Topic by gtingley

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Topic: "Ambient" Steinway B with EWQL Strings (inspired by Andrew L Webber)

I composed a little piano piece called STAR ON BROADWAY way back in the 1990s and it was published by Alfred and distributed to the educational market. Recently, I re-discovered and re-recorded it using Pianoteq's Steinway B (employing the Recording 3 preset involving 3 distant mics, one quite ambient.) I thought to add strings and came up with parts for full string orchestra - violins 1, violins 2, violas, 'cellos, and double basses. This is the result. It barely cracks a minute and now I am thinking to expand upon it. Any thoughts or suggestions? Thanks for stopping by.

https://soundcloud.com/george-tingley-8...n-broadway

Last edited by gtingley (22-01-2019 23:02)

Reply by Stephen_Doonan

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Re: "Ambient" Steinway B with EWQL Strings (inspired by Andrew L Webber)

It’s a very lovely piece, with great harmony.
The strings, while very nicely arranged, seem overly predominant, overpowering the delicate piano. You might try a version with the volume of the strings reduced by at least half their current volume.
Thank you for sharing this piece.

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Reply by gtingley

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Re: "Ambient" Steinway B with EWQL Strings (inspired by Andrew L Webber)

Stephen

My wife keeps telling me the same things about the balance. Yes, I am going to do some more mixes.
I am already thinking there might be an oboe and/or french horn lurking in the wings as well. Thanks for your very valuable feedback.

gpt

Last edited by gtingley (22-01-2019 23:06)

Reply by Stephen_Doonan

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Re: "Ambient" Steinway B with EWQL Strings (inspired by Andrew L Webber)

It’s just a suggestion; that’s all. The strings have a very important role of course, providing not only a lush harmonic backdrop but also a beautiful counter-melody. The piano however introduces the piece, as well as carrying the predominant rhythm or rhythmic pulse, and the primary (or at least initial) melody, so it seems (to me) to be a bit sad to submerge the beautiful piano part into the strings, rather than to have the strings complement the piece and serve to enhance rather than obfuscate the piano, that’s all.

Last edited by Stephen_Doonan (23-01-2019 04:15)
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Reply by gtingley

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Re: "Ambient" Steinway B with EWQL Strings (inspired by Andrew L Webber)

You are right. My music often involves very subtle conversation between instruments. I will be uploading another mix shortly that will attempt to capture this ideal. Look forward to your response to the new mix.

Reply by gtingley

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Re: "Ambient" Steinway B with EWQL Strings (inspired by Andrew L Webber)

Here's the second mix as per the suggestion of Stephen. It is here retitled "Love Theme."

https://soundcloud.com/george-tingley-8...love-theme

Last edited by gtingley (29-01-2019 04:57)

Reply by Stephen_Doonan

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Re: "Ambient" Steinway B with EWQL Strings (inspired by Andrew L Webber)

In your revised mix, all of the musical elements can be heard distinctly and be appreciated individually as well as collectively. Such a lovely piece.

Last edited by Stephen_Doonan (23-01-2019 04:17)
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Reply by bernard

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Re: "Ambient" Steinway B with EWQL Strings (inspired by Andrew L Webber)

I do prefer the second version much more balanced between the piano and the strings, good work

"I am already thinking there might be an oboe and/or french horn lurking in the wings as well."
that's what i was thinking listening the first version