Thursday, January 1, 2015
Unbroken
Hello readers!
As 2014 closed, I went to see the film "Unbroken", with a score by Alexandre Desplat....
A well-done score for this dramatic film; almost immediately I was pulled into the storyline - a few vocals and deep bass opened 'Unbroken' with a WWII backdrop - and Desplat did a nice job of letting the story tell itself, with places significant in their use of no background music.
The several times that Louis (main character) has flashbacks feature a bit of solo piano with strings - nothing close to over-done. Perhaps the most moving point of the film - for me anyway - had a nice build, musically, as the protagonist has a defining moment of true triumph. I won't spoil it for you, but you will know when that moment is when you see it ;)
The film focused on Louis' time as a POW in Japan, and the music complemented the story well, also using elements of Japanese ethnic music (flute, percussion) to highlight the plot. You can buy the OST on amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Unbroken-Original-Motion-Picture-Soundtrack/dp/B00PTJGMIQ
If you're a Desplat fan, it's worth the buy - if not, a track or two on GooglePlay will get you the essentials!
A brief note -- if you would like me to review a piece of music (and with Youtube, there's almost nothing inaccessible) - theme, commercial, score - I will do that and submit my 2 cents! Primarily I gravitate to orchestral scores, but, we all need a push out of the comfort zone ... !
Happy New Year!
Saturday, December 20, 2014
Per reader request!
Hi readers,
Having taken a listen to the 'Dead Man' score as well as 'The Long Riders' and Agents of Shield TV score, here are my thoughts ... note: I have not actually seen these films, only heard the music.
Dead Man: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAgwoEUGgro
The score is as much a musical journey as the film is an existential one. Word of warning: you must appreciate electric guitar....a LOT. In its form, the score is minimalist: for those of you non-nerds out there, this just means that the chords/harmonies are largely static and don't really change. Which means that any change in musical motion relies heavily on whatever the solo guitar does, and the tone of the instrument itself. Also, rhythmically, the pattern will change without you even noticing. The score flows like a river; though after a while you find yourself truly anticipating that solo guitar again.
The Long Riders: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ja8kv4Hvzuk&list=PLNF07pv26L8MDz-YzKn8UU2xOGZZAO0X9
Overall contains a lot of bluegrass/country, but elements like fife and snare in track 2 bring out the Civil War flavor and some vocals to boot. There are country songs, with old-school rhythms and steel guitar. Nuff said. The whole score is worth a listen or two.
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JV3caseYUy0
A decent opening theme song - Bear McCreary refrains from going all out with brass and/or percussion, and getting caught in stereotypical fanfares as some other composers do. The theme here is a bit reminiscient of John Powell's work in The Bourne Supremacy.
An early Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Friday, December 12, 2014
Upcoming Reviews
Readers,
I must see the following:
Unbroken
The Imitation Game
The Theory of Everything
Yes, they're dramas, but let's face it - the best stories tend to generate the best music! Consider Gravity and Steven Price for instance. Or Forrest Gump and Alan Silvestri. Or a host of others.
Today I am perusing more soundtracks in search of the best music - I'm mostly caught up. Mostly. You can watch some new, fun trailers on Youtube :)
Stay tuned for (gasp!) actual film music reviews on the above-mentioned movies.
SF
Saturday, November 29, 2014
Revamp - Nov 2014
Ahoy hoy readers -
A brief apology for being out this long ... sometimes not writing makes you feel like you've really dropped the ball, you know?
Recently, I had the opportunity to address my dream of film music again, revisit the posts here, make some deletes and edits. Technology - and life - changes so fast. Current scenario: my best format is still pencil, paper, and playing piano. I am teaching about 12 students give or take, and aspiring to something greater.
One of my friends thanked me profusely for help with her choreography work; this got me to thinking about the trivia I have stored up in my head, and how useful I might be to dancers looking for just the right music!
All this to say I got re-motivated, and have been listening ad nauseam to Youtube, with film ost's from 2012 - 2014 (current) with both box office hits and lesser-known gems. I may do less of my own experimenting and more just synthesizing the work of others.
