SUMMER SNOWFLAKES: variations on a theme. Intended to be released at the first snow fall, but it never came... So I kept recording.

INSTRUMENTS used: Electric Guitar, two steel 6-stringed guitars, 12s guitar, classical guitar, two hardware keyboards (rendering the pianos, organs, bass guitar, chimes, bells, flutes, strings), pedal effects.

The music grew like a fractal in all directions and became quite vast in scope: should I have split it into shorter tracks? Many would say yes, but I didn't fancy that and instead went for the ”LP option"; an instrumental, meditative journey, inspired by the genre invented by Mike Oldfield in the 70s.

When I first heard his work, many years ago, I didn't first get it, but I was intrigued. "What is the purpose?" was my early reaction. But I couldn't shake it off and became hooked to the complexity of his instrumental music, and how it seemed to constantly mutate into new sections. I kept listening, and gradually discovered the many hidden secrets. And it led me to become very interested in classical music.

SUMMER SNOWFLAKES is made in this tradition. Not explicitly trying to mimic Mr. Oldfield, but admittedly clearly influenced by his method. And why not? Was it wrong that Brahms wrote symphonies just because Beethoven already had done nine legendary ones? Would the world have been a better place if Shostakovich had stayed away from writing Preludes and Fugues for the piano? Should no pop songs have been allowed after Beatles? I say, let us be shamelessly inspired by the gigants and make some efforts to create something! Throw an egg if you must, but I think any sincere attempt to compose is welcome.

When I decided to go for a full length track, my vision was (somewhat childishly) the thought of the younger myself; the days when I was a die-hard Oldfield fan and had stumbled upon a new release: always a rare event, an instant buy, running home, headphones on, expectations high, launching it: the first sacred discoveries ... My track may not live up to this, but is a tribute to those days and that feel.

The recording was quite an undertaking and I didn't want to let myself down. I worked on it since December 2018, and was occasionally quite frustrated about it. I avoided midi, and tried to hand-play it all (for the fun of it) - often leaving me in big trouble. I admit there are some sun spots due to this, but I consider them as my finger prints and evidence that a human did this, not a machine. .

Art cover: by DS 2021, reflecting the heavy reliance and overlaying of pianos and organs, and the combinational nature of the music.

Special Thanks to Mark Hermse, Mike Hilton and Wojciech Langner for support and inspiring discussions!

SUMMER SNOWFLAKES

Alle leerlingen Singer/Songwriter kregen tijdens de lockdown de opdracht om op 2 verschillende begeleidingen een eigen melodie en tekst te verzinnen. Dit is wat eruit is gekomen. Gaande van Drum 'n Bass over Rap tot Jazz. Top gedaan. Proficiat!

Maia Terentyeva - Corona Sketch

This track, 'Sadness', is our first collab together and has a very special meaning for the both of us. 

NEW SC PROJECT: However, it is also part of a new and exciting project, entitled the:

 -  "IMAGINATIONS & COLLABORATIONS" SoundCloud Community Challenge

which we would love your involvement in, so please take the time to read this rather long description below if you want to know more and/or wish to be involved :-)

This track, 'Sadness', by Melotone and Megs McCarthy,  is Part 2 of this overall project.

Two of the unique and best parts of the SoundCloud community, among other things, is the opportunity to communicate and collaborate with others, create new friendships based on mutual interests and passions; and to express ourselves and our emotions, through our music and our imaginations. So many beautiful creations have come about through these features and talents …..  and thus, an idea was sparked by Megan following discussions with John Styles and The Subwave Network, UK

** HOW IT BEGAN ….

Following these lengthy discussions about production techniques and the value and power of midi in creating tracks, The Subwave Network used this opportunity to learn more about midi and used the midi file of a simple piano improvisation by Megan McCarthy, to create his own interpretation of it. 

The result was a wonderful outcome, a complete transformation of a simple solo piano improvisation > into an electronic ambient style piece. It was originally a piano track which was never going to 'see the light of day' or be published in its current form, because it was created, at the time, by Megan sitting at the piano, just 'playing around' feeling a little despondent and sad, after an unsuccessful attempt on a prior piano track. ……..  the idea evolved further ……. 

