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.

02
October 2009
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Cue of the Week: “Tropical Falls”

Not to be confused with “Tropical Vignette”, run earlier this summer – I really need to come up with more creative cue titles – this week’s selection is an upbeat mix of bass marimba, African and Latin percussion, and the occasional musical oddity. I like to think of it as suggestive of a waterfall, though perhaps a busy one with tropical critters playing about.


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

Tropical Falls
 

21
September 2009
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“Identity” Guzheng Concerto

Working with producer/composer Victor Cheng, Michael has composed The Identity – Zhong Shan Zuang, a half-hour concerto for orchestra and guzheng (Chinese zither). Guzheng virtuoso Chang Su will join the 69-piece United Musicians Symphony Orchestra for the piece’s premiere at the San Gabriel Mission Auditorium on October 24, 2009.

Information about the concert can be found at the Hanyi Productions website.

18
September 2009
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Cue of the Week: “World Groove”

A neat boon of modern music production software is the combination of musical elements that would never run into each other in nature. For instance, this cute little theme I wrote for a UNLV television series, which combines African percussion, 60’s-esque bass and organ, and a retro-synth melody line.

(That’s not to say you can’t do this sort of thing with live musicians. I once combined balalaika, tuba, and bagpipes in music for a friend’s wedding… but be thankful that the results will never grace this blog.)


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

World Groove
 

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