Composition Contest #1

Sorry for not being here in a while guys.. but I've had other things to do. Fear not, I'm here now. I've decided to start up a composition contest due to many requests, and the theme will be:

Spring

Spring is the beginning of something new. The snow melts away, the cold fades and it's often a very symbolic season for many people. There will be no picture to compose to (as requested also..), since I believe this theme will be better up for a free interpretation of spring for the composer.

Rules

No lenght restriction
No intstrument restriction
The composition must connect to the theme of spring in some way, and it's up to the voters to decide if it is connected enough to deserve a vote. Remember, it's not just how good the actual composition is, a good weight of the vote should be about the feeling of springtime.

Important

This time, I want you all to include a brief text document (or you could just write it on your submission post) which describes how this composition reminds you of spring. Kind of a "composer's thoughts" type of letter for the public to see when voting. It could be about your choice of instruments, your choice of mood, or anything like that. This description is important because I want the voters to vote for both factors this contest: The composition itself, and its connection to springtime.

The entries will be judged in a voting poll as usual. Use this thread for questions and submissions - Do not PM me. This thread will close April 26th, a month from now. Please use this template for submitting:

Name:
Title:
Description: (or you could attach a text document, that's up to you)

Suggestions:
1. There should be a minimum length - around 2:00.
2. Relying on public polls is a terrible - vulnerable to tamperment. People could register multiple accounts and vote themselves. Perhaps 30% polls and 70% actual judges?
3. I prefer having a picture because Spring can emit too many emotions. And how can we compare if all of our compositions don't have a similar idea.

PS. I'm horribly tired so I can barely think ._. So, please tell me if the above doesn't make any sense =/

i agree with all the statements except the music length. >.< It wont be fair to those who love to make long winded music. =p

He did say MINIMUM of 2:00. If you're long winded, that's not a problem.

opsy. my mistake. ehehhe. Didnt see the word minimum. :blush:

I DO NOT agre with the picture rule. We should not be limited to a cage of a simplified picture capturing something in that un-changing instant.

As said in Noir7's rules, have a text document supplying what makes the emotion of spring out. Not saying you can't relate something to a picture though, just not being judged on that.

*People can have different interpretations of a picture as well remember*

EDIT : And how are we similar with or without? Neither, as I said, we'll think of a picture differently-sensing a scorings ones feelings is self-esteem judging as well, judge it on what the composer says in his statement, not a given picture.

There are no lenght barriers, no picture to compose to (if you want to use a picture then fine, by all means..) and I somewhat agree that polls are inaccurate, but if we want a judge, I want him to be completely anonymous and talk to me about it. Then we'll see.. but that's a month from now, just stick to the rules for now =P

What if we had a registration of willing participants to a designated secretary via E-Mail or PM.

That way we don't get 50,000 or 3 compositions.

It would save time and it would make sure that all compositions are looked at.

Plus if that secretary wanted to go the whole 9 yards s/he could warn the registered composers when the due date was coming.

What do you all think?

I think a few judges would help in balancing the rating process some more ( though a 70/30 split seems too much - 60/40 or even 50/50 would seem more appropriate to me). Now is this going to be scored by points, or just simply ranked?

I don't think we need any kind of "registration." We didn't need it for CMA, after all.

Hmm.. What if you are writing Multiple Preludes then? That's kind of more than one composition in a sense of the word.

Registration is good... it'll help organize and detail out what we're looking at. There should be a deadline for registration. A week from now?

And multiple preludes? Like movements of a symphony? One movement only - That's one piece. Unless you are somehow able to connect the pieces (with direction of course).

But who will be the judges? Not a lot of people visit the Music Forum so let's advertise. =P

And about the picture, how about a vote?

No! Grrrr!!! Why registration?

Just say that you're competiting in this thread. Done.

... lazy bum >.>

:\ I just like my freedom. Sorry, I just am going to be really busy the next month getting ready for my AP European History test (my teacher gives us about 3 times as much work as the teacher at the other High School that I was SUPPOSED to go to). I just don't want anyone to get mad if something happens and I can't make it by the deadline.:think:

same as me. Kinda bz these few weeks. Assignments and final year project. sigh..... T_T

And multiple preludes? Like movements of a symphony? One movement only - That's one piece. Unless you are somehow able to connect the pieces (with direction of course).