Monday, February 4, 2013
Advanced transcriptions
Hi readers,
I've been slowly working on some new songs - one that very recently just
"flowed" like few others have. Don't what the title will be.
Meantime - I am REALLY going to try finishing up my list of transcription projects; some
of these are just downright intimidating. They may or may not be written on Finale:
Ben-Hur - Prelude, Love Theme, Parade of the Charioteers
Magnificent 7
Sound of Music Organ processional (currently pencilling out on staff paper)
Olympic Fanfare
E.T. Flying Theme
Got me enough new songs I might try splicing them into some kind of musical or play ;)
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
August 2012
Hello readers,
Back after almost 4 months! While admittedly I don't have a song for every week as hoped, I'm happy to report several songs that will be incorporated into some kind of short musical...
Meanwhile, summer has been occupied with a few house projects like painting and French doors, as well as playing piano for a 2 week theatre camp of Godspell - with the start of school my resolve is new again to keep plugging away. Stay tuned for updates.
Sally
Back after almost 4 months! While admittedly I don't have a song for every week as hoped, I'm happy to report several songs that will be incorporated into some kind of short musical...
Meanwhile, summer has been occupied with a few house projects like painting and French doors, as well as playing piano for a 2 week theatre camp of Godspell - with the start of school my resolve is new again to keep plugging away. Stay tuned for updates.
Sally
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Two new websites
Hello readers,
Just sharing two tidbits! The first is a neat website that streams film music - including video
game and TV composers - right to your computer, and uses a wide option of music players
(Mac users, rejoice!). http://www.streamingsoundtracks.com/ -- it's amazing how many composers
and pieces you NEVER hear about, save for sites like this!
Other website is my own, created on wix.com - can be found here: www.wix.com/crumpetsiii/sideofmusic
This will be updated as needed, and hopefully contain more media....feedback welcome on it!
Just sharing two tidbits! The first is a neat website that streams film music - including video
game and TV composers - right to your computer, and uses a wide option of music players
(Mac users, rejoice!). http://www.streamingsoundtracks.com/ -- it's amazing how many composers
and pieces you NEVER hear about, save for sites like this!
Other website is my own, created on wix.com - can be found here: www.wix.com/crumpetsiii/sideofmusic
This will be updated as needed, and hopefully contain more media....feedback welcome on it!
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Transcribing and songs
Hi readers,
Well - the list of songs for transcriptions has been whittled down quite a bit, and I'm excited about the newer projects in particular. Also - a couple songs are still in the works, but have taken a break for a bit of house remodelling....which of course never goes as one plans....
So far the original song tally stands as follows:
Where the Road Leads
[No title] - almost 3 verses - slower
Everthing's Better With Cheese
A Million Ways
Boxes (still deciding on that title)
And a note of sadness, the passing of Robert Sherman. He and his brother Richard were responsible for "It's a Small World" and dozens of other magical Disney songs from the good old days. On a more personal note, it was the score to the Chitty film that almost singlehandedly got me into my life's work of accompanying, singing, and attempting to compose :)
Well - the list of songs for transcriptions has been whittled down quite a bit, and I'm excited about the newer projects in particular. Also - a couple songs are still in the works, but have taken a break for a bit of house remodelling....which of course never goes as one plans....
So far the original song tally stands as follows:
Where the Road Leads
[No title] - almost 3 verses - slower
Everthing's Better With Cheese
A Million Ways
Boxes (still deciding on that title)
And a note of sadness, the passing of Robert Sherman. He and his brother Richard were responsible for "It's a Small World" and dozens of other magical Disney songs from the good old days. On a more personal note, it was the score to the Chitty film that almost singlehandedly got me into my life's work of accompanying, singing, and attempting to compose :)
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Cold weather = more songs...
Hi readers,
Well, it seems winter is in fact making an appearance, meaning it's time to
make good use of time, keep writing songs and music....indoor days!
