Honest Feedback Requested: Lithl - Swarm of Sound (Polytempo & Polyrhythm)

Subject: Honest Feedback Requested: Lithl - Swarm of Sound (Polytempo & Polyrhythm)

I would like to hear your honest thoughts on my piece, "Swarm of Sound," without any flattery or sugar-coating.

I don't mind harsh criticism at all; in fact, I would find it very helpful.

This was submitted to the Sonuscore Competition. (While the music was not originally composed for this contest, the video was created specifically for it, so it differs from the actual original concept.) It was rejected, and I want to know exactly why it failed, where it fell short, and whether it even functions as "music" at all. Please provide your feedback without any compromise .

=The Concept=

Idea: The piece was built around the imagery of a massive swarm of percussion with strings.While the result bears a slight resemblance to Ligeti's Requiem: II. Kyrie. Molto espressivo, it was created primarily out of curiosity—specifically to see what would happen when stacking polyrhythms in polytempo based on my initial imagery. 

=Compositional Elements=

A. Polyrhythm: Based on the concept of using 12 notes in the strings, I chose a 3:4:7 ratio (resulting in 12 notes per cycle).

B. Polytempo: The above polyrhythms will be performed in polytempo.I determined the tempo based on a manually drawn graph. There are 12 sections; each new tempo is added as the previous cycle ends. The tempos are based on integer ratios rather than simple multiples, progressively getting faster.

C. 12-Tone Strings: To evoke the "swarm" image, I used all 12 tones. Strings are triggered simultaneously with the polyrhythmic/polytempo timings and held until the next note is played. Furthermore, the strings are layered in octaves. This ensures all 12 tones are constantly sounding to heighten the sense of chaos. The strings are played with tremolo.

D. Aleatoric Selection (Dice): To remove personal bias from the note selection, I attempted a randomized system based on simple rules (inspired by John Cage). Specifically, as shown in the video, I created a table using dice to select the notes. This makes it more chaotic and hopefully creates a kind of swarm of sound.

=Final Note=

I submitted this because the timing coincided with a contest held by Sonuscore, a major strings library developer, but consequently, It was rejected. While the other entries were undoubtedly wonderful, I am left wondering if this rejection proves that I lack talent or that I am merely producing self-indulgent noise that provides no value to the listener. If that is the case, I intend to change my approach immediately upon receiving feedback.

Please be blunt. I am not looking for comfort; I am looking for a harsh, honest critique. I would truly appreciate your rigorous feedback. (Private feedback is also highly appreciated.)

Thank you and sorry for taking up your time.

Edited 21 hours ago21 hr by Lithl

|Question |..... Whats the difference between " MUSIC vs NOISE " ?.....Is it possible to convert NOISE into MUSIC ?

Your Sounds might be classed as : SFX | SOUND EFFECTS

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Edited 4 hours ago4 hr by interlect

3 hours ago, interlect said:

|Question |..... Whats the difference between " MUSIC vs NOISE " ?.....Is it possible to convert NOISE into MUSIC ?

Your Sounds might be classed as : SFX | SOUND EFFECTS

Thank you for your reply and honest thoughts.

-Regarding your question

Music is a work of sound. Therefore, as long as it is presented as a "work," it is created with some kind of purpose or intention, regardless of whether the sound itself is noise or not.

In that sense, the difference between noise and music isn't about the sound itself; rather, it’s about whether that sound has been incorporated into the context of a “work.” If a sound has no intention behind it and is not presented in any form, it is simply noise. However, if it is presented by the creator—or even perceived as such by others—it has the potential to become music.

Regarding SFX (Sound Effects), they are not the primary focus but rather a secondary element to the visuals. While they undoubtedly play a crucial role, whether SFX can stand alone as music depends on whether making them so is "meaningful."

At the same time, I believe another essential factor is whether the work brings value to the creator or the audience—be it through being provocative, original, or inspiring. Even if you present a sound work with a specific intention, its true "greatness" is objectively evaluated by whether it is genuinely meaningful. That is exactly why I would like to hear your honest opinions on what you all think of this piece.

Edited 2 hours ago2 hr by Lithl

This is just my Opinion......you don't have to agree with it............But maybe its best to base opinions on fact not fiction.

GENRE | Music can be classified into GENRE | Disco-Rock-Classical-Folk : - what GENRE is your composition ?

CATEGORIES | This concept identifies the difference between an "Apple from an Animal"........Music from Noise.

Edited 1 hour ago1 hr by interlect

48 minutes ago, interlect said:

This is just my Opinion......you don't have to agree with it............But maybe its best to base opinions on fact not fiction.

GENRE | Music can be classified into GENRE | Disco-Rock-Classical-Folk : - what GENRE is your composition ?

CATEGORIES | This concept identifies the difference between an "Apple from an Animal"........Music from Noise.

Oh yeah, I think you are right! Thank you for teaching me!