No, not like movments. Look up, "Chopin - 24 Preludes, Op. 28"

Notice, it's mainly all one piece, you would not play a few of them at a concert. Otherwise, it isn't going to be 24 of them-you can count on that. (5-6 maybe)

EDIT - Anyway, I'm working on something that has a few themes that I have has with me for months on end now.

I'd say just concentrate on one, and make that sound as good as possible.

Registration is good... it'll help organize and detail out what we're looking at. There should be a deadline for registration. A week from now?
No


But who will be the judges? =P You're not supposed to know.



And about the picture, how about a vote?
How about actually realising this is a rules thread, and everything the contestants have to worry about is composing - not adding additional crap to it. You guys seem to be all about the voting outcome rather than concentrating on the actual subject.. Just let the voting thing GO

Who knows? I might find two anonymous judges for the voting, or I might just add a normal poll like we used to. Yes, forum polls may be inaccurate sometimes if some pinhead decides to cheat, but hey.. if he or she is in dire need of cheating to win, just let that weak person get his or her 'victory'. I will set up a poll so that we may see who voted for who, if the paranoia rises to such limits.

For now, please just read the rules and don't worry about the voting as it is none of your concern.

Thank j00 :P

Like when I voted for myself :blush:

Name: One_Winged
Title: Growth
Description:
I thought for a while about what the esence of is spring could and I came to the conclusion that it must be growth and warmth, hence the name. I chose a fast 3/4 because of its bouncy feel and its connection to celtic music wich is the most lively music I know of. what you hear in the begining is the melting of the snow,stuff slowly coming to life.
The world warming up and then the eruption of life. It then mellows out into summer wich is not important right now...:P

picture a seed lying under a blanket of snow at first, and then the sun peering through and ultimately peeling away the blanket.


if I´m not allowed to post it this early on, I´m sorry.

Same, I do not know if I should post this now or not, but I will anyway. Here is also my extensive layout of what the different "Parts" offer to the day of perfect Spring...

Name ~
Maestro
Title ~
Fantasy in A Flat Major
"Fantaisie de Printemps" (Fantasy of Spring)
Composed & Played by Seth King-Gengler
Description ~
This fantasy that I have written not only for the beginning and coming of Spring, but is also entered in the contest for Best Composition Inspiring Spring. Below are the main ideas and ways I pulled the delights, childlessness, fun, romance and passion into this fantasia. It is simply called, Fantaisie de Printemps or Fantasy of Spring.

- Introduction (0:01 - 0:25)

The main notes that are being played, are to represent a family-or a person-waking up on a fine new day of a warm new spring day. All seems to be quiet and frail, but nothing is to be expected our of the ordaniary-just a plain, loving and warm-like day. Everyone is compassionate, just as the weather. (A nice slow sounding melody, which turns to harmony, makes an easy calming and awakening feeling.)

- Part I "Introduction" (0:26 - 1:09)

Animals and humans alike are all outside gazing at the blue spring sky, the green spring grass and breathing the fresh-new spring air. Everyone is feeling peaceful of the glorious sunny and short breezy spring day. (This "introduction to theme" is what makes the expierence of the feeling come alive with the tied triplet and easy chords throughout the piece.)

- Part II "Introduction-Theme" (1:10 - 1:39)

Chrildren and wildlife around them are chasing around and playing with each other in silly ways of peace and a loving nature. No one is hurt or sad from the inspiried weather and emotional feel of the loving and funny of folly care from spring. (The little jumps there and aware makes a playful type of feeling.)

- Part III "Main Theme" (1:40 - 2:37)

"Main Theme" is introduced, and compassion and emotional-felt love it being felt in the air and cycles of love and life. Some hesitation comes at a point (in piece, fermata of rest spreads apart some hesitation) of love, then continues on in the cool, breezy spring afternoon.

- Part IV "Early Dinner and Chat" (2:38 - 2:59)

A little more playing of people having a dinner and going out on a nice early nightnight for food and drinks makes a little drop of drama come to the piece. (As the minor and chord progression comes in, this is what is to be called dining with others or just having a humored and mature kind of feel.)

- Part V "Transition to Sunset" (3:00 - 4:12)

This transition part represents the day coming to a lovely and romantic sunset. As people gather to the different feelings of the spring sky and air above them all. (This is a more drifting part of the piece, with just some powerful chords and counds in it as well.)