So far written about 2 more songs after Where the Road Leads; one being a silly
Cat Song that depicts Georgie, my cat, when she's none too happy. The other is in
a more serious vein, but have struggled with lyrics; and as such I haven't thought
of a title either---it's in E flat with a catchy chorus.
Working on transcriptions again today, and have finished up the Braveheart Finale
for duo piano :) Thinking it'll be Ben Hur suite -- stay tuned, and don't touch
that dial!
P.S. -- A composer worth exploration is Jeremy Soule, who's actually a video game
composer...he's done the OST for the recent Skyrim game!
Well, it seems winter is in fact making an appearance, meaning it's time to
make good use of time, keep writing songs and music....indoor days!
So far written about 2 more songs after Where the Road Leads; one being a silly
Cat Song that depicts Georgie, my cat, when she's none too happy. The other is in
a more serious vein, but have struggled with lyrics; and as such I haven't thought
of a title either---it's in E flat with a catchy chorus.
Working on transcriptions again today, and have finished up the Braveheart Finale
for duo piano :) Thinking it'll be Ben Hur suite -- stay tuned, and don't touch
that dial!
P.S. -- A composer worth exploration is Jeremy Soule, who's actually a video game
composer...he's done the OST for the recent Skyrim game!
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Two useful links
Greetings -
Two websites you'll find very useful (in addition to the usual wikis and imdbs) - one suggested by a
friend, it's http://www.screenarchives.com/ and the other is http://www.filmtracks.com/
The filmtracks offers some reviews - I'm in agreement with their critique of Zimmer's latest
score, Sherlock Holmes 2. Really, Zimmer and his team have so much at their disposal, but they
don't use it to create true thematic works, rather, simple extensions that lead to nowhere :(
Two websites you'll find very useful (in addition to the usual wikis and imdbs) - one suggested by a
friend, it's http://www.screenarchives.com/ and the other is http://www.filmtracks.com/
The filmtracks offers some reviews - I'm in agreement with their critique of Zimmer's latest
score, Sherlock Holmes 2. Really, Zimmer and his team have so much at their disposal, but they
don't use it to create true thematic works, rather, simple extensions that lead to nowhere :(
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Finally writing, in spite of a setback
Hello readers,
The funds for the Mac are slower than I thought due to some unexpected expenses :(
Nevertheless, I trudge onward! Got myself 2 new soundtracks:
The Bourne Supremacy [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack]
The Dark Knight - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
The pieces I'm finally now writing are derived from a Broadway style---my first being
"Sumthin Else" (jazz flavor) and the next I want to call "Where did the morning go?"
With any luck, some of the fragmentary musical ideas I've had in my head will
be included :)
Note to self: the theme I call "american dream" is combined with the ascending
A/G and b-minor/G.
So far I've been too organized, too busy to find the time to write music,
but today -- TODAY -- should be a real start. The more I practice, the better I'll get.
Sorry Brahms, your rhapsody in b-minor already has a place in posterity!
Stay tuned - don't touch that dial!
The funds for the Mac are slower than I thought due to some unexpected expenses :(
Nevertheless, I trudge onward! Got myself 2 new soundtracks:
The Bourne Supremacy [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack]
The Dark Knight - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
The pieces I'm finally now writing are derived from a Broadway style---my first being
"Sumthin Else" (jazz flavor) and the next I want to call "Where did the morning go?"
With any luck, some of the fragmentary musical ideas I've had in my head will
be included :)
Note to self: the theme I call "american dream" is combined with the ascending
A/G and b-minor/G.
So far I've been too organized, too busy to find the time to write music,
but today -- TODAY -- should be a real start. The more I practice, the better I'll get.
Sorry Brahms, your rhapsody in b-minor already has a place in posterity!
Stay tuned - don't touch that dial!
Sunday, January 30, 2011
A new book or two - and the Mac Mini : )
Finally, dear readers, the Mac Mini is materializing....
First off, I did get a new book or two (slowly whittling down the list) - and am reading
the Schonberg book on the great composers!
