Topic: Piano & Cello, nothing but modelling

A little waltz quickly improvised this morning to test a breath controller I just received.
Made with Reaper, Pianoteq and Swam Cello.
I started recording the piano track, then I recorded the cello track with my keyboard and my TEControl.
Yes, I play the cello blowing into it !

https://hearthis.at/xnwdv7yv/valsisocelle1/

Re: Piano & Cello, nothing but modelling

That's super-cool!  (and beautiful as well)

1) Which breath controller do you have?
2) Do they only work with certain VSTs that enable "aftertouch"?

- David

- David

Re: Piano & Cello, nothing but modelling

dklein wrote:

1) Which breath controller do you have?

http://www.tecontrol.se/products/usb-mi...controller

2) Do they only work with certain VSTs that enable "aftertouch"?

No, you can assign the TEControl to any MIDI control via MIDI mapping in the library.
Look at Compatibility in the above link, there is a list of compatibles libraries.
In Swam Cello I affected the CC2 of the TEControl to Expression.
And I control the vibrato with mod wheel.

Last edited by Gaston (30-06-2018 20:45)

Re: Piano & Cello, nothing but modelling

Very cool, indeed.  And not as expensive as others that I had briefly considered.  Any others that you would recommend, or wished that you had gotten instead?

- David

Re: Piano & Cello, nothing but modelling

dklein wrote:

Very cool, indeed.  And not as expensive as others that I had briefly considered.  Any others that you would recommend, or wished that you had gotten instead?

It's the only one I've tested.
There is a more sophisticated model, with bite control :
http://www.tecontrol.se/products/usb-mi...ntroller-2
But I also bought the Leap Motion, which I plan to use with GECO software.
http://www.synthtopia.com/content/2017/...-now-free/
I haven't installed it yet, I started with the easiest...

Last edited by Gaston (30-06-2018 22:42)

Re: Piano & Cello, nothing but modelling

Update...
Listening again, I realized it was a little too short.
New version (same URL) :

https://hearthis.at/xnwdv7yv/valsisocelle1/

Re: Piano & Cello, nothing but modelling

Gaston, what characteristic are you controlling with the breath controller, and are you using the bite controller as well?  Also, for a stringed instrument like a cello, can you have the breath work as a bowing hand, going one way with breathing in, and one way as breathing out?

- David

Re: Piano & Cello, nothing but modelling

That's an intriguing idea, and it would be really cool for a harmonica simulation, but I'm assuming that most breath controllers only work one way ('blow'), like a standard wind instrument such as a clarinet - I'm sure Gaston will correct me if I'm wrong! For stringed instrument simulation, apart from special techniques that depend on being in different parts of the bow, there should be no discernable difference in tone quality between an 'up' bow and a 'down' bow in regular playing, so it wouldn't be necessary in this case.

Re: Piano & Cello, nothing but modelling

My breath controller is the simpliest model, no bite control.
I control Expression by assigning CC2 from Breath Control to Expression by MIDI mapping in the Swam Cello.
And you're right, Dazric, only blow, no breathing in.
I know that the breath controller is not the ideal tool to play Cello. I'm using it while waiting for the Leap Motion that I should receive soon.
A first one received last week failed during firmware update. A new one is on his way from California.

Re: Piano & Cello, nothing but modelling

The theoretic advantage for inhale-exhale control would be the reversibility, rather than exhale-stop-exhale-stop.  More like upbow-downbow.  Plus, it's sustainable, since you have to breathe in eventually!

- David

Re: Piano & Cello, nothing but modelling

Very lovely music - how inspiring.

I can hear this developing into some quite special.
Are you going to go the next step and notate in score,
refining and perfecting?

George Peter Tingley (BMI)
Scorekeepers Music

Re: Piano & Cello, nothing but modelling

Gerard, very beautiful indeed. Certainly if you are aware of it, the articulation/phrasing seems that of a wind instrument, but precisely that gives the 'cello an charming, humming quality, that in this interpretation really fits your composition.

All the same, very interested in your experience with the leap motion. Will you post that too?

Re: Piano & Cello, nothing but modelling

I wonder if the other controls of the fancier breath controller (head tilt and sway, bite pressure) would be better for simulating the mechanics of bowing than the air puff part does.

- David

Re: Piano & Cello, nothing but modelling

dklein wrote:

I wonder if the other controls of the fancier breath controller (head tilt and sway, bite pressure) would be better for simulating the mechanics of bowing than the air puff part does.

Very possibly. Of course, a lot depends on how accurate the cello modelling is!
Just for interest, I had a quick search to see if there was such a thing as a midi bowing controller. Amazingly enough, midi violins do exist. The technology involved must be mind-blowingly complicated.

Re: Piano & Cello, nothing but modelling

I love the emotions put in this peace.
A kind of sad, but also strong.
Excellent use of the cello.

Last edited by MrRoland (02-08-2018 22:58)