** WHAT IF ……

What if others could also use this very same midi file of the original piano improvisation, basic as it was, and develop Variations on One Theme - i.e. their own interpretation of it, using the power of imagination and collaboration? Wouldn't it be wonderful if new and different variations could come about from just one simple midi track using each musician's unique talents and abilities!?

- 'Variations on one Theme" - using 'Imaginations and Collaborations'

This quickly came into fruition with 2 more people quickly taking part, transforming the original piano piece [midi] once again into quite different pieces again. All were based on the same theme/midi piano improv, but all have their own distinct touch and feel. We now have even more interest of people joining in [see below for guidelines]. 

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** SET 1: This piece you are hearing now is part of 'Set 1' and is  the second variation of a series of 11 interpretations to date [as of 3 November 2013].  and include:

- Part 1: Beginnings -The Subwave Network, UK & Megs McCarthy https://soundcloud.com/the-subwave-network/imaginations-collaborations
- Part 2: Sadness - Melotone & Megs McCarthy [this piece] https://soundcloud.com/kiresivat/sadness-by-megs-mccarthy
- Part 3: Broken Beauty  -  Strange Meat & Megs McCarthy https://soundcloud.com/strange-meat/imaginations-collaborations
- Part 4: The Dream Master - The Subwave Network, UK & Megs McCarthy

(See Playlist for all participants)

[The list of all participants will be updated in the description soon with new interpretations now being termed 'Variations'].  The most current playlist can also be found on The Subwave Network, UK's page at: https://soundcloud.com/the-subwave-network/sets/imaginations-collaborations

Playlists of all interpretations have also been placed on this pages of the above people, which link directly back to the individual tracks of all those involved so far to increase everyone's exposure and strengthen the community spirit. We also plan on shuffling the tracks around so everyone has an opportunity for more plays. 

Thus PLEASE STAY TUNED so that you don't miss out on new additions.

So far we have had some fantastic and quite unique variations, so thank you all! Its been great fun and wonderful meeting new people as a result of this project. ……. Four more variations are also in the 'pipeline' for this 'Set 1', coming soon. 

[Please note, that 'SET 1' has now been capped except for those who are still finishing their interpretations/variations. ……….. However, a 'SET 2' will be coming soon, using a different piano improvisation/composition, as the basis for variations. We will keep you updated and again, would love your involvement]

** WOULD YOU LIKE TO BECOME INVOLVED IN THIS COMMUNITY CHALLENGE? 

- First come, first serve and all tracks will be accepted!

Do you have ideas on how to transform and create your own interpretation on an existing piano improvisation/composition? What will the outcome be based on your own specialities? ………… If so, please directly message The Subwave Network, UK [or Megan], with The Subwave Network [Ian]. initially coordinating the initial project, and we will send you both the original MP3 and midi files for you to use in your own creation.  

If interest continues, especially with a 'SET 2', eventually a SC group and FB page may be created, starting with coordination by Melotone and Strange Meat, including additional and different piano compositions for people to select from in creating their own interpretations/variations from the one midi file [these midi files will also submitted by other SoundClouders]. Yes, there are midi files out there already to buy, or import, but the value inherent here, is that the midi file is 'human' and developed specifically for this SC Community Challenge, developed for you and your individual styles  and special talents :-)

** BASIC GUIDELINES: 

As this 'Imaginations & Collaborations" Community Challenge develops, some clearer information in PDF or text format will also be sent to guide you along with the music files, on what is involved in the project, including the title and upload process.

What is most important is that there are NO RULES, except one,  and that is, ….. you must use the existing midi file which will be sent to you, as the primary basis/theme for interpretation of your final piece, YOUR Variation :-)

There are no genre restrictions. Any style accepted. You can change the tempo, cut, copy, paste parts, change the instruments, add more instruments, add vocals and FX. You can keep all, or part of the original piano or even completely remove the piano 'sounds' and replace with your own sounds. You might even want to create a piano 'duet' of sorts. It can be as simple or as complex as you like.

Your interpretation can be ambient, electronica, trance, dubstep, techno, IDM, experimental, new age, orchestral, pop, rock, acoustic, name it, there are no restrictions - again, add as many or as little instruments and FX as you like, as long as you continue to use the original midi file as the primary basis for your interpretation and 'variation'/mix. 