Will be looking soon at getting a Mac Mini - I am setting aside funds and my
goal is to have one by the end of Feb or beginning of March!
Meanwhile, snow is piling up....again. This winter is trumping the last 5 or 10 years
minimum. Forget the car - grab your sled and head for the nearest coffee shop or
movie theatre :) Stay tuned and - unless it's the forecast you're after - don't
touch that dial!
First off, I did get a new book or two (slowly whittling down the list) - and am reading
the Schonberg book on the great composers!
Will be looking soon at getting a Mac Mini - I am setting aside funds and my
goal is to have one by the end of Feb or beginning of March!
Meanwhile, snow is piling up....again. This winter is trumping the last 5 or 10 years
minimum. Forget the car - grab your sled and head for the nearest coffee shop or
movie theatre :) Stay tuned and - unless it's the forecast you're after - don't
touch that dial!
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Mancini, etc.
Hello readers!
Took a short break for Thanksgiving (sorry!) and am now back on track :) Recently finished "Did They Mention the Music?" the autobio of Henry Mancini - wonderful read and highly recommend. What a remarkable composer and musician! Mancini's music ranks among many great names. The song "Moon River" is just one example of this gifted man.
So - sadly it's performance season with the choirs and Christmas in general, so there hasn't been much progress on the composing front. I have had a few motifs come to mind and wrote them down. Maybe I mentioned before, that Finale has given me trouble; really hoping I can trade up to a nice Mac once the 2011 yr gets going!
I'm working on purchasing a house this spring and paying off my newer car (yeah the Ford quit out on me!) - which means that combined with all the spring music activities may render this blog dormant for awhile. We'll see! Still finishing up the History of Film Music by Mervin Cooke, and am absorbing all I can with that. Netflix is another great resource that I've used lately. I might add a new bit of info:
Alexandre Desplat is the composer for the new Harry Potter film, Deathly Hallows Pt. I - a really marvelous job. Go see the movie if you haven't already! An early Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you! Stay tuned. Don't touch that computer dial :)
Took a short break for Thanksgiving (sorry!) and am now back on track :) Recently finished "Did They Mention the Music?" the autobio of Henry Mancini - wonderful read and highly recommend. What a remarkable composer and musician! Mancini's music ranks among many great names. The song "Moon River" is just one example of this gifted man.
So - sadly it's performance season with the choirs and Christmas in general, so there hasn't been much progress on the composing front. I have had a few motifs come to mind and wrote them down. Maybe I mentioned before, that Finale has given me trouble; really hoping I can trade up to a nice Mac once the 2011 yr gets going!
I'm working on purchasing a house this spring and paying off my newer car (yeah the Ford quit out on me!) - which means that combined with all the spring music activities may render this blog dormant for awhile. We'll see! Still finishing up the History of Film Music by Mervin Cooke, and am absorbing all I can with that. Netflix is another great resource that I've used lately. I might add a new bit of info:
Alexandre Desplat is the composer for the new Harry Potter film, Deathly Hallows Pt. I - a really marvelous job. Go see the movie if you haven't already! An early Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you! Stay tuned. Don't touch that computer dial :)
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
ASCAP and a song
Greetings readers!
First off, I just applied for ASCAP membership online :) One-time fee of $35 is well-worth it, esp. as a writer! For the record, the Singing Sextet is the name of a group that sang The Lord's Prayer as arranged by
myself. More to come!
Second, some musical motifs are being organized into longer works. This is really a task, and my Composition for Idiots guide does help - completing even a few exercises will sharpen your skills! My preference is actually pencil and paper now (Finale isn't working for Playback, don't know what's wrong there -- and paper and pencil go so well with piano). Currently completing a jazz tune.
Third: finished the Richard Rodgers autobiography and am now reading A History of Film Music by Mervin Cooke (highly recommend) A History of Film Music
Fourth: have acquired an Ipod nano 5th gen and am now taking a few amateur videos....still saving for a nice Mac Mini : ) With Final Cut Express, I can hone my film-music-making process much faster.
