February 13, 20179 yr Hello, This is an oboe duet where I try to compile various rhythm ideas together into one piece. This is the first time I have ever composed music, so any suggestions would be amazing. I hope you enjoy!
February 14, 20179 yr Taking you at your word that you have never composed before, I would say that it's pretty good. It has some interesting parts and some not so interesting. You make good use of 1st and 2nd endings. However, sometimes 2nd endings seem wasted whereas repeating a section "with variations" can be more interesting. Bar 10 would be better written as (see pic). But the biggest problem I see are the repeated notes. These make the music sound static and would be very boring for a player, and listener. And not very idiomatic for an oboe engaged in a duet. The parts should be of equal interest. I would suggest changing the repeated notes to chord outlines at least, or a proper counter melody.
February 14, 20179 yr What Ken said. Also, I would really appreciate if the score was laid out a little more cleanly, all dynamics below the staff, no dynamics in crescendo marks etc. Also consider slurs and phrase markings. These are essential in writing for winds, in my opinion. I find the easiest way to approach slur markings is to sing the melody to yourself and figure out where tongueing is most natural. I don't know if you are experienced with wind instruments, but this comes much more easily if you are.
February 14, 20179 yr Author I really appreciate your feedback! @Ken320 I actually kind of lied about me not ever composing as I did "compose" a 20 second cadenza with my teachers help in 3rd grade, but I still have a lot to learn. I don't understand why writing it as you mentioned would make it better, as it is the same thing, so some explanation would be nice. @fishyfry Will do, I have never tried to sing it or play it on my oboe but I think it should help make my piece better.
February 14, 20179 yr They are rhythmically the same. But a player will appreciate, and expect, syncopated figures written using ties. It's not a stylistic thing, it is common practice. Seeing two consecutive dotted quarter notes back to back in 4/4 time is a little confusing, that's all. I hope this helps.
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