With the new version, it is hard to tell since the old version can not be heard. Sparkle? What is that? Blinkin' lights or something. I think perhaps the way I think about it, is that the instruments (all) have to blend together. Being like it is, there may be more options but to me at least two: Add low-mid end (eq) to all the other instruments (highlight all those tracks and add mid-low EQ) or make the piano seem brighter - which to me is around 4000 Hz to add more live sound and perhaps add reverb or slight echo slightly more to it. Although to me a piano is somewhat bass-ier than other orchestra instruments, still a blending has to occur. Well, that's my two cents about it. There is also presence, which you may get with an amp sim, where you do not add distortion to the piano but in mine (sonar 7) there is the distortion (which you keep way down almost off if necessary) and presence which you up way up, and then level it off (in my case with a guitar it was +15dB almost + there was low, middle, and high adjustments for the frequency. (there is also Direct Box, and no amp and all of that also with different supposedly speakers and open back and closed back speakers and off-axis type fiddling around. It may work, but then that is all I can say, since it is a piano (and not amped in the first place but acoustic not electronic). Well, make it three cents because that is all it may be worth.

Thank you, Mark.  I wondered if that piano ending would seem too dated, but since she was 91, I didn't think it would matter.  :)  EWQL, huh?  Would you believe that's what this is?  Unfortunately, although a proper Jedi (Ron F) coached me quite patiently in all that CC stuff, I'm still a novice at it.  And having only 2 1/2 days (well, a few hours of those days) to finish this, I didn't have a lot of time for fine-tuning.  Fortunately the 'civilians' who heard it today liked it.  And her daughter said it was the best present she could have received.  So I was very gratified.  But alas, I know I've got a ways to go with this midi stuff.  Ugh...

Thanks for those ideas, S. Alf.  For some reason, the piano on this just seems darker than normal and I have no idea why.  I've checked around all the obvious places, but like I said, I didn't have much time to fool with the details.  Maybe I'll keep working on it since the deadline's over.  

Thanks Robby.  I'm glad the majestic part came across.  It's cool when people 'get' what you're trying to do with music.  

lovely tribute Janet...  well done...

Beautiful tribute!!   Beautifully written and played.

Very Majestic Janet. Nice. Sorry about your loss.

Hi, Janet,

I'm very sorry to hear about your friend, it sounds like she was a wonderful person.  I'm sure she smiles whenever this beautiful tribute song is played!

The arrangement, orchestration and piano are top notch, and the mix sounds fantastic. 

Terrific job on this, have a great day!
Bob

Thanks Bob.  It was very gratifying to know that her daughter appreciated it so much.  

Thank you Rich. I was surprised how quickly it came together.  I know it can definitely be improved, but I was happy it got this far in 3 days.  I hope you're getting back to normal after the tornado.  

Beautiful orchestration, really moving. The mix doesn't do it any justice.

The mix is flat dull and lifeless. There are times when it is very convincing as a faux orchestra, but one or two notes not artiulcated correctly or in a too loud spot in relation to the rest of the instrumentation gives it all away.

Since it is all midi, I can probably show you rather than tell you. Send me the cwb file and I can probably get it done in a few hours.

Lovely piece Janet, and a fitting tribute to a friend who has passed.  It had a very majestic feel to it.  My condolences for your loss.

Joy and sadness at the same time Janet...A very emotional, beautiful piece IMO! Some really nice transitions/dynamics in this composition and I love how it comes across on the speakers when turned up a little! Really does strir up the 'homecoming' visual, at least in my mind's eye. I enjoyed this!

Thank you, Phil.  :)

Thanks Arlen. ;)  Good to see you again!

Thanks Larry.  Her daughter-in-law is sure she hears someone drawing swords at a certain point in this.  But then again, she wants Pirates of the Caribbean played at her funeral.  lol

Thanks Scott!