Duel of the fates

[boulifb]

Hi everyone,

Here is a mockup of the first part of "Duel of the fates" by John Williams.

Let me know what you think about it.

Cheers,

Fred.

[purplerhapsody]

It's a really good effort but just not realistic enough IMO. The reproduction of the melodies and harmonies appears to be accurate but it's the articulations that let you down.

When I listen closely I think that areas that don't sound right to me are down to staccatos being too long, and some runs being more like legato slushes.

Sorry for the negative comments - but suffice it to say that I would never be able to even approach a project like this. I salute your ambition!

Cheers,
Terry.

[boulifb]

Thanks.

I wanted to rebuild the first part. I have used indeed staccato. Maybe I should have used spiccato?

This project was too crazy. I'll do another one like this another day...

[christerholm]

Hm, don't know what really is wrong, but the orchestra sounds way too "soft" and unrealistic. The choir is great, but orchestra sounds very very fake. I would not believe it's EWQLSO at all? Sounds like some cheap plastic synth.

[interpolate]

Did you use a fuller score or just a revised edition? I think often, with orchestrated parts you need to humanise them to a certain extent. Making notes, sit that little bit out of timing rather than a perfect timing through out. Your main thing for me that sticks out, is that the balance between some instruments. I think that's mainly down to the dynamics though. Fully equalised and compressed this should sound tight and expressive.

[TheRIGERE]

A couple of notes....

First, I think you need a wetter mix. The reverb is lacking to compare it to the origianal.

Second. The levels of the mix are kinda all over the place to the point that I found it distracting. And you can tell that you are adjusting volumes rather than velocities. It stands out when an articulation has been played hard(high velocity) but lowered in volume, and vice versa. But it takes time to get use to that.

third. Its supposed to be a spiccato articulation not staccato. At the very least have at least one of your Violn Sections play it spic even if the other is still stacc. You get that slight edge and separation thats just slightly lacking i think.

Thats just my two cents. Keep at it!! and Good Luck if you try to Wordbuilder the choir in Sanskrit too.. lol

[Jeff Hayat]

I did this about two years ago. I did the entire CD cue, start to finish, working off of the complete conductor's score. It was a beast; when you say "This project was too crazy" I know exactly what you mean. And I commend you for your effort.

That said, the earlier comments of "just not realistic enough" and "Sounds like some cheap plastic synth" are spot on. Not knowing what your intent here was, I am certainly not going to knock you; my mock up didn't sound all that g reat because I didn't spend the time tweaking everything - it was just a composing/orchestrating learning exercise for me and nothing more. If you were in fact looking for a realistic sound, you will need to do alot of work, and as stated, use some different artics.

Originally Posted by TheRIGERE

third. Its supposed to be a spiccato articulation not staccato. ..

Actually, it's neither; the score does not specify. It does give a marc specification to the single note celli and basses, but not the violas and clarinet which start, nor the violins which come in later.

Cheers.

[TheRIGERE]

Originally Posted by Jeff Hayat

Actually, it's neither; the score does not specify. It does give a marc specification to the single note celli and basses, but not the violas and clarinet which start, nor the violins which come in later.

Cheers.

Interesting...I was basis my comment on the recordings of the the original, not to be confused with anyone who has seen the score.

[boulifb]

Thanks for all your comments! Even the bad ones are constructive.
I still have some difficulties with equalizing.

As said, it's just say "marc" for violoncello and contrabass. I worked using the full score from Hal Leonard.
I mainly do this for the fun. Nothing more.

That would be nice to compare the different versions from each other.

I tried indeed to make the chorus singing in Sanskrit with WB.

I'm glad if you enjoyed this mockup.