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Putting it out there, Science Fiction Adventure theme for a game

Discussion in 'Critique & Feedback' started by Mike Worth, Jul 13, 2017.

  1. #1 Mike Worth, Jul 13, 2017
    Hi, all!

    I'm biting the bullet, and putting a piece out there. I have not done a mockup of this yet (I'm currently deep diving into template building), but I figure, I shouldn't be commenting on others without showing what I do.

    This is a theme I wrote for a small sci-fi spaceship mobile game. The developer actually referenced "The Last Starfighter" film as inspiration, and I jumped at the chance.

    I transcribed bits and pieces from The Last Starfighter, Galaxy Quest, and SeaQuest for inspiration for this cue.

    In terms of workflow. First, I did a 3 stave piano sketch, then a full orchestral blow out. The audio is Sibelius' Noteperformer; I intend to do a true mockup of this this fall.. once my template is good. So, I'm not worried about the quality of the audio render, I'm going to use this piece to test my mocking up skills later.

    I welcome any feedback and criticism, it only helps me get better! Thank you in advance for your time.

    (NOTE: You may need to download the PDF's, they look weird online):

    The 3 stave Sketch (PDF):

    https://app.box.com/s/h8z1c1gjcpxjlfynsmoqkn68gs3f3ms6

    The orchestral score (PDF):

    https://app.box.com/s/xfpmllw1iticj6rar427u2gnqtl57rih

    The Noteperfomer render (mp3):

    https://app.box.com/s/f7jgr28qoishu08s32124ahzjt8i5cvx

    I'm hoping this becomes a cue on my new demo reel, to get more work like this, cause this was fun to write!

    Mike
     
    Matt Varone likes this.
  2. #2 Doug Gibson, Jul 17, 2017
    Hi Mike

    What aspects of the work are looking for feedback on ? Composition or Orchestration? I too only use note performer so I have zero issues with audio rendering.

    One thing that makes it hard to comment on the orchestration, well actually this is my comment :) , is that looking at the
    score it still looks like short hand notation. Personally, I would not do this. If you are going to the trouble to notate out the full score, I would make it as accurate and specific as possible. Which I do recommend.

    Because of the writing style; I would make a new blank score in Sibelius and go through and make a score as if your most your most ideal dream gig called and said orchestra .....blah, blah...... want to record this piece.

    I think a lot of things will be self-evident then, and YOU will find better solutions then the first draft. While I understand it is quicker, I would not treat the score like a "DAW" . I think you start off ok, but once we get to page 4 or 5 of the score there seems to be no rhyme or reason as to the voicing's. For example measure 23 clarinets we now have 4 clarinets playing, then 24 has 3 .... with maybe a double ?, and 26 has 2. Use a2 for unisons on the same stave.

    I think this extra rigor will, now you have already submitted the piece will polish it, and give it more of the details.

    So..... I hope that is along the lines of what you were looking for. Feel free to ask about anything else.
    I think it is a "mind-set" issue. Don't take a short cut........
     
  3. #3 Mike Worth, Jul 18, 2017
    Hi, Doug,

    Thank you for taking the time to listen, and to critique, I appreciate it! I'll take a pass through the orchestration, and be more rigorous with the decisions. I think that I treated this like a "full score to be mocked up", so did some cut and paste to get the doublings in my head; but a bit of lack of clarity ensued by doing that.

    Thank you!

    Mike
     
  4. #4 Doug Gibson, Jul 18, 2017
    If you would like me to expand on why I think this is so crucial, I am happy to do so. Or any other aspect of your piece.
    All the best
     
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