my piece spoke to him and inspired him to create this absolutely gorgeous piece of music. I am thrilled to think that I was the catalyst but appreciate that what you hear now is Doug's genius. Thank you for the honour Doug, and for the heavenly music."
I appreciate Richard's kind words of course, and moreover his generosity in letting me fiddle with his creation, and the wonderful innate musical sense he has when he brings forth music.
Finally, the song title comes from ideas that Richard and I combined. For me, a really magical night was spent in a warm wind watching the clouds drift by the moonlit starry sky. Richard was reminded of angels, and the original song had the riding the wave theme, so here we go:
Angels Riding the Nightwind
We hope you enjoy it!
Artwork by Mario John Borgatti from http://spaceart1.ning.com/profile/MarioJohnBorgatti
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Lyrics
Aaaahhhhh
Philip18
Beautiful movement in the melody. Precise and dynamic playing. Lovely instrumentation. Ethereal voices. This is excellent - congratulations to both of you!