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REQUEST OTHER USERS INPUT
I'm looking forward to spending the next few days with my full Synfire license building phrase pools so I have ideas to work with in the coming weeks. I've read the booklet on this topic, but was hoping others could share some tips, as well as procedure. If I want to create a series of phrase folders that contain:
-melodic phrases
-harmonic phrases
Do you categorize based on certain criteria such as "classical" or "jazz", "mournful" or suitable for quicker tempo's? What may sound well with violin may not for contra bass, etc.I'm just trying to establish in my mind the best method for accumulating a library of phrases and how to classify them.
I'm also a bit confused, as in the past, I would create a new folder, and then just copy and paste in the phrase pool area, but since I couldn't "save", I didn't have to concern myself with where I would store them, or even how. When I create a new folder and then copy and paste phrases, will they automatically be saved to that folder? So when I end work on a particular piece and close it, where does this phrase pool reside?
Finally, if I really like ONLY the harmonic progession of a certain piece of music I've imported from MIDI, how do I save only that progression in a pool for later use?
Any input by others as to their own unique process for capturing phrase, be it melodic or harmonic, would be greatly appreciated!
John
Do., 07.01.2010 - 15:29 Permalink
[quote]Do you categorize based on certain criteria such as "classical" or "jazz", "mournful" or suitable for quicker tempo's
The cool thing about Synfire is that almost everything can be merged and combined. This works to such a large extent, I sometimes feel our brains don't yet seem to be ready for it. Think out of the box.
A Jazz solo, for example, might work fine even with a chamber orchestra, when played with a clarinet or obobe, rendered against typical classical harmony. Vice versa, the orchestra strings might also work in a jazz tune.
If you classify your material too early, you'll likely end up with clichés and stereotypes.
On the other hand, if you want stereotypes and clichés (e.g. for a commercial project), it makes sense to keep material organized by style. It all depends on whether you want to create a new personal style or succeed in an established one.
From my experience, the most "hard fact" that makes phrases incompatible is rhythm. Swing content doesn't go well with straight content. You can however, always fix that by removing or adding a swing factor with the Rhythm parameter. Tempo isn't much an issue. Most figures scale fine, except extremely syncopated ones.
[quote]Finally, if I really like ONLY the harmonic progession of a certain piece of music I've imported from MIDI, how do I save only that progression in a pool for later use?
Just drag the Harmony parameter off the green LED and drop it on the lower list view of the library window. You can do that with any parameter. Alternatively you could copy/paste the progression to a standalone progression editor.