Sep 20 2006, 8:07 PM
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Composter
Group: Members
Joined: 15-April 06
Posts: 508
Member Number: 734
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Here is a copy a PM I sent recently to the rest of the judges.
Quote:
Originally Posted by leightwing
Here are my thoughts regarding an approach to assessing submissions. I suggest we think in terms of a work’s potential for performance. Simply ask yourself the question, “Would I want to perform this?” I think that this approach to judging encompasses a lot of territory.
Effective choral writing increases a work’s potential for performance, and includes the following characteristics:
-Audience Appeal
-Originality and/or uniqueness
-Idiomatically effective writing:
-Differing textures that appropriately highlight the selected text - this includes things like key changes, tempo changes, dynamics, articulation, and even changes in the accompaniment. It also includes effective settings of text - examples: where to use a melody in unison or octaves - or where to switch from two-part writing to four-part.
-Effective use of form
-Compositional continuity - to include elements like style and idiomatic stability - both harmonically and melodically.
-Balanced use of the ensemble.
Naturally, it follows that the things that reduce a pieces potential for performance are:
-Uninteresting or poor quality text
-Poorly executed setting of text - such as the ineffective use of melismas if applicable
-Inappropriately or awkwardly set accents (one of my pet peeves).
-Excessively long pieces - I don’t think we’ll have to worry about this one.
-Excessive or unreasonable call for divisi.
-Ranges not appropriate for a typical choir. (Remember, most choir members are not soloists)
-Excessively difficult harmonic or melodic shifts (Reasonably challenging is OK)
-Hard to read score (sorry, but presentation is key for me with music and food)
-Mostly Strophic writing (same or very similar music set to different verses)
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