Entertainment: Is this how you play music?!

Chapter 313 The drumstick is also a conductor's baton.

After meeting his mentor, Li Can took Winnie to the National Centre for the Performing Arts to schedule training and rehearsal time with the orchestra.

After prior communication, the meeting arrangements were completed very quickly.

As Li Can said.

A systematic concert is very complicated, as it usually involves an entire orchestra. If modern elements are added, additional equipment may be required.

After the schedule was determined.

The first step is to provide the full score, then divide the score into sections, and determine the specifications and personnel.

Next, each person was given their own score for their part to practice.

If you don't work overtime, it would take at least a month to practice the entire repertoire for a concert.

And then what happens next?
Just the individual sections need to plan their musical expression under the guidance of the principal and start practicing together, which takes a considerable amount of time. The overall rehearsal and error correction are even more unpredictable.

I really want to polish it until it's ready for a concert.
The game might actually be released.

Two years slower.

A year sooner rather than later.

Working non-stop and starting overtime will shrink things even faster.

While delaying is not unacceptable, there's really no need to rush things just when you need them.

All of this is not just in preparation for the concert.

Even a live recording with a top-tier symphony orchestra is superior to one made on a computer.

As for the differences between live recording and computer-generated recording.
Then the only question is what the difference is between the 5090 and the 2060. For players who play League of Legends, they probably don't play any cards much. Coincidentally, for ordinary music listeners who only listen to music on their phones, it really is just like playing League of Legends.

But if we're talking about high quality...

A live recording by a top-tier orchestra is always superior to a computer recording; it's more than enough to handle even a high-caliber 4K concert, like a 3A-level production.

Such a quality improvement is rare and hard to come by when facing listeners with extremely high demands for sound quality.

Now is the perfect time to set things up.

As for the content of the concert, Li Can does not plan to finalize the theme of the black monkey so quickly.

There could be hints about music from new games, combined with future promotional activities.

However, there's no need to go for the full set right now, otherwise it might have a negative effect.

As for the choice of music...

Li Can planned to have another big, mixed feast.

In the office.

Li Zhen, the secretary of the DW branch of the Xia Guo Philharmonic Orchestra, and Zhou Yin, the orchestra director, looked at Li Can with some doubts about life.

"The theme is games?"

"Correct!"

Li Can nodded, making no attempt to hide his own little thoughts.

“Recent public opinion has been very distorted, which I think is not good. Games are just a form of entertainment. Some games do indeed harm children, but high-quality games can help improve aesthetics and are a good art form and medium.”

“I feel we need to do something. It would be a shame to condemn them outright. Discernment is more important than emotional output. Moreover, I believe that if Xia Guo Symphony Orchestra wants to expand its business scope and increase its influence, games are an essential part of it.”

Li Can's words made Li Zhen and Zhou Yin somewhat interested.

But it's impossible to draw such a decisive conclusion on the spot.

After all, for an orchestra of the size of the Xia Guo Philharmonic Orchestra, it can sometimes be seen as a kind of "signal" and "platform".

In response to the current state of public opinion.

The two of them couldn't act as freely and without restraint as Li Can.

Of course, these concerns were only temporary.

Making a decision is not difficult.

"We need to see the songs you selected for this concert, the accompanying music video content, and information about the game itself."

"no problem."

Li Can nodded, not surprised at all; it was all within his expectations.

Being cautious is perfectly fine.

"So what do you plan to name the concert?"

Li Zhen raised his head thoughtfully and looked at Li Can.

"The Ninth Art".

"Good, good."

Upon hearing Li Can's reply, Li Zhen nodded repeatedly.

Clearly, this is a concert concept that originates from a game but transcends it.

Its core essence is not a game, but art.

The message conveyed is simply that "games are a vehicle for art."

Li Can clearly distinguishes between the identities of players and art professionals, so that he doesn't bring the perspective of an art professional into the game and launch a massive attack, nor is he confused by the perspective of a player when working with art.

"The audience for game music concerts is generally of two types: one is players who are attracted by games and love the game content, and the other is passersby who are curious about the music itself but do not know much about the game."

Li Can focused intently and slowly explained his design concept.

