Noir7
May 4th, 2006, 10:22 am
I'd just like to thank all the participants on the behalf of myself and the judges for a great competition!
Scores Judge #1
One_Winged's "Growth"
Your initial description was very fitting with the music. I did indeed feel the snow melt away and the world warming up. This was very well done, and I was impressed with your interpretation and use of celtic music. However, I didn't feel the 'eruption of life' you spoke of. The piece simply warmed up and continued growing the whole way through without moving on to the celebration of spring. Instead, it mellowed out into summer, a section which I felt was the weakest out of your entire piece. Other than that, I enjoyed your song, and I can see great potential in it.
Rating: 7.5/10
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Maestro's "Fantasy in Ab Major - Fantaisie de Printemps"
Introduction: If only I could wake up feeling like this! Part I: You gave us a good sense of the people slowly getting on with their day. Part II: The chords are starting to become repetitive, but I guess it's in keeping with the introduction. The brief dissonant passage in the upper register didn't fit in my opinion. Part III: I had expected the chords to go away by now, but unfortunately they didn't. They distract from the melody with their droning. At least I felt the compassion and love in this passage. Part IV: Nice change in setting, and much needed too at this point. Part V: The drifting and the modulations (not the repetitive chords themselves) were great. Part VI: Good building of tension. Part VII: Thanks for the change in accompaniment. This section was well done, although I wish it was longer so that the people in the piece would have more time to recap. Plus, I had anticipated and hoped that you would bring back previous themes, a recap in the true sense. A fantasy doesn't mean you're not allowed allowed to repeat some themes, and in doing so, you can unify the whole thing. Part VIII: How unfortunate that the fun ended so soon! Part IX: The repetitive chords would have actually worked well here to finish off the piece, though what you had was just as fine. But you need a true climax, to distinguish it from the rest of the piece and to let the audience know that your piece is coming to an end.
Rating: 7.0/10
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PorscheGTIII/W. C. Schleicher's "A Spring Shower"
The Lull Before The Storm: Nice and peaceful. I liked how you added that moment of unrest, as if to suggest that not all is right. The Thunderstorm: Very exciting, I liked how you contrasted with the previous section by using the same melody. The next dissonant passage was the best in the entire piece, and it would have been nice if you extended it. Parting of the Heavens: You captured how suddenly the storm can come and how fast it can leave, well done with complex instrumentation. Awaken All The World: You need a better transition to this section, because there doesn't seem to be any connection between the two. But I'm glad you used the modified theme to end it off.
Rating: 7.5/10
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Shizeet's "Equinox Overture"
Oh my, I don't know what to say. I've long known you to be one of the best composers on this forum, and there is absolutely nothing I can suggest in terms of improvement for this piece. What you described in writing was exactly how the music sounded. Of note, the storm section left me in awe!
Rating: 9.5/10
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Maestrosetti's "Forest, Awaken!"
It's always wonderful for the composer to feel the personal connection to nature that will inspire him or her to write a piece. You thought it was rushed? Oh no, this sounded very complete and well thought-out with no loss of quality. However, the middle section felt out of place for me due to the overly-upbeat drums and the lack of a supportive bass. Other than that, I enjoyed this composition and the spring feeling. That introduction of yours was more than enough for the 'awakening'!
Rating: 8.5/10
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Marlon's "Resurrection ~ What Lies Beyond"
The motive you used throughout the composition as the accompaniment, although repetitive, was effectively used for establishing the rejuvenating feeling. My main complaints are the weakness of the melody/main theme, the drum line (which was not bad, but it could have been better), and the feeling of wanting more from you.
Rating: 7.5/10
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Deathsage/Ian McDougal's "Sonata for All Seasons - Spring"
What an interesting idea, relating the passage of seasons with the change in compositional styles. When I read that, I was unsure if it could be pulled off. Then as I listened, I was impressed with how well you handled it. Each part stood out on its own, and yet everything flowed together. Your skill in managing the transitions from section to section was what impressed me the most. However, I lost the feeling of spring from time to time, especially in the classical section.
Rating: 8.0/10
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Noir7's "Manoshikan Interlude"
I like your interpretation of the battle between the cold and the warmth, very fitting with spring time. Your orchestration is also appropriate to this end. But how dare you let spring lose! Anyway, the moment of light's triumph over the darkness was well-written, although bitter-sweet, seeing as how the somberness returned at the end. Now I understand it's an interlude, but it could have been longer to fully develop your ideas. Because I felt that you could have done much more in the return to the minor section and make it more complete.
Rating: 8.5/10
Scores Judge #2
"A Spring Shower"-- PorscheGTIII
It wasn't great to begin with, but looking at the MUS made me like this piece a lot less. I liked the idea of the piece, but the idea was better than the execution. It has some really poor counterpoint and orchestration. The best part was during the thunderstorm.
