I can supply midi files for those who submit Finale files. - But a midi file alone does not supply enough information to assess choral writing. - maybe in tandem with a pdf...

yes, that's what I meant. At LEAST a MIDI for the music, and optionally an mp3/wav/ogg etc. AND a pdf score.

And before anyone asks...

This program: http://www.pdf995.com/ creates purdy pdfs!

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1st, 2006.

Anyone have major issues with that? But even if you do, I'm sure this is enough time for most people to write their piece, so I'm not considering moving it any further back at this point.

So Nov. 1st it is. So get composing, and good luck!!

Such a late submission date. Easy for me to say... I'm not submitting a piece. I would like to remind anyone submitting a piece to be cautious of range suitability and tessatura (where the voice sits, or flexibility of the line). Obviously a soloist is expected to have more flexibility than 4th Chair 2nd Alto in a chorus. Please, also see the Judges planning thread for more ideas of what we, the judges, are looking for in your pieces.

And before anyone asks...

This program: http://www.pdf995.com/ creates purdy pdfs!

Letehn, your command of English continues to astound me...not only proper English, but colloquialisms based on regional accents (such as purdy) and slang. All that, and you're a flibbertigibbet besides! :blush:

Anyway...

I've decided to withdraw my competition entry. Based on the overall climate and some comments I've seen here, I'm not sure that what I'd write would be particularly well received and/or judged...and what am I trying to prove, anyway?

I'm still really excited about this. I've never thought choral music was very well represented here, and it looks like that may change. Thanks to all the judges for offering their time, and to Nick for arranging this so capably.

Aww no, J Lee!!

Oh well. Thanks for the compliments.

And, would you consider becoming a judge for the competition instead? We could definitely use your experience as a singer and composer!

I'll consider it.

I only hesitate because I don't have acres of time lately.

I also find that I'm not as objective a listener as I thought. While I'm open to all classes and styles of music, I'm aware of a judgmental streak in me toward music that doesn't "hit me in the right place," or doesn't evidence a similar approach or sensibility to my own. I also have trouble putting myself into the shoes of people who don't yet possess a great deal of skill or experience. I often have no idea what to say in these instances.

These are among the reasons I've pulled back on my review of the works posted here; better to be silent, I figure. Further, if I'm not going to participate in that capacity, I don't feel I have much business participating in any other capacity either, so I've pulled way back on everything.

Anyway, this isn't about me...I just didn't want people to wonder why I didn't bother to submit something when I said I would.

Wow ! That's nice, I haven't read here yet. Are you missing composers or judges !?

We could always use judges, if you are able. But you cannot become a competitor in this competition I'm afraid.

Sorry to hear that, J Lee. I understand exactly what you're saying, but sometimes I counter that idea with the idea that everyone is here to learn anyway, and it's not like we're professionals looking for someone to pick our pieces apart note for note. It's more laid back, and about overall general terms for the most part. But if you feel you are not suited to judge, then by all means, it's up to you!

I'd be glad to judge then ;) In november my rush sould be finished, so that's good for me !

so, if the deadline is nov 1st... can i be consider to compete?;)

Sorry, eldeni, but the deadline to sign-up as a competitor has passed.

To confirm: The contestents MUST send all the judges a .pdf score of their piece, and a MIDI file, and OPTIONALLY an mp3, .ogg, .wav, finale file, etc.

Sorry, eldeni, but the deadline to sign-up as a competitor has passed.

it

I'm done my piece. This should be a fun competition. :P

Wow. You still have a month! :P

Heh, yeah well I guess lots of perfecting is in order then...:P

Why IS the deadline so damn late, by the way?

Why IS the deadline so damn late, by the way?

so procrastinators like me can actually finish it?

So here's the scoop. I've been constantly away from YC because of rehearsals with the opera most of, if not every waking moment! I'll be finished the second weekend of November. I will be able to actively participate as a judge by that point. Any problems?

Ah. That makes sense then :)

Composers have less than a month to finish up their pieces. I have put the deadline so far back because A. people asked for it and B. I figured more time would equal a better quality of work, which is always good!

Anyway, I would like ALL of the competitors to please post in this thread about your progress so far, how much music you have written, how much you still need to write, what text you chose, how you are approaching it, etc. Pretty much let's keep this thread going and alive, so the composer's don't forget to write their music! :)

Well, I've set a very well-known piece of text called "It Was a Lover and His Lass" to my own music, for solo tenor and chamber orchestra. It's done.

I might be switching to judge rather than competitor, but I'm not sure yet.

Right now I'm working on setting Stanley Kunitz's poem 'the Layers' for chorus and piano. I'm a couple lines in, with about a minute and a half of music. It will probably end up being around 8 minutes, and I hope I can finish it in time. The music is very dissonant and abstract, but still loosely tonal. So far the music fits the text pretty well, as it is dark and moody, with ideas of a journey or a walk, in a contemplative nature, being portrayed by low thumping piano notes, walking about aimlessly. The chorus follows a motif of a five-note chord, using it in either a chordal/stacked manner, or linearly, as a melody.