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 Friday at 02:13 PM1 day 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

.

Edited yesterday at 07:31 AM1 day 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 yesterday at 09:26 AM1 day 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 yesterday at 10:49 AM1 day 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.

Edited yesterday at 12:05 PM1 day by Lithl

On 5/8/2026 at 12:18 PM, Lithl said:

it was created primarily out of curiosity—specifically to see what would happen when stacking polyrhythms in polytempo based on my initial imagery. 

Hi Lithl, welcome to the forums!

As an experiment, I'm sure it's been entertaining and enriching for you. For me, the result is just a noise crescendo, I don't find it interesting at all. The processes that lead to it may be, though.

On 5/8/2026 at 12:18 PM, Lithl said:

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

I don't think that what you did proves or disproves that you lack talent. From this alone it's impossible to tell. Talent for what exactly, though? What are you pursuing? Are the other contestants' works similar to yours? How important is it to you to provide value to the listener?


Best regards,
Daniel–Ø.

1 hour ago, Omicronrg9 said:

Hi Lithl, welcome to the forums!

As an experiment, I'm sure it's been entertaining and enriching for you. For me, the result is just a noise crescendo, I don't find it interesting at all. The processes that lead to it may be, though.

I don't think that what you did proves or disproves that you lack talent. From this alone it's impossible to tell. Talent for what exactly, though? What are you pursuing? Are the other contestants' works similar to yours? How important is it to you to provide value to the listener?


Best regards,
Daniel–Ø.

Thank you for your honest opinion. That is exactly what I wanted to hear.

To me, if a piece is not found "interesting," it means it is no different from a mere mess—it is not a work that holds value for others.

When I create a work, I don't necessarily have the conscious intent of making it for someone else; rather, I make it because it's fun, and I am satisfied with that aspect. However, I feel that can sometimes turn into a sort of self-indulgence.

What I am clearly seeking is to create something that others find highly creative and stimulating. For example, Edgard Varèse’s Poème électronique is a work of so-called "noise," yet it is stimulating and incredibly imaginative to listen to. 

(Of course, I don't think for a moment that I belong in their lineage, but that is exactly what I am aiming for.)

I believe I can only take pride in having created a "great" work—moving beyond simple self-satisfaction—when it possesses the kind of value that makes others feel it is worth listening to.

In other words, I am talking about that specific talent. Even if I can create something I find interesting, if it holds no value for others, I feel I lack the talent—or perhaps the ability—to present that value.

Of course, I don't think anyone's talent can be fully determined by a single work, but I simply wanted to ask as a point of reference. At least with this piece, I wasn't able to provide any value to the listener; therefore, I suppose it can be classified as a work of self-indulgence. Regardless, your perspective was extremely helpful! Thank you for your valuable input.