Rating: 4.5
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"Fantasy of Spring"--Maestro~
Maestro was wise in making this a fantasy--I prefer it to his more organized works. The piece would be pretty terrible without the text, though, and his sections could stand to be a little longer. My favorite part is definitely "night fun."
Rating: 7.0
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"Forest, Awaken!"--Maestrosetti
This is pretty cheesy, as the name lets on. It opens well, but then gets lost in itself. I don't like how he tries to tweak with minor scales. At times it sounds like Arab-Afro techno fusion. It's kind of confused. He has potential as a composer, but doesn't know how to organize his thoughts.
Rating: 6.5
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"Growth"--One_Winged
This is great mood music, but in terms of musicality, it's kind of lacking. It's great "furniture music."
Rating: 7.0
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"Manoshikan Interlude"--Noir7
I'm a sucker for the oboe. I like this piece. It's kind of the "Wasteland's" take on Spring--especially compared to all the sunshine and happiness on the thread. "April is the cruelest month...." I'm still not done listening to all the compositions, but this one has the most musical depth so far.
Rating: 7.5
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"Resurrection"--Marlon
I'm not really buying the spring connection. It sounds like he was already writing this piece, and just tacked the spring theme on. Speaking of that, I hate the text it's "set" to. The piece is juvenille, but not really bad.
Rating: 5.5
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"Sonata for All Seasons"--Deathraider
Wow. This is so much better than what Deathraider usually puts out. I really like the transitions. This piece and the "Manoshikan Interlude" win in terms of transitions. The opening is kind of weak, but once the "showers" come it gets really good. Yeah, and all around 1:30, it gets great until the resolution. I really want him to win because I think he grew a lot as a composer with this piece. It really felt inspired. I can tell he worked on it.
Rating: 8.0
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"Spring"--Shizeet
Ah, Shizeet. This is really impressive. REALLY impressive. The stuff around 2:00 just feels like you're swimming in it. His harmonies and orchestration are so modern and avant-guarde. I don't think this will be the most popular piece, but it's one of the most well done.
Rating: 7.5
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TOTAL SCORES
Shizeet: 17/20
Noir7: 16/20
deathraider: 16/20
Maestrosetti: 15/20
One_Winged: 14.5/20
Maestro: 14/20
Marlon: 13/20
PorscheGTIII: 12/20
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Thanks for a great contest ^^;, And congratulations to Shizeet for the win this month, and I hope we can do this again soon!
(I'm in a hurry right now, so I'll edit in links for the winning compositions so you all can listen to them if you didn't before)
/Over and out
Scores Judge #1
One_Winged's "Growth"
Your initial description was very fitting with the music. I did indeed feel the snow melt away and the world warming up. This was very well done, and I was impressed with your interpretation and use of celtic music. However, I didn't feel the 'eruption of life' you spoke of. The piece simply warmed up and continued growing the whole way through without moving on to the celebration of spring. Instead, it mellowed out into summer, a section which I felt was the weakest out of your entire piece. Other than that, I enjoyed your song, and I can see great potential in it.
Rating: 7.5/10
--------------------
Maestro's "Fantasy in Ab Major - Fantaisie de Printemps"
Introduction: If only I could wake up feeling like this! Part I: You gave us a good sense of the people slowly getting on with their day. Part II: The chords are starting to become repetitive, but I guess it's in keeping with the introduction. The brief dissonant passage in the upper register didn't fit in my opinion. Part III: I had expected the chords to go away by now, but unfortunately they didn't. They distract from the melody with their droning. At least I felt the compassion and love in this passage. Part IV: Nice change in setting, and much needed too at this point. Part V: The drifting and the modulations (not the repetitive chords themselves) were great. Part VI: Good building of tension. Part VII: Thanks for the change in accompaniment. This section was well done, although I wish it was longer so that the people in the piece would have more time to recap. Plus, I had anticipated and hoped that you would bring back previous themes, a recap in the true sense. A fantasy doesn't mean you're not allowed allowed to repeat some themes, and in doing so, you can unify the whole thing. Part VIII: How unfortunate that the fun ended so soon! Part IX: The repetitive chords would have actually worked well here to finish off the piece, though what you had was just as fine. But you need a true climax, to distinguish it from the rest of the piece and to let the audience know that your piece is coming to an end.
Rating: 7.0/10
--------------------
PorscheGTIII/W. C. Schleicher's "A Spring Shower"
The Lull Before The Storm: Nice and peaceful. I liked how you added that moment of unrest, as if to suggest that not all is right. The Thunderstorm: Very exciting, I liked how you contrasted with the previous section by using the same melody. The next dissonant passage was the best in the entire piece, and it would have been nice if you extended it. Parting of the Heavens: You captured how suddenly the storm can come and how fast it can leave, well done with complex instrumentation. Awaken All The World: You need a better transition to this section, because there doesn't seem to be any connection between the two. But I'm glad you used the modified theme to end it off.
