So I tried to post this earlier, but being new to the forum it wouldn't let me add the link.
 
In any case, here is my first piece posted to the forum, just recently finished.   I quite enjoy classical fusion and minimalism.  I like to combine the accessibility of pop with the art of layering orchestral instruments.
 
The Bright Window
 
Hope you enjoy!

Excellent work Wayne.  Your piano and strings sound great.  I think perhaps your horns aren't quite up to the same standard though.  Which samples are you using?  In particular, the trombone lead sounds a little synthetic on the higher notes (which I presume is not what you're going for), and also considering its attack on those passages running down a few notes quickly.  It sounds like it was played on a synth keyboard, rather than a slide trombone, if you know what I mean.  That being said, these are relative subtleties.  Overall, this is a very nice piece.  Well done!

The song writing makes for an accomplished sounding tune.  But as noted by Walt some of the sounds are less than convincing which distract from the performance.  Your keyboard skills are evidently of a good standard.  The mix and production are also of a well balanced production.  As asked by Walt what are you using for the additional instruments especially the horns?
 
Thanks for sharing keep, up the good work.

Hi Walt and Wooki. For piano I use pianoteq, which I love. For the rest I've used miroslav philharmonic. I like to build these pieces with solo orchestral instruments, but it can be hard to find enough really convincing samples. Perhaps I should get some real instruments recorded at least for the prominent parts like trombone. It would help it sound natural. When I do electronic pieces/soundscapes it's less of an issue if the instruments sound real or not and much easier to get the right sounds, yet I like writing these small ensemble numbers.

Anyone know brass samples that are really convincing?

Wayne Joseph Kington
Hi Walt and Wooki. For piano I use pianoteq, which I love. For the rest I've used miroslav philharmonic. I like to build these pieces with solo orchestral instruments, but it can be hard to find enough really convincing samples. Perhaps I should get some real instruments recorded at least for the prominent parts like trombone. It would help it sound natural. When I do electronic pieces/soundscapes it's less of an issue if the instruments sound real or not and much easier to get the right sounds, yet I like writing these small ensemble numbers.

Anyone know brass samples that are really convincing?

 
I have found that the best orchestration out there is East West Quantum Leap Symphonic Orchestra. This is what I use for some of the work that I do. It is expensive, but watch for their sales throughout the year. I have 9 different instruments from them and they are all great. I found your piece to be quite relaxing and sounded pretty good, You can do some eq on the horns and such and get some variety in the sound, if you have the right software and know how to use it. I use Izotope Ozone 5 and it is amazing what you can do with it. Keep up the great work.
 
Peace and Blessings, John

Yeah I guess the samples could be a little more realistic, but on another note (see what happened there), the piano work sounds great and is beautifully played, well done.

Lovely piece Wayne. The sample sounds didn't spoil my enjoyment of the composition.

Since you asked about other orchestral sampler options, I'll mention that I've had good success with NI Kontakt as a very capable and flexible instrument, although admittedly I haven't done a lot of sampled brass in my music.  However, just listening to the Trombone patch in Kontakt (without any backing music) I think it sounds (much) better than the Miroslav Philharmonik you used in your song.
 
I've also heard good things about the East West Quantum Leap stuff, as John mentioned above, although I don't have personal experience with that.

Thanks for the input guys and your suggestions regarding brass samples.

I used to use kontakt 2 but have not upgraded and went for dedicated orchestras instead. Didn't like it for orchestral but it did have some great sounds.

I also used sonar SI bass and SI drums in this. I think the modelled instruments really good. My piano is a 4th gen modelled piano.

I've enjoyed my first experience posting and also listening to everyone's work and hearing the diversity of great music being produced. !

Thanks.

Thanks for the input guys and your suggestions regarding brass samples.

I used to use kontakt 2 but have not upgraded and went for dedicated orchestras instead. Didn't like it for orchestral but it did have some great sounds.

I also used sonar SI bass and SI drums in this. I think the modelled instruments really good. My piano is a 4th gen modelled piano.

I've enjoyed my first experience posting and also listening to everyone's work and hearing the diversity of great music being produced. !

Thanks.