A Real Orchestra Makes All the Difference - A Side by Side Comparison.

I was always disappointed with my score from the game Baldur's Gate, the Dark Alliance II because Interplay Entertainment went Bankrupt while I was working on the project and defaulted on their end of our agreement.  What I had hoped to be a grand orchestral was limited to what I could do with my samples.  Having a live orchestra is always better!


Recently, I had the opportunity to re-record this cue with a small ensemble.  Having those brilliant players makes all the difference.  Here's the original for comparison:

Enjoy!  Let me know what you think.

Welcome to

Today I start my blog.  I am Craig Stuart Garfinkle, Composer, Producer, Director, Film Music Educator, and Surfer

What is it like to be a professional hyphenate? 

It makes for odd conversations:

“So tell me, what do you?" 

“That’s kind of difficult to say, really. What day are you asking about?” 


 “What do you mean, ‘what day.’ I just asked a simple question...”


 “I know it seems simple, but if I am really going to be honest in my answer, I have to consider the 
temporal nature of your...” 

“...the temporal nature? Listen, if we are going to fill out your unemployment form correctly, I just need to
 know, what was your last job description? It’s a simple question.” 

“One would think, wouldn’t they?"

I guess the best way to describe myself is with this video:  It's a song I wrote and produced entitled, "The Best Things in Life Set You Free."  It features my friend Eric Enzo on Lead vocal.  It features video I shot last summer with my Go Pro HD camera.

The hook to the song came to me while I was surfing in Malibu with my friends so it's only natural that I used my surfing video to illustrate the song.  I feel it sums up a great deal about who I am and what I want out of life.

Welcome to my blog - I hope to keep you entertained as I negotiate all my different creative endeavors, all of which will be shared here.   Welcome!

Sincerely,

Craig Stuart Garfinkle