Naming Compositions

I have a HUGE problem naming compositions.

Meaning that I just CAN'T do it!

Where does everyone actually FIND their names for their pieces?

Thanks,

Rick.

If you can't think of an name, then don't name it!

Why do you want to name your music? What is the purpose behind it?

What kind of things are going on in your music that require a name? What inspired you to begin with?

Here's a little article on the subject (visual art, but same concept):

Give it a Name: Choosing a Title for Your Artwork

I personally think that if you have to find a suitable title for your music after it has been composed, then you probably don't need it. Just call a piece of music what it really is. Not fancy titles like "The Blue Nightingale Wails" or "The Shimmering Lake Opens Its Smelly Armpits to Anthrax".

Why force the listener to see it only through your eyes anyway? Open interpretation is quite valuable.

Well,

A title doesn't dictate anything interpetation-wise. It is meant to enhance insight into a piece.

Besides that, those overtly bombastic names wouldn't be advisible in any situation.

You should read that article too, Mael. :-)

I also have trouble naming my compositions.

I would just write stuff and give it a title later on.

Or ask my friends to do it for me.

I liked the tips at the end of that article.

I often name my pieces after what inspired me to write the first notes, no matter how the piece evolves after that (the title has to be cryptic enough in this case, so you don't push the listener to interpret in a way that doesn't make much sense).

Other times I try to catch the atmosphere of the piece after it's (partially) finished. Like if you'd listen to any piece and write down what pops into your head. Anything that comes in your imagination is good. If nothing comes, then nothing comes: "untitled" or "sonata" it is.

One of the nice things about post-modern tradition is that titles don't really have to mean much, or may be only vaguely connected with the work itself. Umberto Eco wrote some stuff about that a clear title limits interpretation. This can be positive (as said in the article above), but if you don't want that, you can name your piece almost at random.

I write words that have a possible related meaning to the work and I use "synonym" function in "Word" and "babylon" to find more similar words, then I build possible titles combining those words until I find something I like it, I don't name it yet, I think about it a few days and then I make my call, (Final Call i must add)

First I usually name my composition the dates. Then when I feel the piece is finished I take a days break or two from that specific piece before I listen to it again. Then I try to listen for the name, close your eyes if you'd like. Sounds odd, I know. But listen to your piece, see if you can connect it with something. What do you see while listening to it? What do you think of?

If I saw terrible things I name it "Terrible things" ? ... :D

let's rickmiller tell us what worked for him ...

I think if you can set the name before composing...will be better ...

(i.e, I will write "The Loony Symphony" ... ok, you got the name already)

Well, I typically don't name my more 'classical' pieces. But I do name my instrumental pop pieces... and I must say... I am TERRIBLE at it... lol... Help? XD

On a side note... "The Shimmering Lake Opens Its Smelly Armpits to Anthrax" ... ROFL Mael, it's brilliant! BRILLIANT! :w00t: