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I’ve been working on transcribing the Main Titles and, possibly later, Farewell from Spider-man so that the orchestra at my school (Indiana University Southeast, by the way) can play it. You probably think I’m nuts since we all know how complex Elfman’s scores (especially Spider-man) can be (I can tell you this: it’s been no easy task!), but I think I’m doing a pretty good job so far, even if I do say so myself. I was wondering if anyone has any tips for me. Anything might be helpful!
That’s quite a task! My small tip is to always remember “the devil’s interval”. I’ve always liekd it, and Danny uses it alot. I think Spidey’s theme uses it. I hope you know what I mean by that. if not, just say so… I think we’re both on here at the same time, right now, actually. Chat? hehe
>¦:o)
The JBy the way, this is why I want to know what the percussion instrument is on my previous thread “Question about a percussion instrument.” Go there if you have answers for that, too.
Yeah, I think we are, J! But no, I’m no sure what you mean by “Devil’s interval.” Explain please.
Oh, and another little tip would be to always listen to any contrapuntal parts going on in there. Transcriptions often sound wrong because descant or ‘secondary subject’ parts are missing. It’s the same with a tune & accompaniment. The tune on its own might sound like the wrong notes, to people who are used to hearing it over the correct chords, so make sure chords are pretty perfect.
When I try transcribe things, the LAST thing I put down is the tune. By getting the chords and the counterpoint down first, I’m assisted by them with realising the tune correctly aswell.>¦:o)
The JAah, Devil’s interval…
may I assume you have a piano where you’re at?
Go to it, and play an Eb major chord, then down to an A major 7th. You’ll see how it sounds extremely Danny-ish. Play around with it – I’m sure that, or a variant of it is in Spidey somewhere… don’t quote me on that, though – I could be wrong.>¦:o)
The J…but I THINK I’m right. maybe… about 89%… ish
>¦:oP
The JThat sounds like good advice. So far I’ve been taking it instrument by instrument. I’m pretty sure I’ve got the whole 1st violin part written. I’ve got some trumpet and horn parts in, too. And some of the cello part, especially when the fast part starts. By the way, my sister says we’re all dorks. There should be more of us, in my opinion.
Nah – if there were more of us, the kinds on things we have gatherings about wouldn’t be so special, would they? hehe
Anyway, I gotta go. Good luck with the transcribing!
>¦:o)
The JHa Ha! Good point!
Thanks for the help, J!This isn’t a closed session! Anyone else can join the conversation, too!
I haven’t a clue how to transcribe, I’m just here to say “Good Luck!!”
And, after you’re done, would it be alright for you to post it here? I would like that very much!
Post the sheet music or the recording? Either way, I’d love to!
Well, I was talking about the sheet music, but the recording would be really nice, as well!
I tried a very brief surface analysis of the main titles, but at a time when I could only get them in some early streamed format (the ending of the cue, for a start, was different to the CD). It’s still on the web somewhere, but I can’t find it, so will post tonight/tomorrow with the url.
There’s also a few very early attempts to work out what the hell the cellos and double basses were up to at the beginning (also pre-CD-release, so now much easier to define). See http://www.elfmansheetmusic.homestead.com/unofficialsheetmusic_spiderman.html
Blunt
Here’s the URL as promised above.
http://www.bluntinstrument.org.uk/reviews/spider/man.htm
Please bear in mind that I was working from a naff recording and not any kind of sheet music. I had to make up time signatures (which you’ll note change with frightening regularity) and manage keys from a made-up starting point (A minor chord start just sounded approximately right, and seemed simplest).
Hope it helps. It’s been a while since I looked at it. I really must have had time on myhands in those days… *sigh*
Bluntinstrument
Wow! Thanks, Blunt! That may help me get this done sooner than I expected!
And sorry, Mr. Dantz, forgot to say thanks, also, so…Thanks!
By the way, I can’t believe I forgot about this, but I arranged the Main Titles from Black Beauty (no, it’s not the WHOLE Main Titles, but give me a little credit, here) for solo piano. Tell me what you think, everybody!
There is a score of “Main Titles” available for school band, and it would most likely be helpful in your quest. It’s not a bad arrangement, I’ve played it.
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