6 New Demos for VSL VI Brass I

[JBacal]

Here are some chamber works I just did using the VSL's new VI Brass I. The piano is the PMI Bos 290. The reverb is Altiverb for PC.

Comments are most welcome.

Best,
Jay


Jan Koetsier Scherzo Brillante
for horn and piano
http://www.vsl.co.at/Player2.aspx?Lang=13&DemoId=4875

Halsey Stevens Trumpet Sonata
for trumpet and piano
http://www.vsl.co.at/Player2.aspx?Lang=13&DemoId=4872

Boris Blacher Divertimento 1
for trumpet, trombone and piano
http://www.vsl.co.at/Player2.aspx?Lang=13&DemoId=4873

Boris Blacher Divertimento 2
for trombone, and piano
http://www.vsl.co.at/Player2.aspx?Lang=13&DemoId=4874

Ralph Vaughn Williams Six Studies II - Andante
for tuba and piano
http://www.vsl.co.at/Player2.aspx?Lang=13&DemoId=4876

Ralph Vaughn Williams Six Studies VI - Allegro
for tuba and piano
http://www.vsl.co.at/Player2.aspx?Lang=13&DemoId=4877

[TLarkin]

Just listened to the trumpet sonata, and I think that the most important thing here is that for the first time hearing a trumpet sample, I felt that emotion was conveyed really well. I'm a trumpet player, and it was obvious at times to me that it was a sample, but you really did more than I've ever heard done with samples before, and it was impressive. I didn't care for the muted sound, and initially thought you were playing a violin sample, but the open sections were really beautiful. Great articulations and phrasing. This is the first time I've ever heard a trumpet sample do anything close to what you've done. I'd congratulate you more if I weren't a trumpet player myself. ;)

Tim

[JBacal]

Thanks Tim.

I agree about the muted trumpet, especially in the opening section of the piece. First of all it was probably not the best choice of mute type for this piece. However, it is currently the only mute for solo trumpet available from VSL. It has been sampled extensively but not quite as completely as the open (non-muted) trumpet which is simply stunning. Nevertheless the muted sounds are most welcome addition to the color palette and will come in very handy in the right context.

Best,
Jay

[Rob Elliott]

Sounds great Jay - as usual. Just picked up a Yamaha BR-3 breath controller and found it soooo useful with Brass and WW's (asigned to the 'filter' control).;) Are you using one?

Again - get job on these pieces.



Rob

[SyQuEsT]

Sounds great Jay - as usual. Just picked up a Yamaha BR-3 breath controller and found it soooo useful with Brass and WW's (asigned to the 'filter' control).;) Are you using one?

Again - get job on these pieces.

Rob

Why don't you use it for Xfade velocity ?

[Rob Elliott]

Why don't you use it for Xfade velocity ?


Great question. For me I cannot have enough 'real time' control. velXfade is being controlled by one of two floor pedals (the other one switches patches) - leaving me Breath for 'breath' and two mod wheels for pitch and cell Xfade :)

Use to be able to chew gum while writing but not any more (I play organ for Church so this feels comfortable):)



Rob

[SyQuEsT]

Use to be able to chew gum while writing but not any more (I play organ for Church so this feels comfortable):)

Rob

It could be easier with 3 arms, no ? :)

[Jibrish]

Very well done as always Jay. Tasteful.

[JBacal]

Rob, Jibrish and Gregoir-- thanks for listening and taking the time to post your reaction.

Rob-- I haven't tried using a breath controller yet. Currently I try as often as possible to use samples with some tonal change (e.g. the crescendo, diminuendo, pfp, progressive vibrato articulations). My old DX7 came with a breath controller but it's lost in a sea of 20+ years of clutter. If I can find it again, I'll give it a try. Thanks for the tip.

Gregoir-- I'm glad you liked the Halsey Stevens piece. I really love the mood it creates. One of pleasures of working with samples is you can showcase hidden gems and maybe generate some interest in lesser known composers.

Best,
Jay