MacJams.com - Song: Sierra Madre by futzpucker

Sierra Madre
by futzpucker

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Guest profile visits: 1219
Member profile visits: 1
Song comments: 69
Tokens: 0
Plays: 228
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Downloads: 28
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Submitted on: Apr 09, 2008 - 01:41:35 AM
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Description I have used various orchestral instruments to enhance the sound of some of the songs I have posted here, but for this one I wanted the orchestra to take on the full responsibility of carrying the piece. As it turned out, the process of composing and arranging this piece was particularly enjoyable.

Photograph by Siobhan Kelly Feehan, used with her kind permission.

Lyrics Instrumental...

Hardware Mac and master keyboard

Software: ProTools, various software sound modules

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Ejh

bud

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	Bubowski said 238 days ago
	One of my all time faves! Glad you brought this over to MJ! Impeccable orchestration, mixing. A very emotional piece beautifully produced and played (as always!). You make Miroslav sound incredibly rich and full...the moving Horns behind the swelling strings is gorgeous...and the english horn at the end to bring it back down to earth...nice. --Graham

	jiguma said 238 days ago
	Who needs lyrics! Your description is how it is - I felt emotions and had a feeling of change when I listened to this Patrick (and not a B3 in sight!). Astounding how you get orchstral things happening - I wouldn't even know where to start. Lovely music Patrick. Neil

chipan said 238 days ago

Sierra Madre
This is simply excellent in every way. The orchestration , the structure of the piece and the melodies are all beautiful. The thing that struck me funny though is that I have a piece sitting in GB right now that uses harp and English horn. It was planned as the next version of my string piece I posted here recently. The English horn has such a nice timbre.

This piece deserves a lot of attention which I hope it gets! Great job!

peace,

chip

	J.A.Stewart said 238 days ago
	Through The Eyes of an Eagle We are grounded in our own humanity until the spirit takes flight. Then, and only then, can we witness our existence through the eyes of an eagle. This piece serves well as an aural exhibition of that perspective, Patrick. Majestic and inspiring... and masterfully done. Once again... Major Motion Picture soundtrack material. ;) --- Joe

	gail60 said 238 days ago
	whoa.... This is gorgeous. Seriously my heart is beating faster and I have goosebumps!! This is my favorite type of music. Soothing, loving, heart touching.... You have so much talent Patrick and this is very moving to me. Thanks for sharing it with us.

magnatone said 237 days ago

Sierra Madre
Oh Patrick - what a stupendous masterpiece! I can only dream of writing like this - I am your humble servant! Your orchestration here is so movingly perfect, what finesse you have. If I move next door to you, will you teach me how to do this? (I'll wash your dishes every day for life as incentive!) (OK, OK - here's my life savings instead!) I'm in awe and just want to say this is about the finest orchestral piece I've heard on MJ or anywhere in the universe. congratulations my friend!

	Karmatoburn said 237 days ago
	super strings powerful stuff, Patrick. Incredibly vivid, as if you invented 3D for music. The depth and separation is remarkable. A beautiful instrumental that would also make an amazing soundtrack. Closing credits please! Where the hero/heroine rides slowly off after vanquishing all evil. Bravo

	ziti said 237 days ago
	ah patrick mee boi this is a beauty. you are a masterful composer and arranger. ya play ok too. as always, you have touched me deeply my friend. god bless you! deepest respect z

	thetiler said 237 days ago
	You really seem to be one of the best to create rich beautiful melodies at Mj, this to me this your most prolific. To my knowledge I don't If i've heard a better or more beautiful conventional orchestration done here. This is magnificent and what is very impressive is that you got HIGH quality sampled orchestration-al sounds. So deep in richness, depth. WAy to Go!

	said 237 days ago
	Beautiful Patrick this is simply divine so relaxing, wonderful. I must download this I had no idea you were a master.This is by far the best I have heard so far I really mean this. Well done. Peace Dee xx

	Mystified said 237 days ago
	grace, strength, dignity... ... acceptance, love, light. How marvelously expansive this composition is. I love the ideas in the song notes, as well. Music and inspiration are meant to go together, and this piece is in total harmony. Thank you :)

	Feter said 237 days ago
	Sierra Madre what can we say Sit Patrick futzpucker's gem ! thnx for sharin such delightful music !!

Ejh said 237 days ago

One of my criteria...
...for enjoying certain sorts of classical/cinematic work is if, listening to it, the melody starts evoking words, or an almost-sense that words COULD come out of the melody lines if I just listened harder, or again...

This has that, Patrick. And although I can appreciate music that breaks all rules, real and implied, my sense of song tends to stay simple: a lyric set to a melody. When there isn't a lyric, if the melody seems to EVOKE a lyrical sense, I always feel like the piece is in the right territory.

