Reflections on Perfectionism and a String Quartet

Good day everyone.

I have taught myself something of late. Since my teenage years, when I started on this path of composing music I have always had a degree of perfectionism that has arguably slowed my completion rate of works considerably. I have much unfinished in my library and to an extent this has been a source of shame of sort. However, I had complete several large works despite this.

One such work that I wrote between 2018-2020 is a wind quintet that I was immensely proud of at the time. I had largely convinced myself that it was at a 'perfect' state - that is, there is not much left to refine. But revisiting this work 6 years on, I have learned something interesting: first, that my impression of what was 'perfect' is relative to my skill and experience at the time and that, while the stridence for perfection seems quite static in a mental sense, standards are being continually adjusted through time in accordance with skill development (which is less visible).

The second - and probably most important - realization is that when I revisit old pieces that I did complete but are now imperfect; this does not concern me. In fact, those works in effect form a rough foundation for what otherwise could be a brilliant piece of music; the ideas are already there and it mostly becomes an exercise in simply revising the voice leading. Thus, the lesson: what we compose today does not need to be the final product. If we encounter challenges, accepting that it will just be a sketch to be revisited later down the line could actually enable us to be kinder to ourselves.

Which brings me to the music itself. Of interest is the Allegro (00:00-04:50) attached that was initially composed for wind quintet. The 5th instrument was not really adding much and its lines could be easily integrated into what was ultimately four part harmony/counterpoint. I make use of certain motifs throughout the work that I hope is noticeable.

I have attached a largo that I also revised recently that was scored for 5 winds that will serve as the second movement; and I have just started some rough ideas for the final 6/8 movement.

Those who listen, please do share your feedback. If of interest I am also considering running some voice leading tutorials on my Youtube Channel that I intend to grow. Perhaps I can make a video where I revisit old pieces and review the voice leading... explaining my justifications for revisions ect.

PS - Here is the link to the original version for those what would like to compare....: https://youtu.be/gfqzwQ4jzyw

String Quartet in C.pdf

Edited 1 hour ago1 hr by Markus Boyd