American Cryptids - Fall 2025 Halloween Submission

Here is my submission. The whole string quintet is 5 movements, but I've just given the first 3 to fit the time slot. It's a link to the Google Drive folder with the WAV files and score. https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1MD4VU4YyL0m1n5gULbGStdbZU396P_oN?usp=sharing

I hope I put this in the right place- I'm quite obtuse when it comes to this website. 

 Entry: American Cryptids 

Average score: 9.5 (very good) 

Review: 

Each movement captures the character of Cryptiad! 

Execution: the competition was to write a 3-7 minute piece with a sweet spot of 5. This a multimovement work. However, it is scored solo strings. And it is quintet.  The total running went over.   I think it was close to 8 minutes.  8

Score/Playability: There were some minor details. But...maybe, submit each movement seperately. 9.5.

Originality:  Definitely original 10

Hi @Micah!

Personally I don't think this piece fits into the Halloween Competition at all with the mood the pieces create, but I have to say each of the three movements you submit has mature writing and effective technique used, and I love all 3 of them! All three features very good use of techniques for strings: Sul Ponticello/Tasto, Harmonics, col legno. You love to use contrast of pizz. vs arco plus p vs f together and it's effective! 

For the 1st piece Mothman I like the opening texture since it kind of reminds myself of the beginning of my very own String Sextet lol! I like the 5/4 dance as well, though I would love to see more varieties in the texture! The contrast here is well done nonetheless. 

I love the 2nd piece The Letiche, it's a nice bluesy C# minor dance in my favourite key! The glissando in b.33 for sure adds the sad but mesmerising mood. 

For the 3rd piece I really love the texture you have in b.35 with a high harmonics, pizz. and a rhythmic arco. It kind of reminds me of Bartok String Quartet texture. 

On 10/29/2025 at 5:31 AM, Kvothe said:

Execution: the competition was to write a 3-7 minute piece with a sweet spot of 5. This a multimovement work. However, it is scored solo strings. And it is quartet.  

You math is wrong again I think lol!! The three pieces adds up with 2:50+2:38+2:31=7:59 lol!! And it's a Quintet, not Quartet!

Thx for joining and sharing your music!

Henry

basically what @Kvothe said.

average: 9.125 (very good)

Wow, I'm truly amazed with your music here. What an incredible contrast between movements and I absolutely adore how you use tonality together with contemporary expressions/ effects. The flow of music is very natural and quite exciting to listen to, keeps attention very well. The score is really well done, very clear and clean. Overall the music corresponds with the theme you've chosen so I had to comment simply to express my amazement, keep it up! ^^