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Hero's Goodbye's itch.io pageResults
| Criteria | Rank | Score* | Raw Score |
| Match to the brief | #14 | 3.600 | 3.600 |
| Composition quality | #15 | 3.400 | 3.400 |
| Overall enjoyment | #18 | 3.067 | 3.067 |
| Overall | #18 | 3.080 | 3.080 |
| Memorability | #23 | 2.600 | 2.600 |
| Production quality | #24 | 2.733 | 2.733 |
Ranked from 15 ratings. Score is adjusted from raw score by the median number of ratings per game in the jam.
Description
I followed the first 3 levels of precision, meaning: it is written for the end credits of the video game; it begins nostalgic and becomes energetic; and contains a distinct melody derived from a character’s leitmotif.
I have composed it as if the game is a fantasy exploration through magical, medieval woods and settlements so I went with orchestral instrumentation. It begins with strings and woodwinds, using a slow oboe melody (the first part acting as the leitmotif) accompanied by slowly descending sus chords to create a floating, mystical atmosphere to replicate nostalgia. It uses chromaticism and seven chords to pull the melody onwards and then rises into the energetic section where I introduce unison and the brass section to make it sound triumphant and final. It finishes on the leitmotif of the main character and the full orchestra playing together as you have finally beaten the game.
URL to Streaming Service
https://www.youtube.com/@Charlie-B-music
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Comments
It reminds me of Wind Waker, I don't know why, but it feels like it could be in an adventurous fantasy game on nintendo 64 or gamecube ! I don't know if it was intentional or not, but maybe finding better VSTs would be good, because the composition is great, you managed to create an atmosphere and something musically great, but better instruments sounds would make it even more immersive.
Thanks! I will have to look up wind waker but your description sounds like what I was going for. Will definitely look into some VSTs
Hey there, I've just listened to your track!
I liked your ideas. The piece reminds me a little of classic Disney music, and I think it would fit well as an end credits theme.
I also agree with some of the other feedback: the main area for improvement is the quality of the instrument sounds. You may want to take a look at the recommendations others have already given, as I'm not really an expert in that area myself.
Also, the little glockenspiel (if it is a glockenspiel) could benefit from a touch of reverb to give it a brighter, more sparkling sound.
Good luck with the rest of the voting period!
Thank you! It is a glockenspiel and that would be a good idea, I put a little on but I agree that it needs more
Great job, I enjoyed listening to this. The ending is particularly satisfying.
Thank you, the ending was definitely my favourite part so I'm happy to hear you agree! :)
I liked your piece! I agree with other comments made about quality, but you had some nice melodies! I can see how this track would fit in the game you described quite well. Nice job.
Thanks!
(Submission 3/29 - "Hero's Goodbye" by ChwrlueThe4th)
I can tell you have a good sense for music theory and there are good ideas in the track! Very emotional and triumphant!
The orchestra seems a little dry and seemingly stock, which can be something to be improved upon. One suggestion of a free VST would be Spitfire's BBC Orchestra. It isn't the best of the best, but it will dramatically improve your final mix! Another thing I noticed is the lack of stereo width, making it sound like a music player rather than an orchestra. If you want to have a believable orchestra (using real or fake instruments), you need to place your instruments as if they were performing in front of you. You can go research orchestra positioning relative to the conductor's stand, and it will make an incredible difference!
Great piece nevertheless! Thank you Chwrlue!
Thanks for the advice!! Very helpful and I will definitely look into it :)
I think your sound quality suffers a little - if you are using Logic stock sounds, you might want to check out the free offerings from Orchestral Tools or Spitfire Audio and give those a try.
The arrangement feels a little cramped at times like I don't know which melody line you want me to follow. But apart from that, I like the ideas in the composition.
Thanks, will definitely look into VSTs. And arrangement. I'm quite new to orchestral composition so I need all the advice I can get.
In that case: the instruments in an orchestra don't have to play individual lines. If you are familiar with synth programming, you can think of the orchestra groups like they are wavetable oscillators. By giving the same notes to different instruments, you are designing the sound you are creating. You can build a full and epic orchestra sound by mostly copy/pasting phrases to other instruments (maybe shift it up or down an octave, as long as that does not get in the way of the rest of the arrangement).
Arrangement: Make sure you don't have several melody lines in the same pitch range. If you have some counterpoint or similar going on, it helps if they are not trying to inhabit the same frequency space. And since you are limited by how many octaves you have, you are automatically limited in the number of melody lines you can run at the same time ;) (I am currently in the process of learning how to cut down on lines for clarity)
Also, I'm a hobbyist without a music or composition degree, so feel free to ignore anything I'm saying that sounds like bs to you.
None of that sounds bs at all, thanks a lot! I will keep it in mind, very helpful advice!
Sounds pretty dope. Only shortly after the one minute mark it gets bit loud in relation to the intro. Also the instruments sound a bit static. I don't know if it's possible to randomize attack and release settings per note? I think that would make a difference. It definitely sounds fitting for a fantasy / magical setting!
Thanks! Maybe I went a bit overboard with the drop. I was struggling a little with the static instruments while composing – will have to look into that for next time.