Original Music by Robin Neihardt
It seems a century ago (though in reality only 30 years) that I graduated from the Conservatory of Music with degrees in guitar performance, music theory, and composition. Over the years, I have done a good deal with the guitar performance part, but very little with theory and composition-that is, until recently.
Over the past year or so, a steady stream of music thought has come to mind, and I have written it down in various instrumental combinations.
I found a software program for my computer, a "typewriter" for music, allowing me to write the notes of music directly on staffs in the scores; so I can print clear, legible copies of the scores and parts. In addition, I obtained digital sound files, samples from actual recorded orchestral instruments and percussion. Once the score is entered into this program, I can assign these digital sounds to the staffs of my score, a "digital cello" to the cello part, a "digital flute" to the flute part, etc. After instructing the instruments to perform differently in certain areas, I can reproduce my composition in a very realistic sounding audio track, and record these onto audio Compact Discs.
As a result, I have completed four CDs and a fifth is in the works. The first CD is titled: Back From the Ledge. My sister, Coralie, came up the name when she kindly told me that listening to this CD brought her "back from the ledge" after a stressful day at work. The second, Reflections of the Spirit, is a continuation of the first. On six tracks of the second CD, in honor of John Neihardt, I created original music and combined it with lyrics recited and recorded by Neihardt in the early seventies. The favorite on this CD seems to be a setting of Black Elk's Prayer, although my personal favorite is the setting of When I Have gone Weird Ways.
Is it classical music? I suppose so, for wont of a better description, I am an American Composer. (I am classically trained and classical music is my love.)
I would enjoy sharing this music with you and I would welcome your comments.
Back From the Ledge
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This CD is a collection of original compositions for various instruments and ensembles ranging from solo guitar, to brass ensemble, to string orchestra. The compositions were recorded in stereo using digitally sampled instrument sound files. The original intent of the recorded music was to share this music with friends and family. However, primarily through word of mouth, the CD is generating quite a bit of interest from folks who enjoy listening to the compositions digitally performed by "virtual musicans".
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Total time: 42:14 Each: $9.95 |
Reflections of the Spirit
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This CD is a collection of more original compositions for various instruments and ensembles ranging from solo guitar, to brass ensemble, to string orchestra. The compositions were recorded in stereo using digitally sampled instrument sound files. If you enjoyed the works presented on Back From the Ledge, please consider trying Reflections of the Spirit.
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Total time: Approx. 62:00 Each: $9.95 |
Out of the Darkness
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This CD is a collection of 14 original compositions for various instruments and ensembles. The compositions were recorded in stereo using digitally sampled instrument sound files.
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Total time: 54:58 Each: $9.95 |
Spirit Quest
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This CD is a collection of 11 original compositions for various instruments and ensembles. The compositions were recorded in stereo using digitally sampled instrument sound files.
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Total time: 57:52 Each: $9.95 |