13
January 2012
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Cue of the Week: “The Shaman”

In celebration of Friday the 13th, this week’s music is on the creepy side. Woodwinds and low-register harp alternate in the foreground while agitated drones play in the periphery of audibility. (That’s music-speak for “on the creepy side”.)


(Click on the play button to stream, or the cue title to download.)

The Shaman
 

06
January 2012
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Cue of the Week: “Into the Dark Forest”

This week’s music is another orchestral action cue from Wizard Ops, accompanying the titular sorcerer’s adventures through the forest and into the lair of… well, actually it’s best described as a giant armed lair.

If you would like to hear the music in context (and play a fun game while you’re at it) apparate over to the iOS app store.


(Click on the play button to stream, or the cue title to download.)

Into the Dark Forest
 

21
December 2011
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Wizard Ops released for iOS

Wizard Ops

Fantasy-themed action game WizardOps has been released for iPhone/iPod touch/iPad, with an Android version forthcoming.

Michael’s thoughts on the music: “The concept for the score was ‘The Sorcerer’s Apprentice meets drums ‘n’ bass electronica’, so needless to say it was a really fun compositional undertaking.”

Wizard Ops is currently available for purchase at the iOS app store.

16
December 2011
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Cue of the Week: “Wizards’ Plight”

This week’s selection is the music that accompanies the introductory cinematic for the iOS/Android game Wizard Ops. The developers crafted an elaborate backstory to the game, which manifests as a series of mini-movies. I used a “crazy” trill figure in the clarinet to characterize the Mad Maker, the wizards’ nemesis. I have a feeling we’ll be facing him in forthcoming installments of the game!

If you’d like to hear the music in context, dig up 99 gold pieces… er, cents… and head over to iOS app store.


(Click on the play button to stream, or the cue title to download.)

Wizards’ Plight
 

09
December 2011
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Cue of the Week: “Wizard Ops (Main Theme)”

Here’s the main theme from “Wizard Ops”, a newly-released sorcerous game for your iOS (or soon, Android) gadget of choice.

I was really jazzed when I saw the game’s concept art months ago, and the musical approach suggested itself almost immediately: a rollicking but quirky scherzo, a sort of hyperactive cousin to The Sorcerer’s Apprentice or the Uranus movement of Holst’s Planets. Supernaturally adventurous, but slightly disgruntled, like the game’s protagonist.

If you’d like to hear the music in context, then levitate on over to iOS app store and check it out!


(Click on the play button to stream, or the cue title to download.)

Wizard Ops (Main Theme)
 

01
November 2011
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“Identity” guzheng concerto mainland China concerts

Michael’s concerto for orchestra and guzheng (Chinese zither), co-written with producer/composer Victor Cheng, continues its run of performances in the People’s Republic of China. Concerts this fall included the cities of Wuhan and Xiamen, with guzheng virtuoso Su Chang returning in her role as soloist. The piece is also scheduled for two performances in Taiwan this December.


Su Chang

28
October 2011
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Cue of the Week: “Battle For The West”

Time to get your trebuchet back from the shop! This week’s music selection is an orchestral battle cue, slowly growing from a cello-and-timpani rhythm into a full symphonic sound.

p.s. For some reason, my spellchecker doesn’t recognize the word “trebuchet”, and asked me if I meant to type “Bucharest”.


(Click on the play button to stream, or the cue title to download.)

Battle For The West
 

Morituri Te Salutant // Michael Gordon Shapiro - Highlights
  1. Morituri Te Salutant // Michael Gordon Shapiro - Highlights
  2. Emerald, Texas // Highlights
  3. Mythic Battle // Highlights
  4. The Yard Sale // Michael Gordon Shapiro - Highlights
  5. Investigations // Highlights
  6. Home Room // Highlights
  7. Sands of Arabia // Highlights
  8. Spider Cult // Highlights
  9. Poker Night // Highlights