We also look forward to any feedback and/or if anyone has any additional ideas to build on this SC community challenge.  Lots or promotional opportunities abound too.

…….  What a wonderful treat to hear some new music, create new friendships and hear new collaborations as we continue to rebuild the SoundCloud community! :-)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
TITLE: *Sadness, Part 2   - 'Imaginations & Collaborations"

Composer: Megan McCarthy (original piano solo)
Arrangement & Instrumentation: Melotone https://soundcloud.com/kiresivat/sadness-by-megs-mccarthy
Producer/Mixer & Remastered by: John Styles https://soundcloud.com/onevision-crossworlds/

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Sadness - Megs McCarthy & Melotone

UK Premiere recording, composed for the International Viola Congress, Porto 2014, and performed at Birmingham Conservatoire on 15th December, 2014.

Viola I: Elsabe Raath
Viola II: Rebecca Stubbs
Viola III: Matt Johnstone
Viola IV: Eileen Smith
Viola V: Alistair Rutherford​

In this piece I wanted to explore the limitations of a once popular form – Theme & Variations. I purposefully took a tune which I find extremely dull, and tried to turn it on its head.
The first variation takes fragments of the melody (heard in Vla. I), and is harmonically based around the home key Ab. The second variation treats the melody in a Waltz style, though the harmonies become less traditional throughout the Waltz and the second time through is interjected with violent fragments of the countermelody by Vla. II. Variation 3 uses the melody both for harmonic and melodic material, creating intense clusters. Variation 4 uses the accompaniment as the melody, putting it through various meters changing at a fast pace. The last Variation doesn’t alter the melody at all but completely changes the atmosphere through ethereal harmonies.
This piece is inspired by Alkan’s Le festin d'Ésope variations, where he takes a small, simple melody and slowly rips it to shreds.

www.leonhaxby.com

Variations on a Theme by Edward Elgar (for Viola Quintet)

A rough/fresh mix that I may redo at some point:)

Terra Mater (diablo mix)

Variation in secret agent style for the variations on a theme experiment.
For more information, see track "Fixed theme for variations on a theme experiment" (https://soundcloud.com/stefaanhimpe/fixed-theme-for-variations-on-a-theme-experiment-session)
in group "Variations on a given theme" (https://soundcloud.com/groups/variations-on-a-given-theme )

StefaanHimpe - Variation Double Oh Seven

Another variation for the #Variations on a theme soundcloud group. More info at https://soundcloud.com/groups/variations-on-a-given-theme


StefaanHimpe - Variation Lugubre

A small set of variations on the melody ' Some Day my Prince Will Come' for piano solo, composed in January 2016

Variations

OORT CLOUD PROJECT PART I-IX: Composed and Played by David J Svensson 2016. Keyboards, Organ, Electric and Classical Guitars, Drum Pads, Drum Loops. Related to the track 'IGNITION' (see further below). 

An 18 minute instrumental of the 'epic' kind, meaning lots of related parts and self-references, themes developing, as if telling some story, a journey ... A genre I personally very much like, regardless of the actual style of the music. 

The track took more than a year to complete, and hopefully evokes images of a vast and abstract project taking place far beyond our sphere of influence, beyond our control and original intentions...  

Such were the thoughts of the day-dreaming composer while working on this suite :)

The initial inspiration came from the rather simple but quite amazing fact that the outermost region of our solar system goes as far out as one light year (or even further). Totally out-of-reach for us, with our current technology...  

Just imagine some grand project with trajectory to Oort Cloud ... A relic from Earth, an anomaly in the Solar System, finally at target after 12000 years. 

OORT CLOUD PROJECT is not a guitar piece and so features rather few lead guitars.. Instead I have opted for a 'colder' sound, with all those montone sequencers and church organs responsible for unfolding the story. There are however (I couldn't resist to add) lots of supporting guitars, hidden or integrated withing the mix.  