Rating: 7.5/10
--------------------
Shizeet's "Equinox Overture"
Oh my, I don't know what to say. I've long known you to be one of the best composers on this forum, and there is absolutely nothing I can suggest in terms of improvement for this piece. What you described in writing was exactly how the music sounded. Of note, the storm section left me in awe!
Rating: 9.5/10
--------------------
Maestrosetti's "Forest, Awaken!"
It's always wonderful for the composer to feel the personal connection to nature that will inspire him or her to write a piece. You thought it was rushed? Oh no, this sounded very complete and well thought-out with no loss of quality. However, the middle section felt out of place for me due to the overly-upbeat drums and the lack of a supportive bass. Other than that, I enjoyed this composition and the spring feeling. That introduction of yours was more than enough for the 'awakening'!
Rating: 8.5/10
--------------------
Marlon's "Resurrection ~ What Lies Beyond"
The motive you used throughout the composition as the accompaniment, although repetitive, was effectively used for establishing the rejuvenating feeling. My main complaints are the weakness of the melody/main theme, the drum line (which was not bad, but it could have been better), and the feeling of wanting more from you.
Rating: 7.5/10
--------------------
Deathsage/Ian McDougal's "Sonata for All Seasons - Spring"
What an interesting idea, relating the passage of seasons with the change in compositional styles. When I read that, I was unsure if it could be pulled off. Then as I listened, I was impressed with how well you handled it. Each part stood out on its own, and yet everything flowed together. Your skill in managing the transitions from section to section was what impressed me the most. However, I lost the feeling of spring from time to time, especially in the classical section.
Rating: 8.0/10
--------------------
Noir7's "Manoshikan Interlude"
I like your interpretation of the battle between the cold and the warmth, very fitting with spring time. Your orchestration is also appropriate to this end. But how dare you let spring lose! Anyway, the moment of light's triumph over the darkness was well-written, although bitter-sweet, seeing as how the somberness returned at the end. Now I understand it's an interlude, but it could have been longer to fully develop your ideas. Because I felt that you could have done much more in the return to the minor section and make it more complete.
Rating: 8.5/10
Scores Judge #2
"A Spring Shower"-- PorscheGTIII
It wasn't great to begin with, but looking at the MUS made me like this piece a lot less. I liked the idea of the piece, but the idea was better than the execution. It has some really poor counterpoint and orchestration. The best part was during the thunderstorm.
Rating: 4.5
---------------------
"Fantasy of Spring"--Maestro~
Maestro was wise in making this a fantasy--I prefer it to his more organized works. The piece would be pretty terrible without the text, though, and his sections could stand to be a little longer. My favorite part is definitely "night fun."
Rating: 7.0
---------------------
"Forest, Awaken!"--Maestrosetti
This is pretty cheesy, as the name lets on. It opens well, but then gets lost in itself. I don't like how he tries to tweak with minor scales. At times it sounds like Arab-Afro techno fusion. It's kind of confused. He has potential as a composer, but doesn't know how to organize his thoughts.
Rating: 6.5
--------------------
"Growth"--One_Winged
This is great mood music, but in terms of musicality, it's kind of lacking. It's great "furniture music."
Rating: 7.0
--------------------
"Manoshikan Interlude"--Noir7
I'm a sucker for the oboe. I like this piece. It's kind of the "Wasteland's" take on Spring--especially compared to all the sunshine and happiness on the thread. "April is the cruelest month...." I'm still not done listening to all the compositions, but this one has the most musical depth so far.
Rating: 7.5
-------------------
"Resurrection"--Marlon
I'm not really buying the spring connection. It sounds like he was already writing this piece, and just tacked the spring theme on. Speaking of that, I hate the text it's "set" to. The piece is juvenille, but not really bad.
Rating: 5.5
-------------------
"Sonata for All Seasons"--Deathraider
Wow. This is so much better than what Deathraider usually puts out. I really like the transitions. This piece and the "Manoshikan Interlude" win in terms of transitions. The opening is kind of weak, but once the "showers" come it gets really good. Yeah, and all around 1:30, it gets great until the resolution. I really want him to win because I think he grew a lot as a composer with this piece. It really felt inspired. I can tell he worked on it.
Rating: 8.0
-------------------
"Spring"--Shizeet
Ah, Shizeet. This is really impressive. REALLY impressive. The stuff around 2:00 just feels like you're swimming in it. His harmonies and orchestration are so modern and avant-guarde. I don't think this will be the most popular piece, but it's one of the most well done.
Rating: 7.5
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TOTAL SCORES
Shizeet: 17/20
Noir7: 16/20
deathraider: 16/20
Maestrosetti: 15/20
One_Winged: 14.5/20
Maestro: 14/20
Marlon: 13/20
PorscheGTIII: 12/20
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Thanks for a great contest ^^;, And congratulations to Shizeet for the win this month, and I hope we can do this again soon!
(I'm in a hurry right now, so I'll edit in links for the winning compositions so you all can listen to them if you didn't before)
/Over and out