2nd Strad attempt - Italian Serenade

**jonray** · 12-28-2006, 01:33 PM

Today I re-vamped my "Italian Serenade" by adding the Strad. I think I need to work on getting a more legato attack - but this instrument is SOOO expressive.

I'd love to hear from any Strad experts for any advice as to how it could be improved.

I'll probably go back to it later and tweak it a little. In the meantime I'm posting it here. Because it's called Italian Serenade, I'm dedicating it (FWIW) to Georgio and Stephano (and of course Gary) for all the work they've done in creating this instrument. Well done, chaps

http://my-mp3s.music-4-schools.co.uk...nade_Strad.mp3

Best
Jon

**Clarkeo** · 12-28-2006, 02:41 PM

Hi Jon,

This is a very nice piece and the strad sounds great overall. I agree there are some spots that need a more legatto attack and phrasing but I enjoyed it very much. I've been considering purchasing the strad and I love hearing what people are achieving with it. Good luck.

Clark

**joaz** · 12-28-2006, 07:17 PM

Hi Jon, you are making very quick progress with the Stradi.

3 ways to achieve a more legato sound.

1. Use the sustain pedal more.
2. Overlap the notes a fraction more.
3. Reduce the velocity of your starting notes by quite a big factor.

I dont know whether you are a notation man or a sequencer man. ??

I have found that using velocities as low as 5 , can give a very realistic sound to beginning notes of phrases.

Hope this helps.

regards Joe

**GaryBric** · 12-28-2006, 10:07 PM

Jon,

You have produced a stunning work here. I love the texture and coloring of the overall work. The Strad sounds great and I am sure that you will improve it over time.

Gary

www.garybricault.com

**etLux** · 12-28-2006, 10:22 PM

Absolutely gorgeous, Jon!

Bravo!

Aside from the fact that I love the piece, you're
making fine progress with the Strad... there are
parts of this that are swoon-city good, my friend.

Keep it coming!

All my best,

David
www.DavidSosnowski.com
.

**jonray** · 12-29-2006, 04:54 PM

Originally Posted by joaz

Hi Jon, you are making very quick progress with the Stradi.

3 ways to achieve a more legato sound.

1. Use the sustain pedal more.
2. Overlap the notes a fraction more.
3. Reduce the velocity of your starting notes by quite a big factor.

I dont know whether you are a notation man or a sequencer man. ??

I have found that using velocities as low as 5 , can give a very realistic sound to beginning notes of phrases.

Hope this helps.

regards Joe

Thank you Joe, feedback is MOST appreciated, especially from an expert like yourself!

I'll certainly experiment with all three of your suggestions. One point I'm confused about though - if I reduce the velocity of the notes, won't it result in heightened portamento between each note? (I wouldn't want that). Please excuse me if I'm up a gum tree, but as you are aware I'm new to the Strad (didn't get much of a chance to experiment with it today).

Thanks again.

THANKS TOO TO ALL THE OTHER GUYS WHO RESPONDED ABOVE. CHEERS!!!
Jon

**jonray** · 12-29-2006, 04:57 PM

Originally Posted by etLux

there are parts of this that are swoon-city good, my friend.

www.DavidSosnowski.com
.

David - I love the way you have such an excellent turn of phrase!!!

Great to hear from you and many thanks. I'll get to listen to your new piece at the earliest opportunity BTW. A little busy right now....

Best
Jon

**joaz** · 12-30-2006, 10:28 AM

Originally Posted by jonray

One point I'm confused about though - if I reduce the velocity of the notes, won't it result in heightened portamento between each note?
Jon

Jon that is true if the legato layers are engaged.
Which of course can be done by using the sustain pedal, or by overlapping the notes in your piano roll editor.

My point about low velocities is solely reserved for starting notes of phrases.
Their are times when you may want a very biting attack. Their are other times when a whole passage may have a legato character, but still need some new bow attacks. On these occasions, I have found that very low velocities can help in maintaing the legato feeling.

Even if you play it in to your sequencer live. It is a moments work to edit the first note of phrases in the piano roll.

I hope that helps.

regards Joe

**88fingers** · 12-30-2006, 10:50 AM

hi Jonray,

I really like the piece. The overall form and melody are great. I agree that notes of the strad have to much attack. I think what joaz says about turning down the velocity should help immensely. Watch for that phrasing, Use the attack were needed and you will have a perfect piece.

Thanks for sharing.