Orchestral

Here's a noble-sounding string symphony inspired by the songs of George Fenton, composer for BBC's various nature documentaries. Also reminiscent of Star Trek: A Next Generation, this piece has a gentle sense of flight with a good dose of adventure. Standard symphonic instruments here include strings, french horn, timpani, percussion, flute, and other breathy effects. This would sound great for a project related to flight or soundtrack that needs an avian vibe.

A medley of whimsical tunes from my library have been featured in this 'behind the scenes' trailer for TV series Gortimer Gibbon's Life on Normal Street! This super charming video was put together by Brother Eric for Amazon Video’s now-beloved series. Check out the full video right here.

*This clip is part of my Slew of Snippets series.

Here's some exciting news -- in collaboration with RUN Studios, my music has made it into a Microsoft Internet of Things ad campaign! This particular piece features British IT company Telent's work on the London Underground railway system. Take a peek:

This strange little "rock" opus was one of the first things I did after moving to Seattle in 2005. Without a live studio, I had to make do with a tiny brush junk kit and an old synth filled with crude orchestra samples. I ended up with some sort of bizarre Philip Glass-Metroid hybrid, but something about it all makes me smile. The ambulance in the intro was actually caught in traffic while I was recording the drums, making me rather nervous!

This flowing, lyrical, sea-like minor string drama takes its inspiration from Philip Glass and especially his eerie symphonic soundtrack for The Hours. Oaken ships sail into dark, mysterious waters as this piece echoes from the deep.

Here's an adventurous little tune inspired by vintage John Williams. This daredevil ditty is actually an orphaned clip from a very special orchestral project we just completed, but I think it's colorful and boisterous enough to warrant a spot here. Up, up, and away...!

Behold...the first track on Syd's new music blog!

Here's a sparse, noble-sounding piece in a vein similar to The Journey Ahead. I was going for an atmosphere and pace along the lines of a lush Disney ceremony or perhaps a monarchal wedding, but whether or not I achieved that "royal" sound is up to the beholder! [For a more lighthearted take on this one, check out my bell & pizzicato revision.]

Here's some fun news -- my latest commission is showcased is this spiffy new Microsoft Designer Bluetooth Keyboard video. This extra fun project was the result of yet another collaboration with Brother Eric (a.k.a. Mix Master Munch!) and RUN Studios. Have a look and a listen!

Here's a flowing, whimsical woodwind symphony with twists and turns aplenty. The stacked harmony was inspired by Nobuo Uematsu's Garnet's Theme from Final Fantasy IX. Reminiscent of a cheery, quirky Spielberg number as well, this piece aims for a whispy, windy sound.

Here's a rather exciting orchestral adventure piece. As the title suggests, this one features lots of trills, but you'll also find lively brass, woodwind, percussion, and a nice sense of movement and urgency. Short but explosive!

This airy, dream-like piece floats high in the clouds with its angelic harps, plucked pizzicato, and glassy percussion. Determined at times, yet delicate in its overall mood, this one shoots for the stars but settles for the heavens. [This is the orchestral original of Silky Synth.]

Here's one that's a little bit eerie, a little bit playful, and a lotta bit mischievous. Sort of an Alice in Wonderland thing, this piece features harp, celeste, flute, and strings in a strange, flowing melody. A subdued intro evolves into an orchestral crest and ambiguous ending.

*This short clip is part of my Slew of Snippets series.

This sad orchestral lament is a half-decade old as I write this, but something about its dark timbre made me want to dust it off and post it this morning. A mournful cello calls out to some low strings and horns before a doleful harp takes the movement to a more optimistic closer. Cheer up!

Here's a charismatic one I was inspired to write after watching the very charming Scent of a Woman film (soundtrack by Thomas Newman). A gentle marimba and harp melody is quickly interrupted by an excited symphony with places to be. Go on, seize the day!

*This short clip is part of my Slew of Snippets series.

Caution starboard! This dramatic, tormented symphony snippet was inspired by Harry Potter and, curiously, a Jameson Whiskey ad. A decrepit oaken barge carrying a horde of condemned prisoners is ripped apart at sea in this violent storm theme. But is death really the end...?

*This short clip is part of my Slew of Snippets series.

Here's an icy track I’m personally fond of. This distant, antarctic string dirge was inspired by George Fenton's chilly polar bear theme for BBC's Planet Earth series. Things begin happily enough on a bright, snowy iceberg morning, but it's quickly apparent something is terribly awry...

To complement my glorious Twitter debut, here's my first-ever (surviving!) MIDI orchestration written way back in 1998 on an old black-and-white Macintosh. Enjoy!

Here's another epic adventure snippet inspired by vintage RPG music and classic John Williams scores. This slow-moving, lead-footed number is actually another orphaned track from a special orchestral project we just completed. A sliver of a song, no doubt, but a rousing one!

Here's an epic, driving, airy orchestral number with a touch of Philip Glass intricacy. Clashing time signatures and trinkety gear-like percussion help push this one ever upward. An unabashedly uplifting tune, this was originally created for a client video about high-tech elevators. Top floor, please!

My latest creepy-techy-stringy commission is again featured in a new Microsoft Designer Bluetooth video! Again, this delightful project was the result of another collaboration with Brother Eric (a.k.a. Mix Master Munch!) and RUN Studios. Have a look and a listen!

Here's a charming one I came up with on a visit to Arizona's Saguaro Forest some years ago. Tambourines, flutes, lutes, and calfskins create tension as more and more strange animals emerge from the woods to alarm neighborhood pets. Watch out! This elf-based piece features pizzicato cello, percussion, and recorders in a strange, dancing, skipping rhythm reminiscent of Fantasia or Rumpelstiltskin. Great choice for animation or general mischief.

*This short clip is part of my Slew of Snippets series.

This oceanic adventure symphony is my take on some of the wonderful stuff written by George Fenton for BBC's various nature documentaries, such as Planet Earth. Climb aboard and set sail!

Here's another one of my personal favorites... this bouncy, bright symphony calls to mind optimistic Spielberg films and John Williams soundtracks with its driving, percussive momentum and curious, stringy cheerfulness. This was made entirely on Apple's aging Symphony Orchestra sample pack, but it still sounds pretty lively!