Update: 18Dec04

[Ari]

Ok.
Thought I'd try this one on you guys before I post it in the 'What's New' page.

It's the GS version of SQ4 Closing Scenes.

Let me know what you think.

[Ari]

This is weird. It seems I was very much influenced by Tom's digital version of the SQ1 Intro - the ending, more specifically.

Thing is, I don't recall paying much attention to that part when I heard it a couple of days ago.

must have affected my subconscious or something... :shock:

[Tom]

Pyschic abilities, maybe?  Sounds good on the CM-500!  Since they're both Ken Allen scores, I think Ken Allen was influenced by ...Ken Allen... while composing one or the other, which are both strong on horns and brass, harps, timpani, and flutes....

[Ari]

I'm aware the 2 themes are quite similar in the end originally.
What I meant is that I made a few enhancements in the end, that are almost identical to the ones you made to the SQ1 Intro, without being aware of it at the time.

[Ari]

Ok, here's a digital recording of the SQ4GS6 theme I posted orignially (after I reworked it a little).

I looped the last part one more time and enhanced the theme a little more.

Since it's now in Ogg Vorbis format, everyone can listen to it.
Enjoy!

(and I really would appreciate some feedback if you have any...  :wink: )

[Alistair]

I really, really liked listening to this! Ironically, I think the last part was looped once too much.

And the fadeout was rather dissapointing after all that emotion. But on the whole, another fine GS effort by Ari Stone.

I don't think anything could beat your  HOC XG Finale, though.

And copying Tom's enhancements? Wait for my Space Quest 6 Soundtrack CD. You'll notice various nuances adapted from Tom's soundtrack MIDI, full credit will be given of course. It's something that can't be helped. Once you hear a track done well, you never want to go back to the original.. how I feel about FM Synthesis. It may be nostalgic, but I'd never play a Sierra game with it.

- Alistair

[Ari]

Thanks for the comments!
I looped it a third time because I wanted to do something with the theme that couldn't be done with only 2 loops.
If you listen to the midi version I posted, where I raised the strings by 1 octave and changed it to orchestral strings, you'll notice it doesn't make the transposition very fluently, so I had to do that in a later part of the theme. As for the fadeout, I really don't know what else I could have done. This is not the kind of theme you can end abruptly, and it just HAS to loop over and over and over till you get fed up with it...  :wink:

One more thing, you keep giving me undue credit for HOC Finale (XG). It isn't mine. Tom's the one who converted it to XG, I did the GS version, though...

[Tom]

Way to go, Ari.  Sounds great!  GS helps to give it that 'majestic' feel more so I feel than the MT-32 version.  I liked the fade out -- thought it provided that 'perpetual motion' feel, and done in a suitable time frame.  The only other way to end it would have been to write a new ending.  Either way works.  Instrument balance was perfect.

[Ari]

Thanks Tom, I totally agree. Even though GS is a little lacking in instrument diversity, it's extremely useful for giving musical scores that 'majestic' feel (or symphonic touch the way I put it).

Escaping the synthiness is what I try to do most.

[Alistair]

I certainly think it can be ended.. not sure exactly how right now, though- I just got home from the hospital and feel like I'm tripping, badly.

One more thing, you keep giving me undue credit for HOC Finale (XG). It isn't mine. Tom's the one who converted it to XG, I did the GS version, though...

My bad! Seems I keep transposing things mentally.

Both versions are good, anyway..
BTW, your 'Revolver' conversion from PQ2 is better than I originally gave you credit for. Nice on the MU100R.

Escaping the synthiness is what I try to do most.

Spoken like a true prodigy of Tom Lewandowski. I know the feeling..

By the way, here's a tidbit you'll probably like, Ari: Tim Clarke and Chris Stevens originally composed SQ5 for GS, with different drumkits than Standard. In fact, some tracks are supposed to be played with 'Orchestra' (a lot of 'em!), 'Room', and the Space Bar with 'Jazz' kits. Since you love drumkit #49, thought you'd appreciate that piece of info.

- Alistair

[Ari]

It's a shame Siebert didn't allow the use of other drumkits in Sierra soundtracks.
I don't think these drumkits are even considered GS, although the GM standard specifies only 1 (standard) drumkit, IIRC.

If you can think of a better way to end the theme, I'll be more than happy to hear it.

Be well.

[Alistair]

It's a shame Siebert didn't allow the use of other drumkits in Sierra soundtracks.
I don't think these drumkits are even considered GS, although the GM standard specifies only 1 (standard) drumkit, IIRC.

He certainly didn;t! I still remember Rudy Helm being angry in 2002/03 about 'dumbing down to SC-55 GM' as he called it. So funny..

If you can think of a better way to end the theme, I'll be more than happy to hear it.

Well, I've got it in my head, but I'm at a loss. Full of painkillers. Uh.. something like, ending it on the end of the SQ theme in the final loop. A nice abrupt ending. Or you could do a Tom Lewandowski and create an ending of a few notes, would be easy enough. Will get back to you another time, I'm due for bed rest now.

Be well.

Thankyou. I'm in a state, but things went relatively well today. If I'm really lucky when I wake up on Wednesday, I might even be able to work on Police Quest 1/2 some more. Not many non SC-55 guitars at this  stage, Ari- sorry. (Too over the top- feedback does it better on the 55.)

- Alistair