works and recordings

By Jan Valendin

melodina (2009 - present)

Melodina is a software program that acts as a real time agent that can collaborate with a human musician (connected via a MIDI interface) so that together they produce improvised melody.
I developed Melodina as part of my Master's thesis (def. 2010, Masaryk University, Brno Czech Republic).

You can read more about the project here [pdf file].
Melodina is a module written in Borland Delphi using Tobybear's VST plugin template.
Download [zip file] the compiled dll VST module and try it out yourself (instructions are included in the package). Melodina's source code (Delphi 7.0 project) is here.
If you have any questions, suggestions or comments, feel free to email the author at valendin [at_sign] gmail [dot_sign] com

some rather crude example mp3 recordings of Melodina
(everything was recorded live without any edits)

Here in the first batch of samples the accompaniment loop was recorded without the melody first and the solo was improvised on top of it later using Melodina playing though a VST instrument module.
example 1
example 2
example 3
example 4
example 5

This next sample is 2 different instruments exchanging pieces between themselves over a prerecorded loop.
I start the solo playing through a regular software instrument, then switch to Melodina (using a slightly different sound),
go back to the regular one, back to Melodina and so forth.
example 6

Next is just me playing (around with) Melodina on top of a rhythm track (Melodina only solo).
example 7

VSTunel (2006)

This simple VST Midi module was part of my Bachelor's thesis. It is a simplified GUI for easy control of various parameters of the connected software synthesizer.
To read more about the module, click here [pdf file].
To download the module only, click this link. [zip file]
To download the source code (Delphi 7.0 project) click here. [zip file]

grapefruit (2002 - 2008)

Please visit the band site for music samples.
Go to our YouTube channel for live videos.

miscellaneous (2004 - 2009)

In these next two songs the rhythm was programmed using BOSS 1600 digital recorder. All tracks have been recorded live by me on the Alesis QS7 keyboard.
Prvni (Grapefruit, 2004) features Jakub Gerza on guitar.
Beltane (2004) was my entry for a school electronic music contest.

The next song is a document from an era when I discovered loops and samples, made completely in Steinberg Cubase
Sisters (2005) featuring Milos Mrlik on electric and acoustic guitar and Radek Postava on bass.

The next few songs were recorded with personnel from Grapefruit before being heavily overdubbed, edited and otherwise post-produced by me.
Cloud City (Grapefruit, 2005) featuring VST synths (lead, flute, solo, percussion)
Children Rhapsody (Grapefruit, 2006) featuring VST synths (flute, percussion, lead, acoustic piano)
Follow Me (Metheny/Mays, 2006) featuring VST synths (lead, organ, Rhodes, acoustic piano, pad)

This next song was recorded track by track with the Grapefruit members, with many samples and VST overdubs added afterwards.
Cloud City (Easter remix, Grapefruit, 2007) featuring Vitek Rokyta on guitar

The next song is a development of an idea Radek Postava had, all VST instruments.
Recognition (2008)

CR Night is a demo I did based on Jakub Marvan's theme, all VST instruments, sampled trumpet, sax and guitar solo's.
CR Night (2008)

Next little thing was inspired by the Chinese-sounding synth, I don't know what else to tell you. VST instruments only.
Geese (2008)

Next are two ideas I recorded during practice on acoustic piano.
Prvni (2009)
Druha (2009)

This little piece was recorded in Nottingham.
MJ Notts (2009) features VST instruments only