- Part VI "Thoughts of What is Next" (4:14 - 4:29)

Though this next part is quiet short, it shows what people are thinking about in this loving atmoshpere of love, compassion, soft-adreniline and other unexplained-sensations. (Like the last Part (5/V), this is another transition, but has a different feel in the piece from it. It is more mental, mystic and personal with emotion in the pianists mind.)

- Part VII "Recap of Everyone" (4:30 - 4:59)

Another deep section in which people recap their day, and go over thoughts of how well spring really is. Then, do people fool around in the nature singing funny songs with each other next? (This needs to be played very delicately and lovingly with passion in this section.)

- Part VIII "Night Fun" (5:00 - 5:33)

People shuffling about in the cool, and dark spring night; people seem to have a fun feeling to chat and play around ourside under the sping-lightened stars, and people laugh to giggle to laugh some more. (This part is a more amaetuer to almost a little child sitting down and playing notes with a weird "lineup" of notes-since they are not all lined up in a little excerpt. Must be played with a nice stacatto represeting cute laughter. inspiried by spring and its powers of fun!)

- Part IX "Sleep of Spring's Night-Finale" (5:34 - 6:33)

No on has beaten the power of Spring's Sleeping nature of calmness and expecially of all-Love. (This part needs to be explained to as emotional as a soft Spring Late Night-Air so pure with wind and as the Sandman gazes sleep into eyes of ones of all ages. This is one beautiful finale to such a soft and rough piece of what is defined-Spring.)

NOTE ~ This is a RE-ENTRY for my song. It is now an mp3 and a short size (due to re-reading of regulations). Please accept it better than it was before. There were ABSOLUTELY NO EDITS DONE TO THE MSUICAL PART OF IT, JUST TECHNICAL! Please, and thank-you, for letting me edit my entry's regulations ~ Maestro

Lol. Woah... when did you guys compose that? 2 months ago?

>.>

PS. So unorganized ._.;; Oh wells.

Lol. Woah... when did you guys compose that? 2 months ago?

>.>

PS. So unorganized ._.;; Oh wells.

Do you know what a fantasia is? Obviously, after reading this post, you don't.

Of course you're allowed to post your songs, keep 'em coming.

Lol. Woah... when did you guys compose that? 2 months ago?
.
If you were talking to me...
nope the just the other night in a moment of boredom.

let me get this straight... thats a 7 minute improvisation, right?

lol, our two songs are absolute nightmares for people with absolute pitch...

If that is impovisation, that's one hell of a job.

@Sepharite
If you thought that was unorganized, let's see what you got.

Do you know what a fantasia is? Obviously, after reading this post, you don't.

Nope, I wasn't talking about you - but the competition. But fine, you too, if that makes you happier :huh: Yours was alright -- common chords (V-I), the melody was pretty improved and a little disorganized, I thought. But oh well, still good, I guess =S

If that is impovisation, that's one hell of a job.

@Sepharite
If you thought that was unorganized, let's see what you got.

Well, most of my piece was an improvisation, just had some "guidelines" I composed for it.

EDIT - @Seph - Ok, dude I will explain what a Fantasy/Fantasia is. A piece with no form AT ALL. Just like anything goes. There is no ABCAD etc, it's just -. That's all a fantasia is.

Well, most of my piece was an improvisation, just had some "guidelines" I composed for it.

EDIT - @Seph - Ok, dude I will explain what a Fantasy/Fantasia is. A piece with no form AT ALL. Just like anything goes. There is no ABCAD etc, it's just -. That's all a fantasia is.

A Fantasia is another word for Random. Yes, thank you for clearing that up. <_< But anyways, I wasn't talking the form that was random -- the melody. Duh? :huh:

Ok, I'll give this a shot, why not...