Some of this work lead to collaborations with https://soundcloud.com/tolubai: "Silence" and "Ignition".  Special Thx to him for many greatly inspiring discussions and co-work on the spin-offs tracks! We decided to work on shorter segments, for no other reason than both having a limited amount of time for composing. (Here, I use a reworked segment of "Ignition" for opening up the suite, the first burn initiated, escaping Earth ... I had to use it again, since it contains material that I develop further downstreams. Bonus points for correctly identifying all such events ;)). 

Special Thx to HIBERNOLOGY (https://soundcloud.com/user-778034516) for kindly giving useful feedback on a draft version, and for a lot of support.

Thanks for listening/commenting - very much appreciated. 

Yrs//DS (20 November 2016)


ps. I lost some files in a computer chrash earlier this year; therefore, (in some sections) I had to work with surviving WAV files rather than the actual 64-bit DAW data files... As a result, the sound quality isn't as good as I hoped for. My appologies for this, and in the future I will constantly backup all files in a truly paranoid fashion. The wonderful irony that a technological disaster occured in the middle of this work ;)

OORT CLOUD PROJECT PART I-IX

WRITTEN AND PLAYED BY DAVID J. SVENSSON 2016-2017. INSTRUMENTS: ELECTRIC AND ACOUSTIC GUITARS, KEYBOARDS, DRUMPAD, DRUM LOOPS.

The music emerged as a spinoff from work on a longer instrumental suite with working name BEST OF 2 WORLDS, and shares the same musical DNA. In particular, two core ideas from BO2W are varied here, one appearing in many forms on the classical guitar while the other one is carried by the synths and futher developed in the electric guitar solos towards the end.

It is unknown when (if at all) the longer track BO2W will be released. Sometimes, draft pieces decides to stay in the pipe, forever... At present time, around 10 minutes have been recorded.

It is a bit like taming wild animals, I guess... unpredictible outcome, no way to tell when further progress might want to appear...


YRS//DS

3 WORLDS COLLIDE

Thank you so much for your continued support and encouragement! I truly appreciate it :-)

 I love the SC community, because it is a 'community', with the many styles of music and the inspirations and encouragement I find here for all! 

After discovering SC and hearing so much talent - I wanted to join in, but so much to learn!   I was a classically trained pianist when a youngster (now a tad rusty), who has restarted a musical journey, originally in learning the field of electronic music, and exploring piano improvisations and compositions.  However, most of my latest works have been piano-based, and am hoping to once again, learn some more electronic and even combine the two; piano and electronic ... But then again, I keep returning to the piano! hehe :)

- still exploring and not feeling bound by any rules! 

BTW: If you want to know a little about any most of my tracks (and the same on other musician's profiles), just click on the title and it will take you directly there. (as many new people don't realise one can do this) - Please note that I also have a 'megs-repost' account - www.soundcloud.com/megs-reposts  and will be reposting tracks there (rather than filling up this main account, because there are so many tracks I'd love to repost, so if any of you see some un-posted tracks that were here, they're over at my other account! Love you to follow there too, so I can hear some more of your music :-)

A Mini Biography: Music has been a part of my life since a young child (my whole family is musical, though of different styles, with my step-father's fantastic rock-band and analog synths, bass and acoustic guitar, my mother's gorgeous Irish folk-band, autoharp and dulcimer, my brother's beautiful self-taught guitar, and my Dad's famous banjo playing) :)   

At a young age of about 5, I attempted composing my own piano works whilst begging my mother for piano lessons; and after about a year, my wish became reality and I trained for the AMEB (Australian Musical Examination Board) exams. I eventually started performing live, with amateur tours around the country area for a singing group and for theatre groups (though that was a long time ago now!). 

But eventually, I headed down a different path in academia, in getting my Bachelors degree, Masters degree and a PhD.

Now I have a chance to find this dream again, slowly but surely, as long as its fun. I also find it very therapeutic, as music can often express so much more than words can. It is a journey where time seems to have no meaning. This is a 'musical diary' of sorts, as I struggle through a difficult time in life health-wise, ... my escape .... music :-)

So, I would love it if you would follow me on this 'journey' because any advice or feedback would be greatly appreciated :)

Of course, I am also here as a Fan, and would love to find more people to listen to! There are so many wonderful, talented, and often undiscovered musicians up here, and I cannot get enough of your music! I have very eclectic tastes in music. 