"When it comes to the release of music videos that combine audio and video, I don't plan to follow the game content. People who play the game can understand what it's about even without watching these videos, and people who don't play the game won't understand it even if they watch them. So, for any group, it's better to focus on creating an atmosphere and visually constructing a style."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Yin immediately understood.

He immediately nodded and spoke thoughtfully.

"In other words, you don't plan to include too many actual game scenes in the visual content, but rather use abstract storytelling in the form of characters and scene CGs, prioritizing style and texture."

"Yes."

Li Can nodded.

"Game music is still music. In addition to satisfying gamers' desire to experience familiar game music in a different way, it is important to understand that this is a musical experience. Other elements are just auxiliary; music is the core."

"There's really nothing difficult about making a decision."

Li Zhen and Zhou Yin exchanged a glance and both nodded.

If it's for advertising a particular game, then the review process will definitely be stricter, even if the person in charge is Li Can.

But if it's for the sake of musical art, then it's just musical art within a game.
The review criteria will definitely be much more lenient.

"If you were to conduct the performance, how would you carry it out?"

Li Zhen frowned slightly, feeling that he had discovered a loophole.

"You know, the game music you mentioned includes a drum set. Are you planning to conduct it, find someone else, or just play a pre-recorded rhythm track? If so, the quality of the live performance will suffer significantly."

"Hmm? I was planning to come along too."

Li Can was somewhat surprised.

"Aren't the drumsticks of a drum kit also a kind of conductor's baton?"

"?"

"?"

Zhou Yin and Li Zhen looked up sharply in astonishment.

His eyes held a hint of existential doubt.

Li Can's abstract style was still a bit too avant-garde for the two big names who were used to serious music performances.

God the drumsticks are conducting.

Those drumsticks are much heavier than conductor's batons, is that really possible?

The idea only flashed through my mind.

After recalling Li Can's performance at the event, the two promptly put it out of their minds.

Never mind, this guy is a nuclear-powered muscle man.

Let's not question physical strength yet.

"Is this okay?"

"OK."

Li Can smiled and shook his head.

“Conducting is not such a serious matter. In fact, in the Middle Ages, any musician could conduct. The principal violinist would often stop during a performance to wave his bow and direct the orchestra’s transitions.”

"This is not a fancy trick or a gimmick. The purpose of conducting is to give a signal and serve the entire orchestra. The focus is on giving a signal, not on the form it takes."

Once you say this.

The thief's words have profound meaning.

Zhou Yin and Li Zhen were speechless for a moment.

They made eye contact. Hey, their eyes went completely numb.

Li Can was absolutely right.

When a conductor is giving a signal, the baton serves to provide that signal.

Along with the baton, cues from the left hand, facial expressions, and body movements all serve as signals.

Many laypeople find it a bit exaggerated when conductors act crazy on stage.

Those who pretend to know what they're talking about might define it with strange notions like "immersive music" or "a love of music."

The truth is actually quite simple.

Anyone who can embark on a professional music career can immerse themselves in music anytime, anywhere.

But being immersed in something doesn't mean going crazy or acting out.

There is only one real reason.

When a conductor gets excited, he uses exaggerated expressions, gestures, and mannerisms to convey the information needed in the music to the orchestra.

For example, the emotions during a performance.

We need to take the initiative and create a buzz ourselves.

The conductor probably thought he was crazy; he was gesticulating wildly, his face contorted with a mixture of joy and rage, he was sweating profusely, and he was even jumping around a bit.

But in fact.

It's very likely that the conductor wanted a similar passionate emotion in this piece of music.

Skillful.

To talk about actions.

Isn't the drummer's movement big enough?
With a little design and arrangement of the drum kit and the use of technology, it's possible to ensure that the view is not obstructed.

The drummer's expression, movements, and musical signals on the beat.

It may not be wrong to view it as a command function.

Some powerful drummers can even incorporate extremely distinct variations in intensity in their beats.

Otherwise, why would the drummer be able to easily change the rhythm and mood of the solo during a band solo?

This is what is meant by "the brain sending signals in a well-organized musical group".

The only question is whether the band members can adapt to such a bizarre move.

At the very least, you can't burst out laughing.

"Then we need to speed things up and start the integration process sooner."

The more Li Zhen thought about it, the more serious things seemed than he had imagined, and he became serious.

