NGADM Round 1 review.

---

Marvelous track! Each section has its own feel to it, and each is represented by a unique atmosphere that tells a tale of adventure. The first section of the song builds wonderfully, and the choirs add that nice touch of heroism and magnificence. The second section is graceful and charming and sounds like something out of a Final Fantasy game (awesome). The third and final section is daunting and makes the listener wonder what lies beyond the more distressing sound of this particular movement. I must say that I honestly can't get over the fact that you arranged and mixed this piece with laptop speakers. Laptop speakers. You definitely were able to make the best out of a bad situation, and I really respect that!

The sound quality and 'dryness' of the instruments is one of the things that holds this piece back. However, I understand that you were in a bind and had to work with what you could conjure up! I think we all have been there, am I right? While the sound quality and mixing could have been better, the biggest issue with this piece is that there are three different sections. I did enjoy each section separately, but when they are all combined together into one song it makes for a slightly confusing listening experience (at least in some ways). I can see what you were aiming for, but the short break between the first and second section creates a disconnection concerning the movement of the piece. I started to get into the heroic section/theme only to be transported into a world of mystery and intrigue, without any real transition, you know? Regardless, the sections all match - both thematically and musically (especially when you consider the title).

The composition as a whole is worth listening to, and with a few adjustments here and there, I'm sure this piece could be something extraordinary! Perhaps when EWQL starts behaving, you could do a quick rendition of this piece? I would love to hear it! :)

Score: 8/10

This is an NGADM Round 1 review.

--

Wonderful composition. I really applaud you for working with what you had, despite East/West not working and you having to work on LAPTOP speakers, and still managing to make something that has rock-solid composition and a great sense of mood and atmosphere. I can tell when someone makes their music in a notation software because, perhaps expectedly, their music always seems to have a lot more focus and detail on composition than someone who uses a DAW and sequences the music, using a piano roll. The first section had excellent chords, the second built an excellent mood, and transitioned well to the third part, which was a bit of a disappointment compared to the rest but I'll get to that later. Overall, you used your compositional talent to your advantage and still made something good.

Unfortunately, the track is a bit underwhelming, especially when you try and portray more powerful moods like the heroic, valiant mood of the first section and the dangerous mood of the third section. The sounds you're using really don't portray much power, and I'm not going to just blame that on Garritan's sounds. The track's production is unfortunately leaving a lot to be desired. Some of the sounds are pretty dry, and nothing stands out. As a result, this subdued kind of sound worked just fine for the second section, which is perhaps the strongest of them all. The third section is very short, and couple that with a premature-sounding ending and the lack of power I mentioned earlier, and you've got a final section that does not give much of a lasting impact.

This is a shame because you're a great composer, and I very much enjoyed your audition. Still, good job with this, despite your lack of resources; it was enjoyable!

Score: 7.4/10

You are a talented man Winston, Keep up the good work.

Man, this is really creative! For laptop speakers the song came out really well :D!

Wahoo, another Finaleite! :D

Garritan is one heck of a beast to tangle with to get a good sound out of and you did a plenty fine job doing that... better than I could with the default sounds!

I like the general atmosphere of the piece, and it's clear you put quite a bit of effort into this, and although the sound is not the best, the composition is quite good.

Keep compos(ed/ing)!