Lastly, a rather lengthy book list - on broadway composer biographies - is now compiled, and hopefully I can still dig up a few film composer bios (more recent stories anyway). Oooo and the Henry Mancini autobio arrived today too, hurray!
Stay tuned....don't touch that computer dial!
First off, I just applied for ASCAP membership online :) One-time fee of $35 is well-worth it, esp. as a writer! For the record, the Singing Sextet is the name of a group that sang The Lord's Prayer as arranged by
myself. More to come!
Second, some musical motifs are being organized into longer works. This is really a task, and my Composition for Idiots guide does help - completing even a few exercises will sharpen your skills! My preference is actually pencil and paper now (Finale isn't working for Playback, don't know what's wrong there -- and paper and pencil go so well with piano). Currently completing a jazz tune.
Third: finished the Richard Rodgers autobiography and am now reading A History of Film Music by Mervin Cooke (highly recommend) A History of Film Music
Fourth: have acquired an Ipod nano 5th gen and am now taking a few amateur videos....still saving for a nice Mac Mini : ) With Final Cut Express, I can hone my film-music-making process much faster.
Lastly, a rather lengthy book list - on broadway composer biographies - is now compiled, and hopefully I can still dig up a few film composer bios (more recent stories anyway). Oooo and the Henry Mancini autobio arrived today too, hurray!
Stay tuned....don't touch that computer dial!
Monday, September 20, 2010
Short update!
Erich Wolfgang Korngold (20th-Century Composers)
Hello readers,
Now there's a 16G ipod nano, 5th generation to boot....
Finished Richard Rodgers autobiography, and am now reading Korngold (see above link).
Watched a bit of Marx bros. bio film on Netflix -- I do have Netflix. What a joy to an aspiring film composer!
Still on the broadway path right now (esp Gershwin), and have started composing a song called "Sumthin Else" having a jazz flavor. Will begin composing other short works based on memories of mine, a sort of autobiographical portrait if you will.
In addition, the video capabilities of my new ipod nano are such that if I can shoot my own little videos - then I can make my own soundtrack too :)
Hello readers,
Now there's a 16G ipod nano, 5th generation to boot....
Finished Richard Rodgers autobiography, and am now reading Korngold (see above link).
Watched a bit of Marx bros. bio film on Netflix -- I do have Netflix. What a joy to an aspiring film composer!
Still on the broadway path right now (esp Gershwin), and have started composing a song called "Sumthin Else" having a jazz flavor. Will begin composing other short works based on memories of mine, a sort of autobiographical portrait if you will.
In addition, the video capabilities of my new ipod nano are such that if I can shoot my own little videos - then I can make my own soundtrack too :)
Monday, July 26, 2010
Book List - Brief
Thought I'd share some books that I've gotten so far - and read - that are worth the bang from your hard-earned dollars! Won't bother to review all here, but you've gotta trust me - they're worth it if you're serious about the biz.
The Reel World: Scoring for Pictures by Jeff Rona (link and image not working....it is on amazon.com)
Inside Film Music: Composers Speak by Christian Jardins
Complete Guide to Film Scoring by Richard Davis
Idiot's Guide to Music Composition
The Reel World: Scoring for Pictures by Jeff Rona (link and image not working....it is on amazon.com)
Inside Film Music: Composers Speak by Christian Jardins
Complete Guide to Film Scoring by Richard Davis
Idiot's Guide to Music Composition
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Some good advice : )
Hello again :)
Some good advice from a recent link on ASCAP ~ http://wecreatemusic.ascap.com/expo/
Ron Jones has some very timely, great tips on the composing process and being a success or "success" if you like ;) I'd like to be a member of ASCAP and start networking a bit here in the midwest.
Some progress on researching computers, gear, and IDEAS. Remember, if you don't have the gear yet, WRITE your ideas down. Have a vision and practice your craft.
On that note, I'm writing my transcriptions, and am also going to devote part of each day - 2 hrs or more - to composing or arranging. This will have to do with harmonic ideas and percussive effects....fresh ideas should invigorate the mind.
