Vote for Orchestration Challenge 15!

[Hannes_F]

Funny. The version I liked most spontaneously did not get any vote yet. Decided then last minute to vote another one (both not mine).

[KeithW]

The hardest choice yet! Excellent work everybody. The beginning melody sounds remarkably like the "CBS Movie Theme" from the 1970s by Morton Stevens (of Hawaii Five-O fame.)

Keep up the great work.

Keith W.

[sanyarem]

I have to echo what everyone else has said so far. I absolutely agree these are all great entries. I really liked the diversity in styles, not only between each of the songs, but also within single songs as well. I tried basing my opinion on two things: My first impression (obviously from my first listen) of how the overall feel of the song was. I then re-listened and decided how well each song used the melody and gave extra points to those who expanded on the melody to give it an original twist. Unfortunately, this last part was useless on this challenge because everyone came up with some sort of variation on the original melody, which I love! So my final decision was based on my first-impression and overall feel of the song. Great job guys!

[schneb]

I voted with the following criteria in my head. If I was needing music for my movie, which would I choose? Now seeing that I have put quite a bit of money into this movie, that sets my criteria pretty high.

I went with the choice I made because it moved me and evoked a cinematic epic in my head.

[RustyCrook]

I went with the choice I made because it moved me and evoked a cinematic epic in my head.

Fantastic, schneb . . . . that's what it's all about!!

[YBaCuO]

Okie, Dokie, I voted too. I went with the one that just tickled my ears the most on this day after one quick listen through. I didn't analyze this time. I really prefer the 3 votes per person, because there are so many different styles to choose from; I cannot compare a Hollywood blockbuster to a barnyard romp to a ... Oh well, maybe next time.

Thanks everyone!
YBaCuO

[AlanPerkins]

This will definitely need more than one listening - these are all excellent!

I certainly cannot decide after one pass through. I will be delighted to give them all another hearing.

[rbowser-]

--Cinematic? Which version to use in a movie? -(Checking the thread - am I on Wrayer's movie challenge by mistake?--no, OK, just had to check) - Interesting! I don't now how that criteria came up, but obviously we can approach listening to music however we want. I just thought this was more about listening to various orchestration approaches for the theme, and not about thinking the pieces were supposed to be fitting a particular market or genre.

A Wyndom Hill/New Age style seems to be sweeping the Challenge though, rather than a film score approach. That's a universally pleasing style, and it's probably getting appreciation especially since it's not the fanfare approach which is the most obvious way to seat an orchestration of this theme.

As always, a really entertaining event with solid entries. I especially enjoy the different variations and new sections that people came up with. Some of the best work here involves the areas where the arrangers created new material which makes their versions uniquely their own.

I like them all Very much!

Randy B.

[RustyCrook]

Many thanks to Ken for the theme. Thanks again to Sean for putting this all together and hosting the entries. And a big thanks to all of the participants.

Thank you, Gary. And, I would also like to extend my thanks to Sean for all his help in administering the Challenge!

I can appreciate why it is so hard to choose among all these fine entries! As those who have won the Challenge before me already know -- and as someone from this challenge will eventually come to know -- it is extremely gratifying to hear one’s melody come alive in new and different ways. I know how difficult it is to get the “performance” one wants, over and above the composition! To my way of thinking, we've actually got two challenges here: the orchestration challenge and the performance challenge. And on that count, we've got some awesomely beautiful performances.

So, thank you all for making the melody come alive with such passion and musicality!

Ken
(RustyCrook)

[wrayer]

Looks like we have a clear leader! I throw in the towel.