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ReyNadiaI2 years ago (5 edits)

Oh my. I'm so touched by your review @_@ Thank you! Especially coming from you: your submission is one of my three picks for the winner of this jam, if I'm being honest. 9_9

 Just to address each point:
 -The violin countermelody: that's my mom's favorite part too :P
And noted: for the full version of this song, I'll be considering your recommendation for more violin countermelodies.

 -What you say about the power in "implied melody over piano chords"-- I know, right?! I always wanted to try my hand at this practice. This is actually my attempt at that.  But of course I'm no Hans Zimmer (who I'm stealing this practice from, I mean I wish). So, how successful I was at it... I leave that to the comments ^^'

 -I never played Fire Emblem. I'll check the soundtrack immediately. EDIT: Nevermind, I'm listening to it now. Holy sh*, I'm being compared to this!? I'm double-flattered!



Seriously grateful for your words. I mentioned it in your page, but both in your words and your music, it shows you know what you are doing, so that makes it more valuable. I realize you made similarly detailed reviews in every entry, and I did notice you were picking the things you liked to be the things you mention. Which speaks of how nice a person you are. But, just so you know. Do feel free to point out the negatives here too. I can work with pointers. ^^ Thanks again!

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Blue Lava2 years ago(+1)

Your welcome! If you make a full version, I'd be very interested to hear it!

Your words flatter me! Honestly, my philosophy on music jams is that every single person who dedicates the time to create something for a jam should feel extremely proud of what they accomplished. I really enjoy highlighting the best parts of music for others. Yes, criticisms can be constructive, but oftentimes when given via text over the internet, it is hard not to hear a more negative/condescending tone or to take it personally. Music that you create is such a personal thing that if I am going to comment on something that didn't sit right for me, it has to be something that is workable or with reason with a clear musical explanation. One of my favorite things about video game music is that literally any genre counts and can fit in the right context. Telling someone I don't like a part of their music is not constructive, so if something doesn't sit right, in my opinion it is best to offer a small suggestion that is actionable and can help them grow as a composer without detracting from or minimizing the greatness that went into the rest of their music. Also, I find that positive feedback and pointing out what makes a song great is another excellent way to learn composition because it helps reinforce those positive aspects in future pieces while allowing for experimentation and growth in other areas that may still need maturation. As fellow musicians and composers, we should all build each other up and support one another! I genuinely look forward to these jams for the purpose of hearing ideas others have to share and to learn from things that I haven't thought of to try in my own music.

I'll get off my soapbox, but I do want to add that I also appreciate your dedication to comment on every single entry in a personalized manner. It's clear you share the same philosophies of building up other composers and helping each other grow. You should know that the time you put into acknowledging the work of others is immensely appreciated and at the same time is helping you also become a better composer in the process!

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ReyNadiaI2 years ago

Aw, shucks, you are too kind ^//^ No, seriously, you are seriously kind. Yeah, for me, I usually like commenting on others' work as I would like to be commented on... I guess that's why I also point out "negatives" (though, they are not "negatives" as in meant to be read as failures, just things to improve... that I can think of... that I would personally do). That's why I said I really appreciate it if you, or anyone, mentioned if you notice something in particular. It's specially useful coming from a person who has the knowledge (and ear) to be able to point that stuff out.

--And, well, I have listened to my things so many times I already can't tell if it works or what doesn't... I'm guessing the sound quality could be better? (I'm using Sibelius virtual instruments instead of samplers). But I don't know if it sounds bad enough that it bothers anyone or not. And what should I take out, if I should. That kind of thing.

Though of course you are in no obligation to do anything, just to be clear XD Just mentioning I really respect your opinion, and don't feel inhibited to be a bit brutal around me. I'll be crying a bit on my pillow and then be good to go!  

j/k j/k

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Blue Lava2 years ago(+1)

I think it’s awesome that you are using Sibelius to write music- that’s my notation software of choice too (though my main DAW is Garageband- hoping to upgrade soon)! Using actual musical notation is such an awesome way to analyze your own music and figure out from an objective standpoint why your music sounds good, or easily identify what is wrong if it sounds off. I am honestly not one to make comments on sound quality (hence my use of GarageBand). I think of myself as a composer first (albeit a hobbyist) and music producer maybe tangentially. :D I'm trying to learn though!

I’m happy to dive deeper into constructive feedback if you are interested though, in the name of growing and developing as a composer. I think the caveat is that anything I say is my opinion solely, and I am by no means an expert. One thing that I have found in my own music to make stuff sparkle a little more is automating the volume of individual instruments. I know that this is difficult in Sibelius as dynamic markings and crescendos etc get you part of the way, but don’t exactly give you full control. When I listen carefully to your piece though, I think there are a few voices that I think deserve to stand out in the mix a little more and some that can stand to be more in the background. At 21”, the low strings (I think cellos) have a really interesting part that rises instead of walking down like the rest of the instruments. I think that instrument in that moment deserves to crescendo throughout that rising line to be heard more clearly. Also toward the end, at 26”, the high violins come in for some harmony support, but by nature of what register they sit in, they come in quite loud and abruptly. This is an instance in which I would mark them down a dynamic, even if they are marked the same as every other instrument, to create a more "even" balance. I would also crescendo into that note to avoid it suddenly stealing attention from the melody. I sincerely do think you’ve got a good piece here and had to think hard for something to write about! I hope you find this comment helpful, if not, feel free to disregard!

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ReyNadiaI2 years ago

Yes! *Thank you!* This is good stuff! Yes, now you mention it, the high pitch note of the string right at the end killed my eardrums too at some point... then I forgot about it, instead of killing the sound -__- Thanks for reminding me of that. (Oh yes, I should have put a pianissimo notation there... it's supposed to be hinted, not steal the show... and people's auditive capacities O_o ) As for the chellos, they were a lot higher at some point... but I was advised to keep them sort of hidden under the main melody. The tango was a lot clearer with the chellos higher, too. I guess I need to find more ballance there, or play with dynamics.

Thanks very much for those notes! I'm crazy for your input, I could pay you for it. (A sort of beta-tester for music lol) Do tell me if you ever want feedback in anything you present, from here on out.

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