Song for the New Year

[Amicus717]

With one of my kids under the weather, and another working, there was not a whole lot of partying going on at my place tonight (which suited me just fine anyway). So, I set myself a New Year's Eve challenge this year - compose and record a short tune to celebrate the New Year, and get it posted by midnight. Didn't quite make it -- missed by 40 mins -- but got 'er done. It's a medievalish kind of ditty, and rather rough, full of mistakes and is very much a work in progress, but I like how it turned out. "A Folk Song for the New Year" is dedicated all the folks out there who are hoping for a year of peace, renewal and happiness. Happy New Year, everyone...

 

[bjornpdx]

It has that end of the year holidays sound that made it seem familiar at first, but no I haven't heard it before. Add in some lyrics and you've got a future holiday standard here.

[Tapsa Kuusniemi]

Sounds quite nice. You have developed quite well. Doesn't feel clunky in anyway.

What I've been saying to you before and I'm going to say it again: Dynamics. The flute is so dominant that it needs to breathe more. Now it drowns much of the other instruments.

[Amicus717]

Thanks bjorn, appreciate the comment!

And thanks Tapsa -- noted, and appreciate the feedback, as always.

 

[dcumpian]

Nice piece! This could really go in a few directions if you feel like expanding it. I agree with Tapsa, I little more breathing room would go a long way.

Dan

[Starise]

Excellent, especially for such a fast comp. I enjoyed listening to it. I have a weakness for the flute. One of my favorite instruments.

[Amicus717]

1 hour ago, dcumpian said:

Nice piece! This could really go in a few directions if you feel like expanding it. I agree with Tapsa, I little more breathing room would go a long way.

Dan

Thanks, Dan! Yeah, I've got some ideas for an extended version that explores the basic idea a little more, and is quite a bit more polished in terms of arrangement and recording -- and, hopefully, more breathing room.  This current sketch uses some of the VSL modern woodwinds along with Kontakt Factory Library djembes, a baroque guitar and orchestral harp. I was actually thinking of using all renaissance/late medieval era instruments, like wooden transverse flute, lute, viola da gamba and shwam (from Era II and similiar libraries), since it has a lot of that sort of vibe already. 

[Amicus717]

52 minutes ago, Starise said:

Excellent, especially for such a fast comp. I enjoyed listening to it. I have a weakness for the flute. One of my favorite instruments.

Thanks, Starise! I started this one at 10 pm New Year's Eve, so after a couple of false starts, I was happy how it turned out under the circumstances. 

I have a very bipolar relationship with the flute; I work part-time as a church musician and have heard a lot of bad flute playing over the years . But when it is played well, there is nothing quite like it, especially for melodies like this one. 

[daryl1968]

lovely melody Amicus - familiar but unique. You should definitely pad it out

[Leadfoot]

I liked it! It almost had a lullaby quality to it. Definitely keep messing with it and see what turns out!

[Will]

Sounds like it belongs on an Enya album. Just add vocals and she's got another hit.

[Amicus717]

daryl1968, Leadfoot, Will Hackett: thanks for the comments, folks! Much appreciated  I am already working to expand this one out. I think something pretty nice could come of it.