Bring on the empty horses

(Actually not empty, just not full yet!)

Of course I stole David Niven’s book title, - and I’m not sorry and I won’t go to my room.

Just an update on a few things that I know some of you have already been greatly helpful on; but because our Kickstarter fundraiser was doing notsa well (just 33% pledged with only a few days to go until all is lost) we’re changing horses to CROWDFUNDER who seem lovely people, but more pertinently, WILL allow us to add a charity objective into our fundraise - which KICKSTARTER doesn’t allow. (I don’t know why).

So if you have generously pledged to buy the album without hearing it - (or checking its teeth) - or even more generously, paid a ridiculous amount to have lunch with me - or even more outrageously paid FIVE THOUSAND POUNDS to be credited as “Lead Executive Producer” - (which I know you haven’t because nobody has - yet!) - please would you KINDLY go to this link, in order to re-direct your pledge, and see my new, short video (3 mins):

https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/a-ukraine-symphony

Existing/old kickstarter pledges will definitely not be processed so there’s no need to cancel yours unless you feel unsafe about that. We wouldn’t have reached the Kickstarter target anyway, so nothing will be taken. In the new world of CROWDFUNDER, we will be paying 50% of profits (after recording and associated costs) - to Ukrainian charities. I’ll be going out to Kyiv to conduct the recording of the symphony.

COMPOSITION PROGRESS

I’ve now got to the halfway point in the composition. The first two movements are finished, and I’m beginning the third (slow) movement. The form of the piece is as follows:

1. Capriccio gioioso (A joyful caprice) - vivace leggiero.

[Life before the war]

2. Caotico bellicoso - (Chaotic/warlike)

[The nightmare of war]

3. Lento, reflessivo. (Slow, reflective) -tristezza e amore

[sadness and love]

4. Sperare con forza - (Hope and strength)

[An uplifting, spirited conclusion]

Here’s my favourite graphic created for my pitch video. No apologies that I used AI. I do believe AI is a very useful thing - even in art - if only we can get artists/musicians/designers etc paid properly for the source training of the AI. I’m helping to fight that battle currently, and there does seem to be light at the end of the tunnel.

Thanks for reading another BATTSTACK. If you think my symphony is a “Good Thing” please do pass on the link to your friends; all help, however small, will help us reach the target and get it recorded!

All the best

Mike