Song: A Spring Shower
Composed by W. C. Schleicher

This song is my first true original composition. After reading the rules to this composition I sat back in my seat to think for a little bit. What does spring mean to me and how do I interpret spring? It then began to rain and the idea shot into my head. Hey, spring showers, there always off and on, and they can be some of the most intense rains of the year. So I got to work to write my piece about a spring thunder storm. I broke my composition into four movements, The Lull Before The Storm, The Thunderstorm, Parting of the Heavens, and Awaken All The World. So the mood goes from the calm just before the storm, to the chaos during the storm, and peacefulness and growth after the storm. Enjoy!

dang...

stupid dial up...

why couldnt i see this ealier i want to compose =P

but i suck anyways

so it wouldnt matter

hahaha

i'm still downloading fantasyofspring thing then i want to look at a spring shower :D

^There's still plenty of time to submit. You have until April 26th.

hahaha... seriously i suck... my compositions...

wait...

i just cant play or compose music...

BUT I LOVE TO DO IT

no matter how bad i am... but this week at my school is H***

i have like 5 hours of hw set before me now...

and this isnt even college...

*sigh

ill try to compose music while doing my hw..

(honestly i wont do my hw... so that i can compose :D)

hahaha finally finished maestro's songs...

GOD DANG SO LONG MAN!!!!

took me FOREVER!!!!!

but damn...

Kudos... Kudos...

i just kept listening to it over and over again,

and it just... sort of drifted over me,

man it was just... powerful, yet delicate and simple.

the feelings overwhelmed me too....

i could totally grasp what he was conveying,
man... :D

ME <3 simple, light, delicate, powerful music.

VERY hard to find, in which i really like.

and maestro did it :D

great job... great job

@SaNtA - I am very, very glad that you liked that! Thank you so much for the comments you gave. I am happy that someone actually likes my piece!

Dont thank me, im still listening to it... lol

listening to part I right now...

:D

o.o Wow. A fan of one of my songs. Thank-you oh so much kindly man. (Though I think this topic might be spam-proned now. Still thanks. :lol: )

I don't really have time to work on my piece anymore, so I decided to just take the first section and expand on it some more, though it's still pretty rough around the edges. But here it is anyways:

OGGme (http://www.allacrost.org/staff/user/shizeet/Playfully_Spring.ogg)

Edit: Here's a description -

Equinox Overture -

Essentially, the piece starts as does natural life starts blossoming anew in to prelude to spring. The music starts off very subdued but grows and grows in almost tangled manner, as representative of this symbiosis creationism (I don't have a score present, but there are a lot of interrelated motifs and whatnot that are used in this section). Then, the music mellows out to a more steady section, to sort of indicate the steady state reached in the equinox - however, this is peace is soon interrupted as we head closer to summer, with the coming of the first thunderstorm. It starts off with only a few drizzles and thunder (as representated by the clarinet solo and orchestral "hits"), but gradually escalates into a full blown tempest - and again, the idea of growth from the first section is adapted, but at a much more frantic pace until the storm finally starts dying down, and summer comes (if you listen to the "full" version of this piece in my thread, the summer section begins with the marimba solo after the fall section altogther).

Edit 2: Added a half-assed GM version for those interested in looking into it deeper, or due to lack of Broadband *cough*Dawnstorm*cough :P. The instrumentation isn't originally GM, though, so some of the percussion is a bit off (different instruments than intended on channel 10, timpani range skewed as well as missing timpani rolls). Also, I used the solo string patches instead of the ensemble as I kind of intend this to be performed by a chamber orchestra (though some of the orchestration is probably unplayble :P).

Maestrosetti

Composition: "Forest, Awaken!"

Description: I was inspired to write this only a week ago when it was finally warm and all the snow had melted. I took a walk through my woods, collected clay from a stream, and really embraced the wonder that is nature. Every year I have this wonderful experience, to feel the pure energy and exhileration of Spring. That was my inspiritation to write this piece, to dedicate it to all the life that at last emerges after winter is finally over. I hope you all enjoy it. Although it was a little rushed...

lol, our two songs are absolute nightmares for people with absolute pitch...

Just noticed this...

Um, no they aren't. If you knew a person that had absolute pitch, they wouldn't think anything of it.

Uh... I guess I'll enter. :think:

Resurrection ~ What Lies Beyond

At first, all is somewhat still, as nature is getting prepared for what lies beyond... Then, the snow begins to melt and be "shaken" off by the trees and their rejunevating limbs. Alas, all begins to flower and blossom into life. The animals come out; the flowers start to show off their vivid colors. In the end, everything settles for the beginning of something new... Spring has come.

