Jean's Homecoming new mix 2/4

This is a tribute to my friend, teacher and mentor who went to heaven on Jan. 3 this year.  If everyone were half as good as she was, this world would be a much better place.  I had the privilege of caring for her the last 4 summers.  

http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_songInfo.cfm?bandID=789731&songID=11414577
I'll be playing the piano for her memorial service tomorrow.  This piece may or may not be played too.  Comments welcome, as always.  Unbelievably, this came together in 3 days (so far).  :) 


2/4:  faded the ending, cut out some cymbals.  Tried to add sparkle to the piano, but I couldn't raise the eq any higher.  (I don't think that's how you say it, but you guys are used to bearing with me, right?  lol)  

The Spirit must have moved you. Your friend is at peace now then.

Janet,
 
Really nice tribute.   Orchestration is good, mix is good, playing is good.  Maybe a little more sparkle on the piano.    Well done.
Regards

Thank you Rik.  

Yes, perhaps, Spacealf.  Thank you.  And yes, she's finally at peace after a long 5 years of being an invalid.  

Thank you Lynn.  Actually she wasn't able to communicate the last few years, which was a disappointment because she was such a wealth of wisdom.  I'm glad she's free now.  

Thank you Mark.  More sparkle?  OK, I'll try that.  Thanks. 

Thanks Reece.  No, a different piano.  And different songs.  :)  But I'd be tickled if they'd play this CD.  

Sorry for your loss Janet...you created a very nice tribute. I got so wrapped up in it, I thought it was strange that no one applauded at the end. My only 'hmmm' was the cymbals...especially near the end. Less may be more. A very nice job nonetheless.

Very nice tribute to a dear friend. I am sorry for your loss.

I know you have your vision for this piece but for some strange reason I hear this as crying out to be played on a harmonium in the intro instead of an orchestra. 

OK, pay no attention to that man behind the bass guitar.

Bravo Janet, lovely piece, sorry for your loss.

You have really progressed nicely as a composer in the orchestral realm. 

Ahhh... there's the piano. Very nice. While the orchestral beginning was OK for me..... the piano and accompanyment was the best and most beautiful part of this tribute to your friend. 

Only nits: I don't think the cymbal at the very end is needed. and let the piano ring on the end..... it's chopped off.  Do maybe a slightly quicker fade.  I will often put a fade in the end of all my tracks. It's an envelope fade and usually linear. At times though I want the instrument to hold it's volume until halfway through the fade and then drop quicker to nothing. I insert a node and drag it up slightly so the fade starts slow and when it hits the node, the volume as faded a bit but now it drops to zero faster. 

What you don't want is a chopped tail on that song.


Great Job. 

Janet, 

I can feel it and see it as you described.  It is regal and warm.  Your friend is in a better place now.  Great work. 

Rimshot

Thank you, Rimshot. I love it when people can feel it and see it how I meant it.  :)  And yes, she's definitely in an absolutely amazing place now, and will be rewarded well for her faith and work here.  

James, ah yes...I'm familiar with his pieces, just not his name.  I'm sure you would be astonished at my lack of musical education and knowledge.  

Her daughter just listened to it, loved it, imagined exactly what I did when I wrote it, cried...and wants it played at the memorial today.  :)  

Thank you so much, Terry.  I'm honored that you appreciate it.  :)  

I think this version of the mix is fine, Janet! 

Thank you so much, Gary!

Thanks Reece.  Thanks for checking it out again.  I really appreciate it.  

Thanks James.  :)  Unfortunately, the last few summers when I cared for her, she didn't really know me, as far as I could tell.  (really sad we couldn't visit all those many hours!)  I feel part of her family, though, since my son married her granddaughter.  But she was a great woman who impacted thousands of lives.  

Thanks Paulo.  Loose the cymbals altogether?  That's an idea.  Or drop them back.  I may do that.  Thanks!  I need to listen to some similar orchestra pieces and see how the cymbals sound.  That would probably help.