After THAT, people like you, who can do the harmony and orchestration and all that, are able to add icing to the cake, and believe me, I like icing...

What I'm saying here is that icing's better if the cake is good, and what I appreciate here is that you've got that basic cake nailed down...

Ed

I'm having this troubling image now, of someone nailing down a cake... Oh well...

Doug Somers said 237 days ago

Patrick this is a gift to all of us
This is a gorgeous work to be sure. The rising and falling melody of the strings in the opening seem to mirror the eye tracing the rising of rocky peak followed by valley that climbs to the next peak. I also had the sense of the metaphor of the mountainous skyline as a series of trials and triumphs through a lifetime. The oboe and later the violins seem to soar over this landscape, introducing for me a sense of perspective from a great height but also seeing what is true across time. With the entry of the piano I sense the conversion of what is seen in broad perspective into wisdom, into realising the power and beauty of the landscape and of life generally which grows into a majestic and dignified celebration, becoming a joyous expression as the orchestration builds. The conclusion carried by the oboe is a really nice touch, which to me brings the image back down to the personal - we have been here all along, and some small part of us is comforted by having what it always knew to be true be now understood by our whole being.

Thank you again for your note about offering this work into the Hero's Journey Project. Your notes sum it up so very well: "it%u2019s all a matter of shifting perspective until we can clearly see what has always been right in front of us". Right on.

Keep well,
Doug

futzpucker said 236 days ago

Wow...
Doug, I am so moved by what you wrote that I cannot find the words. It's the kind of reaction that every composer would love to hear. When music creates images, evokes thoughts and emotions, there is no greater gift to the composer. It implies a deep listen, and a deep level of communication, which is what we all strive for. I can't thank you enough for making this happen for me, Doug.

I should add that I am honored to have this song be part of something I consider a very worthwhile - your Hero's Journey Project. It's a lofty and ambitious undertaking. I am glad you had the vision for it, and I'm glad you allowed me to participate. Thank you so much, Doug.

	davisamerica said 236 days ago
	wow patrick is gorgeous

	kristyjo said 236 days ago
	You evoke a sense of graceful movement. Very fluid, yet a sense of purposefulness, too. I really like your interplay between the string ensemble and the solo wind instruments. I also really like the way you use the piano, here. Very much the harmonic master, but never overtaking the melody. I'd go on, but it seems that other commenters have said what I want to say so much better. Lovely.

futzpucker said 236 days ago

Glad to hear from you, as always
Kristine, you know I love it when the music teacher stops by, listens, and leaves a nice comment. I don't know where I'd be today without my music teachers. What you write always has great impact on me, and I'm very pleased to read what you wrote here.

I did make an effort to give time to the winds without the strings. This is still very challenging to me, and I spent a great deal of time trying to learn how to do this while in the composing phase of this piece. It's nice to have that noticed. Especially by the music teacher. Thank you so much, Kristine.

	aclarke said 236 days ago
	Grand. Elegant. Beautiful. Patrick- I have no idea how to describe it beyond that. Your talent is appreciated!

	said 236 days ago
	K-bella! how very lovely. the warm, rich strings pull the heart in wonderful directions. beautifully poignant piano. gorgeous Epic Sound - made for the big screen of our ears. i thoroughly enjoyed it. anne

	composerclark said 235 days ago
	Stunning mastery. Very, very beautiful. You are a remarkable composer. This sounds as good as anything John Williams wrote. Wow! There is a moment when the english horn comes in that reminds me of the famous slow movement theme to the Dvorak New World symphony. Stunning!

	Ibstrat said 235 days ago
	This is an amazingly beautiful piece of work.How you did this I don't know but I'm glad that I get to enjoy it!Thanks!

Scott Carmichael said 234 days ago

Impressive Patrick
Not only the composition... which is heartbreaking... but technically, this sounds more like a real orchestra than any software module I've heard... there are all the subtle dynamics.... the swelling and shifting inside the composition... may we ask how you did that... are you manipulating volumes all through... is this achieved by touch sensitivity... or are the samples just that real?

futzpucker said 233 days ago

Thank you, Scott
I am glad to see you have listened to this, Scott. I think I know what you mean by heartbreaking, and I'm grateful to hear the song got in.

The dynamics, the swelling and shifting you're hearing, were done either with a foot pedal or a fader on my master keyboard while I played the parts, or by the fader as an overdub.

