My New Christmas Song

[Adrian Allan (adrianallan)]

In this hot summer we're having in the UK I must have been in the mood to write an Xmas song !

The words and the verse were provided by a friend of mine, Brian, a collaborative partner.

I am added the middle 8, into, the arrangement and all the other stuff inbetween.

The words still need some revison so I've only put a few up on the file

and the aim ?

To capture a joyous/ quasi-regal (christ the king etc) christmas song

See what you think so far

VST mockup coming soon !<center><table border=1><tr><td>http://www.notation.com/discus/icons/attachment_icon.gifnew christmas song
carpenter's song5.not (http://www.notation.com/discus/messages/35939/carpenter_s_song5-40703.not) (399.7 k)</td></tr></table></center>

[Adrian Allan (adrianallan)]

and here is a link to the MP3

http://composersforum.ning.com/forum/topics/my-new-christmas-song

[Adrian Allan (adrianallan)]

the above link being for the mock up, of course

[M G Jacobs (mgj32)]

Hi Adrian

I listened a couple of times to the .not version and also to the mp3. I like the way all elements work together. There is a soundfont you might be interested in trying. It's called Real Voice, or Real_Voice, and used to be available at http://www.sf2midi.com . It is the best solo voice font I've found, its only problems being that the tenor range above the Eb above middle C sounds like the tenor has become a castrato, and the lowest bass tones (the D and C) sound like he's got something in his mouth, like some foul tasting medication. But otherwise is quite good.

I don't think I'd tinker with the piece too much in any fundamental way. It sounds like it ought to become a Christmas standard.

all best,
mgj

[Adrian Allan (adrianallan)]

thanks MG - for listening and also the suggestion of the soundfont

Of course I'd love it to be an Xmas standard, but as we all know how does the unknown composer break into the corporate music industry ?

[Adrian Allan (adrianallan)]

This is a much better mix now :

http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=820777&amp;content=music

[adrianallan]

It's now remixed and up on Youtube !

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6U9ZXV3BjSY

[mgj32]

It's now remixed and up on Youtube !

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6U9ZXV3BjSY
Hi Adrian,

The result is fantastic. The work that must have gone into the photographs, the text and the music staggers me.

I do wish that there were a text to sung program available. There is something called Virtual Voice (I think), but it only works with a notation program from France, which when I tried it several years ago I found quite non-intuitive to use. I did make a recording of the first couple of lines of "Simple Gifts", using the operatic soprano voice, and it wasn't bad. But although there are several voices to choose from, there is no chorus, or wasn't at the time.

Nevertheless, your latest effort comes off very well, and as I would wish for all music with words, I could hear a live performance.

all best,
mgj

[adrianallan]

I might as well try out the new youtube feature for my song, so here goes:

6U9ZXV3BjSY

[Sherry C]

Howdy Adrian,

Cool! I'm glad you were able to use the new feature without (apparently) any problems. I find this to be a lot nicer than having to cruise over to YouTube to hear and see the video.

I do hope someone jumps on the opportunity to perform this piece!

ttfn,
Sherry

[adrianallan]

Last Night my local choir performed the piece in their Xmas concert, so I'd like to share it with those who care to listen.

http://www.mediafire.com/?znjh45ydnzy

The recording was on a pocket Yamaha device which only cost about £100, but I ironed it out in the audio side of Cubase.

[adrianallan]

I've done a Youtube video for this new live version:

YOvdCO2O4LY (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOvdCO2O4LY)

[Sherry C]

Howdy Adrian,

Wow! Thanks for sharing this performance of your Carpenter's Song piece. That must have been a very fun and fulfilling time, hearing your music come to life like that.

Congratulations :)
Sherry

[dj]

Congratulations. Beautiful song; great performance. Nice video, too.

David

[mgj32]

Hi Adrian,
Ah, now this GETS IT. Really marvelous. It more than fulfills the promise inherent in the versions of these many months ago. My compliments to the performers, too.

all best,
mgj

[Mark W]

Hello Adriana,

The Carpenter's Message has a very heart-warming sound and message. It's great that you were able to shepard the piece from its conception and birth through all of the stages, including YouTube, and finally a sweet live performance by the choir. Congratulations.

Cheers
-- Mark