Malach Angel Messenger, from Warlords of Draenor, the Full Story

"Malach, Angel Messenger"

from "World of Warcraft, Warlords of Draenor"

by Eimear Noone

Featuring Malukah

In concert, the final crowd created video.

Click the image to watch on YouTube

Today is May 16th, 2015 and I have just finished uploading the final video for our crowd created version of "Malach, Angel Messenger," from "World of Warcraft, Warlords of Draenor."  It's been quite a journey.

Back in October of 2014, Eímear and I embarked on a journey which became the first Dublin International Game Music Festival (iDIG Music Fest).  As part of that project, we decided to include in our headlining Video Games Live show, a specially performed composition, one in which musicians from all over the world could participate.  

We chose Eimear's "Malach, Angel Messenger."  I'll let Eímear tell her own story of how and why she originally composed the composition.  For me, it's simply one of my favorite pieces of music - regardless of the special place it holds in my heart.

For the next six months I sent out countless copies of guide tracks and individual parts to musician's all over the world, cajoling them into videotaping themselves performing their individual part while listening to the guide track.  I eventually received 128 different files from over 40 musicians (many sending multiple videos).

To those friends who did not get around to performing this time, I forgive you!  The piece is an absolute tour de force and I know how hard creating a video is.  Just make it up to me next year!

On March 4th, with our April 4th concert looming, I started the process of cataloging, synchronizing, remixing and editing all the parts I received.  Working around the clock for three weeks, I finally got through the first minute and a half when I realized at this pace, and with all my other responsibilities I had for the iDIG Music Fest, I was not going to make the concert without help.  I was lucky that my friend Russell Cooley joined in the process and the first incarnation of the video was ready by the concert.

Post concert, after giving myself a week to recover, I eventually opened up the edit file with my goal of creating the final version for release.  Creating the final mix and edit was truly an emotional and exhausting journey.  I was also frustrated that I didn't have more video from the audience perspective during the live performance that showed the size and scope of the orchestra.   Still, I am so proud to finally present the result to the world.

“Malach, Angel Messenger”

Eímear Noone, composer and conductor

from:

World of Warcraft; Warlords of Draenor

featuring:

Malukah

The National Youth Orchestra Ireland

Members of: The Maynooth University & Enchiriadis Chamber Choirs

Michael Dawson, choir master

as performed at:

The Dublin International Game Music Festival (iDIG Music Fest)

with Video Games Live

And a World-Wide Crowd Orchestra

video directed, and produced by

Craig Stuart Garfinkle

edited by

Craig Stuart Garfinkle

Russell Cooley

music produced and mixed by

Craig Stuart Garfinkle

orchestrated by

Eimear Noone and Bill Liston

written for and dedicated to:
Aaron Padraic Noone Garfinkle

April 12th, 2012

crowd orchestra:

violins:

Yejin Han,

Chris Ferrara

Jacob Roege

Andrew Steffen

Emer Kinsella

Margaret Strong

Karen O'Doherty

viola:

Stanley Beckwith

Andrew Steffen

cello:

Chad Schwartz

bass:

Andrew Steffen

Nate Kalnitz (electric)

woodwinds:

Christopher Bleth, duduk

Ilias Siafakas, clarinet

brass:

Rick Todd, horn

John MacKay, horn

Matt Watters Trombone 1st, 2nd and bass trombone

Matthew Langford, tuba

percussion:

Mark Scholl, timpani, war toms, djembe, 

cymbals, gran casa, and taikos

Heleen Langweng, bass drum

Eamonn Noone, drum programming

Craig Stuart Garfinkle, drum programming

harp:

Stephanie Bennett

voices:

Malukah, Sopranos and altos

Alexandra Borden, altos

Andrew Edwards, tenor and basses

Eimear Noone, chants

guitars:

Joe Pignato

keyboards:

Olivier Amadei, harp, english horn, strings and organ

Len J J Cheung, harp, and strings

Sara VanLaningham, Piano

special thanks!

Russell Brower, Jay Maguire and our brilliant colleagues at Blizzard Entertainment

Tommy Tallarico and the Video Games Live crew
Roma Downey - for your inspiration
Carol-Ann McKenna, Gearoid Grant, and the staff and musicians of  The National Youth Orchestra of Ireland

Paddy Duffy, Chris Rooke and the staff of the iDIG Music Fest

Emer Relihan, Edel Malone, Conor O’Connor and the brilliant team at Convention Centre Dublin

Malukah, you're simply a legend

Chris Bleth, duduk master

Frank McNamara, Theresa Lowe and JJ McNamara for your constant support and encouragement
Malukah, you're simply a legend

Chris Bleth, duduk master

Brighid McCaul and our friends at "The Herald"

The team at Spin 103.8 FM, Kathryn Ryan, Clara McGinley, and Jamie Crawford

Eamonn Noone - for your rockin' percussion parts

Russell Cooley for saving the day with your last minute iDIG Music Fest help

To our global YouTube orchestra members - you gave your time and talent with such good hearts
Rabbi Judith HaLevy for your wisdom and guidance

Mary None, for being there when we really needed you...

written for and dedicated to:
Aaron Padraic Noone Garfinkle
April 12th, 2012