No luck with the accompanying job prospects so far - if I don't hear from Bonner Springs h.s. I'm going to assume the worst. Meanwhile, going to increase my availability at Meyer Music and use the rest of my time wisely.
Stay tuned. Don't touch that computer dial :)
Some good advice from a recent link on ASCAP ~ http://wecreatemusic.ascap.com/expo/
Ron Jones has some very timely, great tips on the composing process and being a success or "success" if you like ;) I'd like to be a member of ASCAP and start networking a bit here in the midwest.
Some progress on researching computers, gear, and IDEAS. Remember, if you don't have the gear yet, WRITE your ideas down. Have a vision and practice your craft.
On that note, I'm writing my transcriptions, and am also going to devote part of each day - 2 hrs or more - to composing or arranging. This will have to do with harmonic ideas and percussive effects....fresh ideas should invigorate the mind.
No luck with the accompanying job prospects so far - if I don't hear from Bonner Springs h.s. I'm going to assume the worst. Meanwhile, going to increase my availability at Meyer Music and use the rest of my time wisely.
Stay tuned. Don't touch that computer dial :)
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Somewhere at the beginning.....
So I'll try to update this thing when I can....right now I have a lot of free time, but don't want to spend hours blogging, you know? But maybe you find yourself in my shoes, wanting to pursue your pipe dream and finally having the courage....and to some extent, money....to do it!
First, some history. I'm a pianist by day (got my master's in it), but an aspiring film composer by night. I've always wanted to pursue this, and have gotten/read a few reliable books on it (can list those if you like). Watched the Richard Davis YouTube series, and feel like I at least know something of the process of filmmaking. I find my music CDs consist of 90% film soundtracks, and transcribing film scores to piano has been a hobby of mine since the 4th grade. Don't get me wrong, I have a varied taste in music. There are some 60 songs I've transcribed (some with, you know, 8 bars), but all but a few are hand-written. Worked with Finale in college and have a version right now :)
So -- I'm now beginning to really wade thru the jungle of software and equipment. Should I buy/save for this, is something worth it or no. There are so many CHOICES - esp within each software program - that it's bordering ridiculous for those who are starting out like me....
Some programs I think would be reliable:
Logic Express
Ableton
Garage Band (actually have worked with this and like it)
Avid
Pro Tools
If you have any other suggestions, chime in :)
Half the battle of the modern film composer is getting and learning the gear. I'm trying to decide what software program(s) to use and just get started with that. I have a Powermac G4 with Panther (yeah it's old but the processor can't handle more than 10.4) flat screen, M-Audio keyboard and used to have Garage Band but that's another long and sad story.
That's it for now. Stay tuned - don't touch that computer dial ;)
First, some history. I'm a pianist by day (got my master's in it), but an aspiring film composer by night. I've always wanted to pursue this, and have gotten/read a few reliable books on it (can list those if you like). Watched the Richard Davis YouTube series, and feel like I at least know something of the process of filmmaking. I find my music CDs consist of 90% film soundtracks, and transcribing film scores to piano has been a hobby of mine since the 4th grade. Don't get me wrong, I have a varied taste in music. There are some 60 songs I've transcribed (some with, you know, 8 bars), but all but a few are hand-written. Worked with Finale in college and have a version right now :)
So -- I'm now beginning to really wade thru the jungle of software and equipment. Should I buy/save for this, is something worth it or no. There are so many CHOICES - esp within each software program - that it's bordering ridiculous for those who are starting out like me....
Some programs I think would be reliable:
Logic Express
Ableton
Garage Band (actually have worked with this and like it)
Avid
Pro Tools
If you have any other suggestions, chime in :)
Half the battle of the modern film composer is getting and learning the gear. I'm trying to decide what software program(s) to use and just get started with that. I have a Powermac G4 with Panther (yeah it's old but the processor can't handle more than 10.4) flat screen, M-Audio keyboard and used to have Garage Band but that's another long and sad story.
That's it for now. Stay tuned - don't touch that computer dial ;)
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