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)

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

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

This week’s music selection features brooding strings, flowing piano, and a fabulously dark solo cello performance.

Also, check out my new Facebook artist page!

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

	Vermilion (main title)

Another sneak preview from the forthcoming Home Room soundtrack album. This cue accompanies one of the film’s final emotional peaks, when a dark secret is unraveled layer by layer. (I realize that’s a vague description, but I don’t want to spoil anything for those who haven’t seen the film.) Musically, this cue takes the score’s central theme and recasts it as a slow crescendo, the orchestration thickening by degrees as the scene reaches its climax.

On a side note: those of you on Facebook are invited to check out my new artist page. More music excerpts, notes on current and forthcoming projects, and a few special event invitations. Shortcut link: http://facebook.mikemusic.com

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

	Secrets Revealed

I’m happy to announce that pre-production is (finally!) underway on the Home Room soundtrack album. To whet your appetite, here’s the extended version of the theme from the film’s end titles.

No major surprises here – the cue is a full statement of the film’s moody musical main theme. For the recording I was fortunate enough to have Alan Steinberger on piano, John Acosta on cello, and Chris Bleth on alto flute. Considering that all the tracks were all individually overdubbed, it’s impressive how in sync with one another the players are, both technically and emotionally. (A reminder that great musicians don’t only play well, but listen well.)

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

	Home Room