Friendship Bridge

Mark_Kostora wrote on 7/22/2026, 6:46 PM
43
Tags: Other, People, Events & Concerts, Music videos
Width: 720
Height: 480
Duration: 04:46
Format: mp4

Greetings Magix community,

This is a remaster of a track I created, performed, and produced in 2023. I wanted to get a sense of what it would be like to perform with a large rock band live. This track has sounds that represent many instruments ... 3 acoustical guitars, 3 (electric) guitars, 3 Hammond organs (with Leslie speakers), a flute, a contra base, a Steinway grand piano, a PPG 2.2 wave synth (the German community members might especially enjoy this instrument here)., a small group chorus, and a Solina Ensemble string synth.

Over a few weeks in 2023 I had comp(ed) and performed each instrument with the idea of experiencing what it would be like improvising a planned melody working together in a band in a live performance. Of course each instrument was experiencing the sound of the other instruments during the performance and putting it all together. I don't think I would ever play live in a performance ... but just in the comfort and quiet of my own little studio but I get the idea - lol.

The setting of this track is meant to be a Peace rock music festival concert performing in the early 1980s. Of course each instrument synthesized on this track is a vintage instrument nowadays. And the intended band was improvising sounds that may be similar to works in the 60s 70s, and 80s.

Friendship Bridge (P) 2023 Mark Kostora ... Specially remastered for the Magix community 2026

I had created and produced an awesome video version of this track but was not able to upload it to Magix due to some problems uploading tracks to Magix. I am making an attempt now to finally upload the video version.

Attribution required for some of the video images ...

Leslie plate and rotating speaker half moon switch
By eyeliam from Portland, United States - https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Leslie_21H_plate_(Supernatural).jpg, CC BY 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=28191285
By eyeliam from Portland, United States - IMG_6636Uploaded by shoulder-synth, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7640619

Hammond B3 with Leslie 122
By Salli, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2852669

Solina string synth
By MFbay - Own work, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5984712

PPG
By PPG_WAVE_2.2_(angled).jpg: John R. Southernderivative work: Shoulder-synth (talk) - PPG_WAVE_2.2_(angled).jpg, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=14545748

Steinway concert grand piano
By Mypouss from Rennes, France - Steinway à Leipzig, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17873429

Sound mixing at concert
By Henryk Kotowski - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=16887069

My best musical wishes ...

Mark ;)

Comments

Mark_Kostora wrote on 7/22/2026, 6:48 PM

Looks like the video version has finally loaded!

Mark ;)

Jinty wrote on 7/22/2026, 10:32 PM

Hello Mark,

It's a Very beautiful Track and a great video, you've done an Excellent job creating them!!!!!!!!!!!

All the best,

Jinty....

Hans-Siba wrote on 7/23/2026, 1:05 AM

HALLO MARK EIN EXZELLENTES MUSIC VIDEO PERFECT

franco-galateo wrote on 7/23/2026, 4:22 AM

interesting idea compositional.. good sound.very well

Franco

Heikki-HJM wrote on 7/23/2026, 1:00 PM

Excellent production Mark, very good job with instruments and sound quality 💯💯👍👍

Vio-Project wrote on 7/24/2026, 9:30 AM

Wow, there are so many instruments involved! And they all play together in perfect harmony! A truly brilliant production, Mark! The video is top-notch, too, and fits the music perfectly! 💯💯💯💯💯👏👏👏👏👏👍👍👍👍👍💯💯💯💯💯👌👌👌👌👌👑👑👑👑👑💯💯💯💯💯

Stay healthy, see you soon, and best regards from Sylvio. 😎

Paulo.Costa wrote on 7/25/2026, 1:27 AM

Hi Mark, my friend. I simply loved this wonderful song of yours. Many good things will come, God willing... all the best to you.

 

 

Philip-J wrote on 7/25/2026, 8:03 AM

Track Review: "Friendship Bridge"

Friendship Bridge is a delightfully unpredictable and eclectic sonic journey that truly lives up to its name. The piece opens with delicate, stringed-sounding instruments in the introduction before quickly giving way to a warm Leslie organ, establishing a lively, country-carnivalesque rhythm that sets an immediate tone of fun and spontaneity.

The arrangement is packed with surprising twists and turns. A playful flute and bass solo soon makes an appearance, followed by a somewhat sinister harpsichord sound that adds an intriguing edge to the mix. While this first section leans into a delightfully chaotic and experimental energy, it eventually resolves into a brief, more traditional second section that brings a sense of balance.

Throughout the piece, the overriding feeling is that of a live band happily jamming together in the same room. The sheer variety of instruments for this hypothetical ensemble are remarkably well represented, showcasing a rich sonic palette.

Ultimately, the track succeeds wonderfully in conveying its underlying message: that music serves as a true bridge to friendship, bringing disparate sounds and styles together in harmony. A creative, expressive, and engaging piece of work—well played!

The well selected visuals hold the viewer's attention and go well with the music.

Mark_Kostora wrote on 7/25/2026, 3:16 PM

@Philip-J

Thank you Philip,

It did take me a few weeks to complete this track and later making this music video. I played layer over layer in such a way that I could play and improvise with the other 'virtual band members' during the gig. I do have to say I did it all on the keyboard at home which is the way I create and play most comfortably. Though I have excellent sample libraries for just about any instrument. Some of my sample libraries have lots of information on how and where the instruments were sampled and even pictures of the actual sampled instruments and who was playing at the sample session. Of course as you know I am a 'keyboard man' though I love the sounds of all the instruments, especially ancient or vintage instruments.

I hope that peace music festivals will always stay with us and those attending and performing can do so in peace, safety, comfort, and enjoyment. I did virtual music concerts at home during the covid period and times of war and social unrest. All us older folks here can remember the importance of enjoying music festivals or listening on the radio.

Best Wishes,

Mark ;)