I hope my song is enjoyed. :heh:

If you already answered this question and I missed it while I read over this, please yell at me, but is it ok if our songs are in the finale notepad MUS format? >.< that's the only format I have.

-Brittany-

I'm afraid not - a .mus file is welcome, although a MIDI, Wave or Mp3 is required to participate. This is because all of the voters/judges must be able to listen to the composition.

I think it's probably preferred to have a .mid. You can send it to me, if you want, via email, and I'll convert it to .mid or .mp3 for you.

Wow, you can do that?! Even with finale notepad?! You can find a way to make it MP3?! Oh wow! Can you share with me how? ^-^ I've been trying for a very long time..but I've had to luck (;_; ) That is very nice of you to offer to convert it for me ^-^ I would hate to bother you with all that, but if you don't know of a way I could do it on my own, I would love that! ^-^

-Brittany-

What he does is open your MUS file in the real Finale, which you made with Notepad, and uses the magic of Finale to turn it into an mp3.

What he does is open your MUS file in the real Finale, which you made with Notepad, and uses the magic of Finale to turn it into an mp3.

Smart ass, lol.

Hmm, the magic of Save As or something (I am guessing)?

That's the second time this month somebody's called me a smartass on this forum. I guess I am one. Oh well.

Actually, it's "Save Special." But hey, "C is for cookie, and that's good enough for me."

i am entering.. but because of all the discussion at the start of the thread i am really confused as to what im meant to be doing now?

am i right in assuming everything but Noir's original post should be ignored?


edit: never mind.. ive made sense of stuff myself now :P

26th april right?

other edit: im practising like hell for a concert at the moment, so may not get it done in time... but will try... take it as im entering for now

Check my post of my entry. It has been "revised." It is now a .mp3 file and one ONE file as well. Please check! Check here: http://forums.ichigos.com/showpost.php?p=232895&postcount=22 . Thank you! (http://forums.ichigos.com/showpost.php?p=232895&postcount=22)

Woah, sorry, I forgot I offered to do that. Yes, anyone with Finale 2006 and I think 2005 can do that. It only works well for orchestral instruments, though. And I can't really convert drums...

We have a lot of participants ^^; Just wanted to remind everybody that there's a week left for ya. *Wonders if I should submit an old spring compo of mine :think:*

By a week, you do mean 5 days, and not 7, correct?

By that, he means April 26 =P

Okay, here we go.

Name: Ian McDougal
Title: Sonata for All Seasons - Spring
Description: This song was written to first, transition from winter to spring, then after that transition into "April Showers," then to move into the warmer, greener feel of May. It sort of changes styles in each section. For example, the last section seems more classical era, while the first two sections are more modern.

Overall, sounds good. Some parts didn't make me think of spring (most of it) but the last part (as you classify as a classical era styled part) sounds very familiair from a Beethoven Sonata, but it might just sound really close to it.

Sounds good.. some good compotition so far...

So I decided to throw my hat in with an old compo of mine.

manoshikan interlude

The melancholy beginning speaks for itself really, it's supposed to be about rain and coldness (Swedish winters ftw...). Almost halfway through the song, the bitter melody stops, and the warm brass (spring) takes over the melody from minor to major. At 00:45 the climax arrives, and it's supposed to be the moment when the clouds scatter, and the sun shines brightly through them, celebrating its victory over coldness and darkness. The sweet triumph is short though. As we least expect it, the clouds will come back and consume us.

Instruments:

Oboe - I tried to use this as symbol for darkness and cold. Something shivering.
Brass/Choir/Strings - This is what for me symbolises the spring, warmth and well-being.

These two types of instruments are in constant battle. Spring for me isn't all about excitement and happiness. I bet my composition is the only one which starts in minor, and ends in minor =P

2 days from the deadline. There will be no poll this time, two anonymous judges were hand-picked to rate each entry from a scale from 1,0-10, 10 being the highest. They will judge the compositions by music, and its relationship to spring. Also, they will leave brief reviews of each piece. The score from both two judges (who don't know eachother :D) will then be added, and the one with the highest total score will be this month's winner.

When you say 1,0, are you saying 1.0, (since Europeans write it differently)?

...yes

O.o

sorry... im pulling out... have a concert weekend after next so have been practising like hell... no time to compose...

Closed =] The new thread with the results (made by the judges) will be up once I get all the scores from them.