Is this piece worth continuing?

Well, ideas for songs have been scarce lately. For the first time since I started composing, I really don't have any good ideas for songs. So lately, I've been more inclined to finish the few ideas that do come to me anymore. This would be one of them. And I'm stuck on it, so I really would like help on this one. I kinda have an idea on where to go with it, but really. That isn't what is holding me back. What is holding me back is that I have no idea if this song is any good. Really, all I am asking for is that you guys listen and tell me if you enjoyed it or not. At least, if some people enjoy it, then it will give me more of an incentive to finish this piece. And if people don't enjoy it, I know I am wasting my time and try to move on to a better idea.

A link to the recording for those who aren't a fan of MIDIs: SoundClick song info: Semblant Forest (Unfinished) by Guitarplayer52 - Song info page with free MP3 music downloads

I like this a lot.

I am stuck with the midi only so it may not be playing the correct dynamics, but it seems like some instruments are a little loud.

I hear tons of stuff that can be added and played around with. But the few changes I would make are:

The intro is great, it just needs to be shortened a little. the fourth instrument should be added quicker unless there is a fifth I can't hear. You add at 2 times the beat each time except the 5th is added at 4.

if you can add lower strings... maybe a couple of cellos sliding softly.

At 40 seconds there is a dip in something or a slide that doesn't seem to fit.

Remember I am basing all this on the midi only and that is not easy.

I am still listening to your piece and can see this as a orchestrated piece. It lends itself to a lot of easy variations. So no you are not wasting your time.

Some incentive....

I will give you 10 million dollars to finish this piece. Another 10 million when it is performed live by a major Symphony.

Thank you for your advice Ron, and yes that 10 million dollars is quite an incentive. I've added a bit more to the song. I wanted to keep the entire thing in 7/8 but unfortunately my brain simply won't let me do it. So now I've added the beginning of a section that is in 4/4. Anyway, I've updated the MIDI. The beginning of the next section uses a chromatically descending chord progression from the strings. I normally don't like going out of original key in these types of pieces, but in this one I think it works (kinda).

I've posted a recording for anyone who is interested. It's still unfinished so any suggestions you guys can give would be helpful.

I listened to the added piece and thinks it fits perfect and should be ready for posting once you get the dynamics right.

It seems to me that you like this a lot, and do plan on continuing it, but are just so excited to share it that you couldn't contain yourself! Just let it sit for a bit, and a solution will come to you. I like it, and think it's very ethereal sounding. Definately finish it.

:laugh: Well I actually did mean it, I wasn't sure whether or not I liked this piece when I made the first post. Ron appreciated it though and helped me aprpeciate it in a way so I kinda just added this stuff more for Ron then myself. I don't usually like posting unfinished recordings on my soundclick page. Anyway, thank you for your feedback. It's almost finished so I'll have it posted on the Incidental Music forum soon.

I can't wait to hear the rest... this piece is really relaxing... my mom is a massage therapist and she has a ton of "relaxation" cd's but this is better than most of her's that I've heard =]

Thank you Cameron, it was my intention to make this piece very reposeful and solitary sounding. But also, I wanted a bit of subtle semblance as well. Anyway, before I rant too long, thank you for the encouragement. I am very close to finishing this, it just needs some polishing at this point. Also, this will be the first piece I have written in a long while that will be completely absent of a bass guitar.

Complete this piece and it will be a great one. I can't wait. :happy:

It's pretty sexy so far, but when the chromatic chord progression comes in, something about the part writing seems unsettling. If that's what you're going for, maybe it's just not my style, but were this my piece, I'd try to tidy that up.

This is very pretty. It brings to mind an enchanted land.

The opening is quite nice, up to measure 28. At measure 29 things change a bit and it seems to become fuller, which is nice, but in my mind it is begging for a solo voice to speak out and “sing” something at that point and on to about measure 45 when things change a bit again.

I just felt that having something sing some sort of “solo” melody overtop of the orchestration in measure 29 through 45 would give this much more interest at this point. Otherwise it almost seems to be just a beefed-up repeat of the previous opening measures.

Very nice music, definitely worth continuing.

It's pretty sexy so far, but when the chromatic chord progression comes in, something about the part writing seems unsettling. If that's what you're going for, maybe it's just not my style, but were this my piece, I'd try to tidy that up.

Personally, I'm not much for chormaticism (that is the correct term, right?) either. Most of my music is completly tonal. I just wanted to try something different. Personally, I think it has a certain beauty to it. But yeah, I understand your point. I might try to make the chord progression a little less unsettling. Anyway, thank you for your feedback, it'll be done and recorded in the next few days at latest.

For those interested, I have this piece finished and there is a thread up in the Incidental Music forum.