Experiences {However Small or Insignificant} (2003) — Full Album (Early MIDI Computer Music)

This album is the first of two projects which solely relied on computer MIDI software and soundfonts from the early 2000’s. Although dated, the album contains some creative compositions, becoming the early precursor for future projects. It was eventually updated from the basic Microsoft GS Wavetable Synth to the Coolsoft Virtual MIDI Synth. It is my first album.

If any of you remember the Internet during its early years, you will know that dial-up phone speeds of 56 Kbps brought limitations to sharing and listening to music. MP3 files was an early attempt to help with this issue, yet were usually formatted with limited audio (otherwise it would take forever to play and download). MIDI compositions, on the other hand, were data structured and could easily be download and applied to a soundfont. Computers running Windows 98, Me, and XP had a basic synth you could play a MIDI file with, known as the Wavetable Synth from Roland. This is where you get the early MIDI computer music synthesis. Early first-generation websites would have MIDI libraries of compositions copied from known synth releases.

Much could be said about this album given it is my music debut. It includes my first composed track, called Life Ship. About a week or so prior, had learned that an online friend of mine (Rebecca) had composed a computer music piece from a Freeware MIDI program. Was fascinated by the prospect of composing music and decided to download it myself. Electronic music in the United States was rare at the time, while known electronic musicians (such as Vangelis and Jean Michael Jarre) were already waning. This further enhanced the will to compose music.

While composing, eventually decided to purchased a MIDI program called Digital Orchestrator. Was also able to find an old keyboard that my mother played in the 90’s, known as the Yamaha PSR-47. The keyboard was connected to the computer for data recording, creating pieces such as Interval of Memories and Release. Also had a small Casio SA-5 as a reference for the keys (was just learning to play at the time).

Besides Life Ship, My Hope is Strong was another breakthrough piece for me. It is composed with words in mind. Other pieces, such as Claw of Hawk, Release, and Resurrection, were also highlights. The album was released online years later in 2007 as a reference work.

All music on this album is composed and played by Yahunatan (Jonathan Raimer). Keyboards and programming by Yahunatan. Composed in 2003.

Website – Yahunatan.com

You are allowed to use this music in your projects, yet please give appropriate credit (the same as you would want to be treated). Thank you.