A music concert with a game theme is acceptable.

But if they burst out laughing, that would be too much of a commotion.

Especially some game music, it's hard to find one without a joke or reference.

Mentioning Li Can's game music would automatically trigger the "Storm Approaches" background music in the minds of Li Zhen and Zhou Yin.

How could he not include this classic serious illness song?

broken.

"what?"

Li Can was stunned.

I really didn't expect that after deciding to cooperate, these two would be even more anxious than I was.

However, I didn't think too much about it. There's nothing wrong with wanting to speed up, and there's no reason to refuse.

"to make."

After both parties have reached an agreement.

The next step is to draft the contract.

If the subsequent review is successful, the contract can be signed on the spot and take effect immediately.

This collaboration falls under the commercial category and represents a large business deal.

It's not that the works Li Can provided were particularly difficult or numerous.

It's simply because they gave so much.

The project involved a massive investment of millions in recording costs, plus revenue sharing from concerts and online distribution.

Of course, there will also be live recordings and post-production polishing of classical music concerts. The record production and distribution work is handled by Star Media Entertainment. Apart from the cost and a very small share, the majority of the profits go to Li Can and the orchestra.

Is there even a need to consider this?!

Just be fully prepared and that's it!

Although the Xia Guo Philharmonic Orchestra receives funding and can accept commercial commissions.

But the reality is that there aren't that many business orders to take on.

The traditional classical music concert is declining, a situation that is the same both domestically and internationally.

Compared to most people, the salary is definitely not low, and there are subsidies for performances, but it is far from as high as ordinary people imagine. Most musicians have a basic salary of seven or eight thousand, while veteran musicians or principal musicians can earn more than ten thousand.

But this is a national-level orchestra.

To be able to join such an orchestra, one must be an outstanding student selected through multiple rounds of screening.

Compared to musicians abroad, there are indeed very few.

This collaboration with Li Can provided Zhou Yin and Li Zhen with industry insights and the possibility of broadening their horizons.

In the past, I always looked on with envy as foreign orchestras took on contracts with game companies and held popular themed concerts that collaborated with other industries and IPs, with every show packed to capacity and overflowing with popularity.

I'm not envious anymore.

The Xia Kingdom should also have its own game music art performances!

Li Can was undoubtedly a pioneer and a guide for the commercialization of the industry.

Although this model is not unusual, it has been seen in China before, and it is even more common abroad.

But this is the first person with such influence and synergy, which makes it impossible for Li Zhen and Zhou Yin not to take him seriously!
Just after Li Can left.

The two then quickly got to work.

We began by signing individual business contracts with each member, specifying their compensation and confidentiality measures.

Then came the overtime work for the music department.

Several members of the music composition team worked through the night for eight consecutive days to organize the scores.

The next step was to organize the musicians to practice the pieces arranged by Li Can.

After learning all this news.

Most of the musicians felt the joy of earning commercial contracts.

Business is really bad, and money is really tight.

Now that's great! Skipping the transition phase and going straight to enjoying the meat is like a generational leap forward.

A small number of musicians who play the game and follow Li Can felt double the joy of this dream collaboration.

"It's Li Can! We've got it this time!"

"Haha, it's Brother Can, we're saved."

"What kind of family is this? I can get 16,000 just for recording projects?! Holy crap, they're rich!"

"Is this for real? Holy crap! I was dreaming about playing 'Ludwig the Holy Sword' yesterday, and it's actually here? No? The copyright isn't with Sony?"

"Hehe, it's great that Brother Can is a copyright monster."

"Getting better."

While being happy.

The musicians naturally practiced the pieces with utmost dedication.

Pick out a piece of music and focus intently on understanding it in conjunction with the game content.

But upon comparison, many musicians were immediately taken aback.

These musical pieces even included some that I couldn't find on the market and had never heard before!

Take a closer look at the music information.

There is only an unfamiliar introduction, and the rest of the content is mainly based on the conductor's narration during rehearsals.

Immediately, many musicians felt their hearts leap into their throats, and even the guys playing the game felt their hearts skip a beat.

"It's a confidentiality agreement!"

"It's an unreleased track!"

"hiss!!"

(End of this chapter)