04
December 2009
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Cue of the Week: “Morituri Te Salutant”

This choral and orchestral piece opens up Empire Earth 2 with a healthy serving of sturm und drang. Chorus and orchestra both recorded in the beautiful renovated Magyar Radio studios in Budapest.

One problem facing composers writing the archetypal “chanting chorus” piece is what to do about lyrics. One school of thought is to not bother – after all, you’re mostly going to hear the vowels. But not wanting to give the chorus a stream of nonsense syllables, I took it upon myself to cobble together a miniature Latin war poem. Finding words that both made sense and rhymed turned out to be quite an effort, even with the generous assistance of some Latin scholars I reached via the Internet. To those who’ve learned this intricate language: I salute you!


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

Morituri Te Salutant
 

13
November 2009
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Cue of the Week: “The F-Zone (Main Titles)”

This week’s selection is the opening theme to one of my first feature film scores, written for a political thriller called The F-Zone. The moody main theme for strings alternates with a more lyrical secondary melody for oboe, played here by Jon Clarke. Recorded at the (sadly now-defunct) O Henry recording studio.


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

The F-Zone (Main Titles)
 

06
November 2009
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Cue of the Week: “Poker Night”

This week’s selection is a bit of 1940s-esque big band swing, originally written for a poker video game. We recorded with a dynamite pickup ensemble, including some longstanding musical collaborators.

And, since I have your attention: come check out my Facebook artist page, which you can reach via this convenient link. I promise, I won’t invite you to join any agrarian, mafia, or vampire-related online games.


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

Poker Night
 

04
November 2009
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Preview of Identity guzheng concerto

Identity – Zhongshan Zuang, a new concerto for orchestra and guzheng (Chinese zither) enjoyed a preview performance at the San Gabriel Mission Playhouse on October 24th, 2009. The performance featured guzheng virtuoso Chang Su as soloist, and a 69-piece orchestra led by conductor Case Scaglione, music director of the YMF Debut Orchestra. Identity was composed by Michael Gordon Shapiro, incorporating themes by composer/producer Victor Cheng.

The piece is currently in preparation for a second concert in Los Angeles, with plans underway for performances in Taiwan and mainland China.

Identity Postcard Front

30
October 2009
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Cue of the Week: “Meeting in the Fields”

My music has been used in three separate and unrelated adaptations of the novel Anthem: an audio book, a stage play, and now Greg Bowyer’s in-progress feature film project. I wrote this cue to accompany the guy-meets-girl-in-post-apocalyptic-wrecked-society moment early in the film.


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

Meeting In The Fields
 

23
October 2009
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Cue of the Week: Excerpt from “Identity” Concerto

This is a very special Cue of the Week – and not just because it’s the first that’s been run in two weeks. Today’s selection is an excerpt from Identity – Zhongshan Zhuang, a concerto for orchestra and guzheng (Chinese zither). This playful passage is an excerpt from our promotional album, which features emulated orchestra but a live recording of guzheng virtuoso Chang Su.

Of course, there’s nothing like the real thing. Those in the Greater Los Angeles area are invited to come to the premiere of the piece tomorrow night, October 24th at 8pm at the San Gabriel Mission Playhouse. Tickets and information may be found at the Hanyii Productions website.


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

Identity – Excerpt From Movement 3 (The Grandchildren Play)
 

15
October 2009
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Mini-musical wins awards down under

Michael’s short musicals “Climb The Smallest Mountain” and “The Charmed Life” were included in the 2009 Short, Sweet, and Song short musical festival in Sydney, NSW, Australia.

“Climb the Smallest Mountain” won awards for Best Production and Audience Choice. Actor Lloyd Harvey, who played roles in both musicals, won the award for Best Male Actor.

At the 2008 edition of the festival, Michael’s musical “The Alleged Adventures of Blenderman” similarly won Best Production and Audience Choice awards, and lead actor James Millar won the award for Best Male Actor.

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