Unsung Composers

The Music => Composers & Music => Topic started by: Hector on Sunday 06 April 2025, 19:36

Title: Helping an Unsung to Sing
Post by: Hector on Sunday 06 April 2025, 19:36
I'm an Unsung Composer, possibly justly so, but I do think my music would stand a better chance if the electronic performances were better. My problem is I don't really understand the process to get to the best electronic orchestral renditions. At present I use Genie Soft Score Writer 4.1, a program I have been using for well over a decade. I write the music, then export a Midi file, then convert it to an MP3 file online. These sound marginally better then the Midi, and allow me to put my music on Youtube. I've noticed that there are some very effective electronic renditions of orchestral scores done by people on this Forum - how do you do that?!I have read about the process online, but I am failing to understand. Could someone explain in really simple terms what to do? Or alternatively, is there someone who would like to work with me if I provide the notes?

My music is tonal and melodic, and influenced by folk music. I manly write for strings as I am a violinist, and the electronic renditions of my orchestral music are better if there are no wind or brass instruments. If I include wind and brass the end result sounds like a decrepit harmonium.   

I have had my music for solo violin performed by a professional violinist in a concert, and have heard an ametuer group play my chamber music, but I would really like to give my orchestral music the best chance of being appreciated by it being heard in the best possible electronic form.

Here is my latest work, https://youtu.be/SO5EqUwp5O4?si=tQK_RVK_2N6EgIo1

Thank you, Stephen ( my Forum name is Hector after Berlioz) 
Title: Re: Helping an Unsung to Sing
Post by: Alan Howe on Sunday 06 April 2025, 22:09
May I suggest that anyone who may be able to help makes contact by PM? Thanks.
Title: Re: Helping an Unsung to Sing
Post by: Hector on Wednesday 30 April 2025, 16:21
I've just written an Adagio for Oboe and Strings, and the MP3 rendition is so bad I can't post it on Youtube. It would be really good if someone could advise or help!
Title: Re: Helping an Unsung to Sing
Post by: cypressdome on Thursday 01 May 2025, 04:32
Can Score Writer produce MusicXML files? If so, and if you can get the file to me, I'll be happy to render it in MuseScore 4.5 using MuseSounds (which is a huge improvement over the sounds available in version MuseScore 3.x).
Title: Re: Helping an Unsung to Sing
Post by: Hector on Thursday 01 May 2025, 10:55
Thank you for your offer. Much appreciated. However, I don't think Genie Soft 4.1 Score Writer can produce MusicXML files. I think I am rather stuck with outdated software, and a limited understanding of how to progress.
Title: Re: Helping an Unsung to Sing
Post by: cypressdome on Friday 02 May 2025, 02:30
I believe the option should be under the file menu and then select export.  See if Musicxml is available there.
Title: Re: Helping an Unsung to Sing
Post by: Hector on Saturday 03 May 2025, 10:19
I can just save as an scw file, or export as a MIDI.

Can I write it all out on Musescore and proceed from there? I have looked at Musescore and I'm not sure what it does?
Title: Re: Helping an Unsung to Sing
Post by: cypressdome on Saturday 03 May 2025, 12:47
MuseScore Studio, to use its new name, is a free music notation software.  It can also create audio files from that sheet music.  When version 4 was released the developers also made available a set of high quality sound libraries called MuseSounds (sets available for strings, woodwinds, brass, piano, harp, choir, etc.). These can be downloaded through a type of front-end app called MuseHub.  When you download the application that gets installed with it.  You can get the app from www.musescore.org (https://www.musescore.org). There is a separate www.musescore.com page that is for sharing scores and has paid services but the software and support on the .org is all free.
Title: Re: Helping an Unsung to Sing
Post by: Hector on Tuesday 06 May 2025, 15:39
Thank you, I'll give that a go.
Title: Re: Helping an Unsung to Sing
Post by: Hector on Friday 20 June 2025, 15:05
Update.

I downloaded muse strings, muse woodwinds, and Musescore Studio, and wrote a simple jig in musescore to test it out, and the sound fonts don't work - it's just the standard Musescore sounds.

I also uploaded a Midi, but it substantially rearranged the notes.

So not successful really.

(I am aware this perhaps should be a message rather than a post? Unless  anyone else can help?)

Title: Re: Helping an Unsung to Sing
Post by: Reverie on Friday 20 June 2025, 16:40
Stephen

Send me some files to this email address below. I will have a look for you.

Attach some files here (martinrobertwalsh@gmail.com)
Title: Re: Helping an Unsung to Sing
Post by: Hector on Saturday 21 June 2025, 10:16
Thank you. I'll do that. Just one question, do you mean files of scores & Midis?
Title: Re: Helping an Unsung to Sing
Post by: Hector on Saturday 21 June 2025, 11:36
I know, I'll send you the score and mdi of the little jig I wrote as a test piece.
Title: Re: Helping an Unsung to Sing
Post by: Hector on Saturday 12 July 2025, 16:46
cypressdome and Reverie

Thank you for your help. I finally figured it out. Here is the music that emerged. I have Minimalist tendencies, and these do surface in this piece, which may mean it doesn't count as 'Romantic'?

Anyway - https://youtu.be/MI1f1ku-6lk?si=4Y7CEGgHn6rrB585


Stephen
Title: Re: Helping an Unsung to Sing
Post by: Alan Howe on Sunday 13 July 2025, 15:30
Not to worry. I'm glad that help has been forthcoming via friends on this website.
Title: Re: Helping an Unsung to Sing
Post by: GoranTch on Tuesday 15 July 2025, 09:17
Hector,

I have sent you a PM which may be of help.