I've been including string parts in my music for a long time, and it wasn't that many years ago when I realized that by not playing string parts dynamically I was able single-handedly to kill the sound of a decent string section. When I realized that string players don't stay at the same dynamic level over the course of a phrase (or even a note, if it's long enough). I was stunned at the time, because it seemed so obvious once I discovered it for myself. Velocity enters into it, too, if that's what you mean by touch sensitivity (no aftertouch here). That's it. The dynamics are just played in, or overdubbed.

droop said 234 days ago

Been in the country
a few days and you try to slip this by me huh! Well I'm already familiar with this piece but it is still just as amazing as the first time I heard it. I have to agree with Scott on the "real orchestra" comment. The amazing thing to me is.......I know how meticulous you are and have to be to get this wonderful, realistic sound.....but at the same time, capture all the emotions you sought in this beautiful melody and arrangement. Hey but wait! Did you say "darkness"? Now you know who to call if you need that Boris Karloff touch ha!

Once agian a great example of how it should be done!

	digitalnirvana9 said 234 days ago
	Incredibly Powerful! As a person who use to live in the foothills of the Sierra I can tell you that you captured the feel of a beautiful day there. I'm very enthusiastic about this piece and its four 10's in my book. Further, I think this piece has allot of healing energy and I intend to play it for my mother who is in the hospital....Great work! Thanks for the download!....Peace, Norman

futzpucker said 233 days ago

How wonderful...
I am moved and honored that you would bring this song to your mother. May it bring her peace and healing. My brother brought our mother a piece of music he wrote and the two of us recorded for the same purpose when she was hospitalized. This is very close to home.

I am quite grateful for your enthusiasm and ratings as well, but nothing compares to this act of playing the song for your mother. Please send her my love.

I'm curious about where you lived, Norman. Auburn? Grass Valley? Am I close?

Thank you so much for telling me about your mother. Blessings to you both.

	bud said 234 days ago
	Love the description - very moving especially "marinating in great love and beauty". You've managed to capture the spirit of your message quite well here. Thanks for shedding some light.

	Moviz said 234 days ago
	I think you achieved all that you set out to in your description of this piece.... it's truly beautiful and grand with the melodies that could be associated with 'the wild west' in films,i.e.Copeland etc. Wonderful, regards M

	Leon said 233 days ago
	wow... grand.. epic... As I listened to it I was imagining some great Hollywood blockbuster that your music can be a befitting backdrop to. This kind of soundtrack evokes emotions that can make a movie scene very memorable.

	obbster said 232 days ago
	Nice Sounds like it would be fitting on the Soundtrack to a Final Fantasy computer game. This sounds awesome. Stunning arrangement and sound.

	LunaTrick said 227 days ago
	Lush! Gaelic feel - reminds me of Irish composers like Moeran. Really well mixed - sounds like a real orchestra. Very impressive!

	Cheese Pantz said 224 days ago
	This is... absolutely fantastic. You're an amazing musician/composer and i just love the feeling of this piece. Favorited.

	Roxylee said 223 days ago
	This is inspiring Reading the description, then listening, yes, it is all there... and I can feel it. Very touching and real emotions expressed with the instruments. Now I need to go listen to all your songs, wow... What have I been missing?? So many songs, so little time...

	said 222 days ago
	Great! Simply magnificent. I love your touch on the strings, wonderful piece. Thanks a lot for sharing! Take Care - Yeman A. Al-Rawi

	guitapick said 220 days ago
	I am... ...floored and so flattered that you would express such a liking for my music when you put out such wonderful, wonderful sounds, Patrick. Everything about this piece is wonderful...I wonder would you consider and making into a choral piece, as well? Lyrics or none. It would be wonderful, sung by a church choir (if you could find one) ;) Best to you, Bob

	MarkHolbrook said 216 days ago
	oh Wow Futz!!! Simply wow... This belongs as the ending piece of a GREAT movie! Amazingly well done. I have nothing else to add except it just garnered 5 stars in the iPod!!! Thanks so much Futz!

	Bowman said 200 days ago
	Lovely work. So glad I came across it today. It was just what I needed. Direct to the heart and beautiful. Best, Charlie

	Foinix said 146 days ago
	Sierra we love you and your music. gorgeous work - your attention to detail is very apparent and really pays off. Wonderful, we adore you.