My apologies too if there is ever a delay in my replies, as I can't always be here, but will try to get back to you and comments, I appreciate them so much. Hoping to find all my friends, and new ones too! ;-)

... and thank you so much too! SoundClouder Of The Day, 18 May 2O13 - its all thanks to your support and encouragement!

- http://soundcloud.tumblr.com/post/50670179704/soundclouder-of-the-day-megs-music-journey
- https://www.facebook.com/soundcloud/posts/10151388607376059
- https://plus.google.com/u/0/+SoundCloud/posts/A9ikSMMUAUz
- twitter.com/SoundCloud/status/335481937202397184

Composer of multi-instrumental music, with a preference for longer, progressive and complexly arranged pieces.   

Have played guitar for many years, but I am probably a slightly odd type of guitarist. Not particularily interested in the guitar genre, not too keen on listening to long solos, etc. I don't enjoy playing for people - a party-killer, in short. However, leave me alone with this wonderful tool (or the keyboard, which I play too), and I will start experimenting with it, searching for something to develop. 

Strongly interested in classical music and anything remotely related to that. I want to construct music with a similar structure and complexity, although with other instruments, and in my own way...  
___________________________________________________________

During 2010-2013, I worked on a suite of related pieces, GUITARS PLAYED BY DS, with every sound played on the electric guitar. A major undertaking, and (all-in-all) 45+ minutes long, all complexly related and released in five segments.

During 2014-2015, the main focus was on the full-format 'LONG INSTRUMENTAL', a progressive work with lots of different instruments and sounds, restless and complex. Some sections stand on their own feet: MYSTERY, and FANFARE. 

The 2014-2015 recordings also resulted in two shorter pieces: CAMBRIAN EXPLOSION and CLUSTER OF WARNINGS.

During 2015 I initiated a suite played on classical guitars - GUITAR STRUCTURES. It is a series of slowly changing ideas, a weave of melodies and harmony, the first section out in April 2015 (the 2nd came 2 years later).  

I played guitars on Tolubai's wonderful ambient piece 'MEMORIES' (August 2015).

EARTHSHINE came out in January 2016; a darker and slightly dissonant progressive piece, and one of my personal favorites. So is SILENCE, out 1st July 2016. September 2016: IGNITION  with TOLUBAI and LET THERE BE LIGHT 22th Sept 2016 with PuppyWolf. 

20/11-2016: The OORT CLOUD PROJECT I-IX. An 18+ minutes long progressive synth-based instrumental, with lots of short guitar phrases integrated. Also, the spin-off PASSAGE was released. 

GROTESQUE released too in the end of 2016. The 19th January 2017, I released the sketch OMMA CONTRAPUNCTUS PROJECT. The 4th February 2017, the track '3 WORLDS COLLIDE' was released.

'Guitar Structure No. 2' out in March 2017, took 2 years to complete.

BEST OF 2 WORLDS was released in November 2017, another personal favorite composition.

APPROACHING: an unfinished sketch released 1st April 2018. TAURUS IV released 8th April 2018.

New Years evening 2019, quickly improvising a track: DECADE. Uploaded 23:58 local time. It was a very fun way of ending the year and I used a symbolic art cover with red sweeping in, but I wouldn't have dreamed of what was to come soon.

One main project this year is the SNOWFLAKES VARIATIONS suite; the Prelude was released in January 2020.

8th April 2020: CREATURES RISING was released. CREATURES OF THE RAINFOREST also a spinoff track (released 2021).

In the Lockdown March-April 2020, I recorded 'Era', out of frustration...

5th June 2020: REPORT FROM PLANET THREE, which was initiated 31st May 2019. 

31st July 2020: FORECAST was released. April 2021: SUMMER SNOWFLAKES, a 25 minute long track and perhaps my most ambitious ever. 

OCTOBER 22, 2021: OUTPOST. Was hell of a lot work behind this, which started out as the "Conquerer" project already in 2017. 

APRIL 28, 2022: The Disclosure (Part I).
SEPTEMBER 23, 2022: PEACE GUITARS. A track very dear to me, much of it written outdoors at the shores with my lovely dog with me. 

