Winds of Neptune

This short ( 2 min) experimental piece combines a string quartet (violin, viola, cello and bass) with a woodwind quartet (flute, oboe, clarinet and bassoon). It could form the first movement of a longer composition. The harmony is mainly fifths and fourths with strings and woodwinds usually paired, flute with violin and so on.

There are two mp3's - I started out accidentally leaving the default reverb on and so produced a version with extreme reverb.

The "over" reverbed mp3 has an opening string glissando (with more later) - with the reverb the effect is interesting. This would seem to be suitable for movie background music but is not at all how eight musicians would sound live in a recital hall. The parts are blurred and the pizzicato is muffled.

The mp3 corresponding to the Finale score has the glissandi removed. I added some eight motes in the opening bars but later on just deleted the glissandi. I thought the glissandi for the strings were more annoying and silly with reasonable reverb (although Finale and GPO may not be doing them justice). This version has more impact, the pizzicato is crisp, and the lines stand out clearly

The mp3 for the Finale score with only moderate reverb is here

The mp3 with the more extreme reverb is here

Comments and suggestions welcome.

Hey Herb

First off, as you probably guessed, I like this a lot. I can see your dilemma with the reverb as well. To me, the first one is too dry and the second a little too wet. Between the two but closer to the second is what I would go with, but the amount of reverb is a personal opinion more than anything else. I like a lot of rebverb for this kind of work, so I wouldn't back off much. Maybe go just a touch dryer.

I would even like to see this expanded with even more instruments. To me when Painting on a canvas, more color just enhances the picture. But as is is good also.

I look forward to the completion of this one!!

Ron

Originally Posted by rolifer

Hey Herb

First off, as you probably guessed, I like this a lot. I can see your dilemma with the reverb as well. To me, the first one is too dry and the second a little too wet. Between the two but closer to the second is what I would go with, but the amount of reverb is a personal opinion more than anything else. I like a lot of rebverb for this kind of work, so I wouldn't back off much. Maybe go just a touch dryer.

I would even like to see this expanded with even more instruments. To me when Painting on a canvas, more color just enhances the picture. But as is is good also.

I look forward to the completion of this one!!

Ron

Ron,

Thanks for listening and commenting. I'm glad you liked it.

When heard as a pair, the first is very dry compared to the second. I agree that the second is a bit too wet, or maybe not quite the right reverb.

More instruments? - if I add the brass then I may as well go to a full orchestra which is worth considering. This could be the opening featuring woodwinds and strings and the brass could come in in the later movements.

Herb

Herb,

I was thinking more about percusion than brass, but a little brass and a marimba or vibraphone and of course a timpani would really round this out. Maybe even a few lines from a piano and some cowbells and gongs.


I guess I am saying, just go wild with it and have some fun painting a huge picture.

Ron