	Char said 73 days ago
	There is a sense of awe from the beginning notes. You singlehandedly created the orchestra and the piece of music that sings of grandeur and natural gifts, of miracles of sight, sound and emotion. It touches the soul. Thank you so much. :)

	dirigent said 238 days ago
	Sierra Madre Great arrangement and superb orchestration - a heartwarming track!!

	futzpucker said 238 days ago
	Danke Thank you, Andreas. It's always nice to hear from a superb musician such as you. I am in awe of your talent.

	futzpucker said 238 days ago
	Thanks so much... How great to read this, Graham. I'm pleased you enjoyed this piece. Miroslav is an amazing tool - we are all very fortunate to have at our disposal these packages that allow such expression. And people like you who listen and leave such a nice comment make the process of composing with such tools that much more gratifying. Thank you very much, Graham.

	futzpucker said 237 days ago
	Thank you, Neil Hey, Neil, I'm pleased this got through to you. As you know, it is very gratifying for the composer when someone feels emotions and emotional shifts when listening to his music. By the way, I think if you had orchestral software and some time, you'd be surprised by what you were able to come up with.

	futzpucker said 236 days ago
	The double-reeds... I am an avowed over-user of the English horn. I find its sound ideal for expressive melodies. I have been enjoying listening to your music as well. The second version of your string piece has strengths you'll be building on. I look forward to hearing more from you.

	futzpucker said 236 days ago
	And once again my thanks Ah, Joe, it always seems as though you see all the way in. I appreciate the composition that is your comment. I value your opinion.

	futzpucker said 236 days ago
	So very nice of you... Gail, you who writes such heart-felt music, your telling me that this song affected you in this way is quite a gift. So nice to read what you wrote here... Thank you, Gail.

	futzpucker said 236 days ago
	From a real player Aren't our tools great these days? I'm so glad you like how this turned out. This took a great deal of work, but every minute of it was enjoyable (and frustrating at times, too, but that's what we sign up for writing music). It pleases me greatly that you hear depth in the sound. It always feels great when the top keyboard guys leave a comment. Thanks so much, John.

	futzpucker said 236 days ago
	Thanks very much, Zeets Brother Fran, it's a blessing to know I have a friend here who is always appreciative of what I write. What a great gift. Thank you. I return the respect in kind.

	futzpucker said 236 days ago
	The North Bay speaks to the Peninsula From the most prolific composer on the site, these are nice words to read. Your music continues to display more and more heart and skill. I'm glad you enjoyed this piece, Bill.

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	futzpucker said 236 days ago
	I am very grateful to you Cat, you say much with an economy of words. Such is your composing style as well. Your comments always touch me as much as your music does, which is greatly. Thank you for expressing these beautiful thoughts.

	futzpucker said 236 days ago
	Mr. McBlues Feter, thank you for listening and finding delight in this song. Very kind of you.

	futzpucker said 236 days ago
	Mr. Davis America Thank you so much, Jack.

	futzpucker said 234 days ago
	From Maine Thank you for those adjectives, Adam. Your having listened and commented is likewise appreciated.

	futzpucker said 234 days ago
	Honey-voiced Anne Anne, I appreciate this very much. I'm very pleased to read what you wrote. I love "made for the big screen of our ear." Thank you for listening.

	futzpucker said 234 days ago
	I was hoping to see you here... Clark, thank you for the listen. I consider having a composition professor listen to one of my works a privilege. What you have said about it here had great impact on me, for which I am very grateful. Whereas I am unworthy of the John Williams comment, I am very moved that you used his name here. Wow... Thank you so much, Professor Clark.

	futzpucker said 234 days ago
	Mark, I am equally puzzled by how you come up with your beautiful music and play it with such mastery and heart. Thank you for telling me you enjoyed this work.

	futzpucker said 233 days ago
	I am grateful Thank you, Maurice. I love much of Aaron Copeland's music, and while I'm not delusional to the point of comparing my music to his, I appreciate the mention. I particularly enjoy the imagery, wild west or otherwise. It's wonderful to have one's music create pictures in a listener's mind. Thanks very much, Maurice.

	futzpucker said 232 days ago
	Nice adjectives Like you do with your wonderful singing, Leon, I try to imbue my music with emotion ini an attempt to bring the listener where I was when I wrote it. Thank you for your kind words.

	futzpucker said 232 days ago
	Thanks, Liam Good to hear from you. I am not at all familiar with video game soundtracks, but from what you say they've come a long way since the blips and bleeps days... I'm pleased you like the sound of this track. Thanks for listening and taking the time to comment.

	Cheese Pantz said 219 days ago
	one more thing... what key is this in? Great track to fool around on at home. -Chris

	futzpucker said 217 days ago
	Roxanne Thank you for finding this song and leaving a comment. I know it's impossible to hear all the music that is available here, and as the site grows so does the number of people we know and want to keep up with. In light of that, I appreciate hearing from you.

	futzpucker said 217 days ago
	Young Yeman I had a wonderful time putting the strings on this piece. I'm glad you enjoyed them. Thanks for leaving a comment, my young friend.

	futzpucker said 217 days ago
	Thank you, Bob So pleased to hear such a fine player as yourself enjoyed this piece. A choir, eh? Well, it just so happens I have one. I wonder if they'd like singing something I wrote... I'll ask and get back to you. Thanks so much for taking the time to listen and comment, Bob.