OCTOBER 6, 2023: SHAMBOLIC GUITARS.  Intensive recordings!

DECEMBER 7, 2024: TABOOOO released. (Oldfield Tribute)

SEPTEMBER 6, 2025: WATERFALL (part 1). Another part will follow in 2026!
 ___________________________________________________________
Many thanks for visiting here, and for the comments, 'Likes' & reposts.

D. Svensson Sept. 2022

*********************************************
All rights to the audio/tracks, and album photography are reserved, and respectfully belong to the owner. 

© DavidSvensson.

Brillman has been an electronic online musician during the last 20 years using many different names: Brillman, Controlfreak, freakcontrol, Red Karma, Atmosphere, Zero Loop, Pan64, Randomcontrol, geometric delay and Superfreak! Brillman mainly creates original sounds from hardware synths but also uses guitar, samplers, vocals or even poetry. He primarily utilizes a 4 to the floor approach. The aesthetics behind the music is about finding a balance between minimalism vs. depth & improvisation vs. programmed.

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Influences: Eno, Tangerine Dream, Kraftwerk, The Associates, Joy Division, Roxy Music, Bowie, Chemical Brothers, Frank Zappa, Hendrix, ELP, Polygon Window, G. Mahler, A. Bruckner, L.V. Beethoven, E. Satie, FSOL, The Orb, Laurie Anderson, Vangelis, Underworld, Led Zeppelin, Jeff Beck, Rory Gallagher, Miles Davis, Massive Attack, Black Sabbath, Prince, Sade, Etienne de Crecy, Daft Punk, Plastikman, Monolake, Japan, Pink Floyd, Resistance D, Talking Heads, Hawkwind, Gary Numan, J.M.Jarre, Alva Noto, Philip Glass…

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Synthesizers used (past or present):

Kawai K4
Korg Wavestation
Korg Wavestation SR
Kawai K3m
Kawai K4r
Yamaha AN200
Yamaha DX-7
Yamaha TG-500
Oberheim Matrix 1000
Roland SC-55
Roland JV1010
Roland JV1080
Roland JV2080
Korg M3r
Korg MS-20 mini
Roland D-110
Roland D2
Roland MC-505
Roland MC-09
Roland MC-808
Roland TB3
Korg ER-1
Korg MS2000r
Korg microkorg
Korg Kaossilator
E-MU Mophatt
E-MU Planet Earth
E-MU Proteus 1/2
E-MU Proteus 2000
E-MU Virtuoso
Vermona DRM-1 mk iv
Waldorf Blofeld
Waldorf Pulse 2
Moog Subharmonicon
Moog Labyrinth
Moog Mavis
Freebass FB-383
Behringer TD3
Behringer Neutron
Behringer model D
Behringer K2
Behringer Syncussion SY-1
Arturia Microbrute
Arturia Minibrute 2s
Arturia Microfreak
Elektron Cycles
Elektron Digitone
Behringer Crave
Behringer Edge
Novation Mininova
Clavia Micro modular
Clavia Nord rack 2
Clavia Nord Modular
Access Virus Snow
Twisted Electrons MEGAfm
Data Duo
Blip Blox

Leon Haxby (b. 1993) is a Composer, Producer, DJ and teacher based in Cambridge. He has always been fascinated with the effect of quotation and re-contextualisation in music, and is now pursuing this field of study both in composition and through his academic research on 'Music’s Uncanny Valley'.

Leon began composition lessons with Darren Bloom at Forest School in London and was awarded a scholarship to the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, followed by a place at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam where he completed his Masters in Composition in 2019. His compositions have been featured at world-famous festivals including the String Quartet Biennale Amsterdam and TROMP Percussion Festival, and at venues such as Kings Place and Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ, as well as others throughout Europe, North America and South Africa.

In 2020 Leon launched ‘Delian Sound’. Under this alias he DJ's and produces Garage and Jungle featuring samples from Delia Derbyshire and her contemporaries at the BBC Radiophonic Workshop.

DJ's, Producers and Singer/Songwriters of AMW Mol.

British/Swedish pianist and composer
AKA https://soundcloud.com/erikssonkaner

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