I have just spent a week in Germany teaching at Oldenburg University (of which more later when I get chance) and I was kindly asked to be on the jury of an Internatoional Composition competition (percussion piece for medium level players) whilst I was there. There were 112 (more to come) to view from all over the world - which was fascinating (and quite hard work). What was also very interesting was seeing the same basic errors again and again. So here are my observations which may be of use:
1. Too many were poorly notated or confusing (especially the rhythms).
2. Too many scores were very difficult to play when the guidelines stipulated that it was not for professional level.
3. Given that is was for percussion; few really explored rhythm in a fashion that was audible.
4. Many were very repetitive and lacked development.
5. Many had a very dense unvarying texture.
6. Few had any really sense of drama or shape - which is really important in a piece of music.
7. Many used new notation which would take players a long time to learn and understand - why make life so difficult for players? We want them to play our music not find reasons not to.
8. Few candidates seem to have really thought deeply about the published requirements of the composittion - for example that the name must not be on the score but in a sealed envelope (relatively few did this).
9. However there were some execellent pieces - by candidates who had actually read the instructions and thought hard about what is needed.
10. Do think about the title - it needs to conjure up an image for the listener.
11. Don't write for the wrong ensemble? Big band???
Another observation is that it is very difficult for juries in composition competitions when there are so many applications. Therefore if you don't win or get a placed position in a competition, it is not because you haven't written a good piece, it may be because there are simply so many works to consider. It is best to make sure that your piece stands out in some way - so it is memorable. And make sure that you have written a good beginning...
1. Too many were poorly notated or confusing (especially the rhythms).
2. Too many scores were very difficult to play when the guidelines stipulated that it was not for professional level.
3. Given that is was for percussion; few really explored rhythm in a fashion that was audible.
4. Many were very repetitive and lacked development.
5. Many had a very dense unvarying texture.
6. Few had any really sense of drama or shape - which is really important in a piece of music.
7. Many used new notation which would take players a long time to learn and understand - why make life so difficult for players? We want them to play our music not find reasons not to.
8. Few candidates seem to have really thought deeply about the published requirements of the composittion - for example that the name must not be on the score but in a sealed envelope (relatively few did this).
9. However there were some execellent pieces - by candidates who had actually read the instructions and thought hard about what is needed.
10. Do think about the title - it needs to conjure up an image for the listener.
11. Don't write for the wrong ensemble? Big band???
Another observation is that it is very difficult for juries in composition competitions when there are so many applications. Therefore if you don't win or get a placed position in a competition, it is not because you haven't written a good piece, it may be because there are simply so many works to consider. It is best to make sure that your piece stands out in some way - so it is memorable. And make sure that you have written a good beginning...
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