June Monthly Competition! (Romantic Style)

Romantic Style Competition

Contest will run from June 5th-30th.

Judging from July 1st-5th.

Results up by July 6th.

Premise:

Composers will create a Romantic Piece of music based on a musical motif (to be provided by June 5th at Midnight beginning the day). They will be allowed to use piano and four other instruments total. You do not have to use the extra four instruments if you do not want to, but keep in mind that Orchestration is part of the scoring. So, a piano solo will receive few points. BUT, the more instruments, the more chances you'll have at getting points off too. So, be courageous yet smart about your instrument choices. Keep in mind the instruments MOST USED in that time. Keep to the harmonic language of the time. This is an imitative exercise. We aren't going for New Music. However, do not let that keep you from being creative. Your melodies (in addition to the one provided) and rhythms can be outrageous. At this time, emotion was the goal. Heartbreak and Ecstasy were inspiration. Dramatics are suggested. Please keep in mind the 5 minute time limit always put on Competition pieces. Other than that, you are free to do as you like. :)

Judging:

Pre-requisite: Does the piece use the melody in some way? If not, the piece will not be judged.

/22.5 Orchestration: Does the piece use more than one instrument? Is it a good combination? Does the composer use the instruments strengths in writing for them? Are the instruments used in Romantic Period music?

/30 Stylistic Adherence: Does the piece use the melodic, harmonic, and form conventions of the day? Does the title reflect a Romantic Piece?

/22.5 Development: Does the piece go somewhere? In the previous competition, development was discouraged. In the Romantic period, development was still a trend carried over from the classical era. Are there CONTRASTING SECTIONS? Is there a beginning, middle, and end?

/10 Creativity: Romantic pieces were known for being innovative in their time. Since you are limiting yourself, still, you will have to think outside of the box but staying in the box's parameters. Be cautious that you do not fall into the trap of plagiarism. If you're found to have done this, even subconsciously, your piece will be disqualified. Also, do something fun with the melody provided. Make it interesting.

/10 Score: THE SCORE HAS TO BE NEAT AND LOOK GOOD. Or I will find a bamboo stick and hit a Japanese kid with it. DISHONOR ON YOU ALL.

/5 Audio Presentation: Just make sure, if you are using midi, that each instrument "sounds" like the right sound. It doesn't have to be fancy, but it does have to be "right".

/5 (+10) Short Essay: Write an analysis of your own piece. Say how you did EACH THING above. This is an educational experience, and for us to be able to peak into your compositional process will be very enlightening. IF THIS ESSAY IS 500 WORDS OR LONGER, YOU WILL RECEIVE 10 EXTRA POINTS! SO DO IT!

110 Possible points from each Judge.

NOTE: You MAY ENTER more than one piece per person, provided they are part of the same "piece" (so different movements) and EACH movement is under five minutes respectively. Each movement will be judged completely separately, and your HIGHEST SCORING MOVEMENT will be entered into competition with the others. You only get to place once, basically. :)

Judges:

1. JohnBucket

2. Sojar

3. Wayne-Scales

4. Aniolel

Participants: (Post in the thread to participate)

Remember, the limit of participation is 15 members per competition in order that the Judges can spend time writing quality reviews and paying enough attention to EACH piece.

1. Austenite

2. Jsands

3. Jrcramer

4. dscid

5. Ananth

6. Joshua Harton

7. TJS_1977

8. WilliamJeffrey muhmuhmuhmusic

9. OpusOneTwo7

10. Julian-TJP

11. Treehugger1995

12. Tokkemon

13. Orchdork

14. IAMivan

15.

WAITING LIST:

(if you still want to participate, it's a first come, first serve basis. The Judges will review your pieces if they have time, but they will not be scored. If people drop out, you will be moved up onto the list of the original 15.)

16.