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  4. Song of the Forest music and video

  • Song of the Forest music and video

    W
    W
    last edited
    last edited

    I posted a previous music-only version of this, but recently finished a video that goes with the music. The photography/video was all done on various hikes in the Lakes Basin area, California. The music uses the VI Vienna Horn, Flute 2 and Harp, mixed in MIR Pernegg Monastery.

    Song of the Forest
  • J
    J

    It's kind of hard not to be inspired to compose something majestic and pastoral after being immersed in all that natural beauty.  How any composer worth his salt could soak all of that scenery in and be like, "Well that was cool.  Okay so let's go grab some lunch now."  As if none of that left any impression on him.  I don't think so.

    A splendid anthem for the Lakes Basin area William and nice photography too.  What camera did you use to shoot that may I ask? 
  • T
    T

    Bill,

    I've always enjoyed this piece, largely because of how different it is from your big epic works. I've associated it in my mind with your Ye Olde Days of Future Past groove but I really like this interpretation (which I'm sure, since you wrote it, is what you meant in the first place). Your cinematography really tells a story. When you take a hike, even in as spectacular a place as the High Sierras, much of the time your attention is on what is close...a flower beside the trail, light through the trees, your steps on the trail itself. You stop to look at a bird for a few seconds before it moves on (my favorite part, BTW).  Finally, you arrive at a spot where your gaze reaches out to the high peaks. But it's not a big climax with a sweeping crescendo and a modulation; it goes with the flower, the bird and the steps.

    Great stuff, Bill. Thanks for sharing it with us. 
  • W
    W

    thanks very much Tom and Jasen.  The stills are all taken with a Canon 5d mkIII and the video was a 4k Sony action cam.  I was in the middle of the forest and started thinking of the horn calls coming out of the distance, then started thinking of some melodies.  I wanted to get some of that feeling of stillness and peace that is out there.  
  • M
    M

    Thanks, William, for sharing this piece. I had the opportunity to take a moment of rest to listen to the music, and I enjoyed it very much. Really inspired music. In this case less is more. Just a flute, a horn and a harp and they do beautiful things. How beautiful this is!
  • A
    A

    What a beautiful way to start a new week.  Thank you for your music and accompanying film.  I'm in a calm place, after having just fed a 2 year old.  That's an accomplishment you can be proud of!  This is the perfect example of combining your interests and creating touching art.

    All the best,

    Dave
  • W
    W

    MMKA thanks very much.  It is great to get this feedback.  
  • W
    W

    Dave, thanks and I'm glad it helped to calm things down there...
  • L
    L

    Far be it for me to recommend something to a perfect piece, but I have one thought I am curious if you considered.

    At the 27s and 34s mark, there is a descending line the horn plays that is three notes, have you considered shortening these notes just a tad to allow the room reverb to carry the notes? Its a really small thing, but something I thought might work.

    2:07-2:55 This is fabulous, I wish there was more of this. I love the playful flute, almost like a butterfly trying to get the big beast to play, the beast is tentative at first, but eventually gives in.

    Throughout the piece, there is an almost reverant undertone while not becoming depressing, thanks to the careful flute flutter and run placements, its brilliant.
  • W
    W
    Thanks littleweirdo, I appreciate it!
  • P
    P

    Wow! This piece is breathtaking!

    I have been very ill this fall. I was in the hospital most of the month of October, so I missed a lot in the forums. Now I am trying to get caught up.

    First of all, the horn, flute and harp combo is lovely. And the VSL instruments really do a good job for you in this piece. I think VSL is the most convincing with chamber music. In fact, I don't think any other library can do chamber music even remotely as well. 

    The composition is excellent, and could easily pass for being a work by one of the late romantic masters. William, you should be really proud of this. 
  • W
    W

    Thank you Paul that is kind of you to say.   
  • PaulP Paul moved this topic from Orchestration & Composition on
  • M
    M

    Your project sounds absolutely captivating! Combining music with visuals from the Lakes Basin area in California must create a truly immersive experience for the audience. It's fascinating to hear about the use of instruments like the VI Vienna Horn, Flute 2, and Harp, especially when mixed in MIR Pernegg Monastery. I can only imagine the depth and richness it adds to the composition.
  • M
    M

    By the way, if you're interested in exploring opportunities to promote your music or discover new tracks, you might want to consider checking out songlifty.com. They offer Spotify promotion services designed to help artists like you increase their visibility and reach a wider audience.