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 May 26May 26 by Markus Boyd

Hi @Markus Boyd !

A nice Classical String Quartet which displays great writing skills for chamber music, I like all those passages when all instruments are given their voice. B.99 of 1st movement sounds really interesting to me for a delaying of the recapitulation. It's interesting to revisit an old work for a revision right? I only know that when I'm revisiting my Clarinet Quintet in recent days.

One sidenote: I still enjoy Noteperformer more than Musecore sounds especially for strings---Musescore always automatically add slides between non slur notes in different strings which sounds a bit off to me.

Thx for sharing!

Henry

On 5/31/2026 at 3:17 AM, Henry Ng Tsz Kiu said:

Hi @Markus Boyd !

A nice Classical String Quartet which displays great writing skills for chamber music, I like all those passages when all instruments are given their voice. B.99 of 1st movement sounds really interesting to me for a delaying of the recapitulation. It's interesting to revisit an old work for a revision right? I only know that when I'm revisiting my Clarinet Quintet in recent days.

One sidenote: I still enjoy Noteperformer more than Musecore sounds especially for strings---Musescore always automatically add slides between non slur notes in different strings which sounds a bit off to me.

Thx for sharing!

Henry

Thanks, Henry!

The delayed recap you mention is something I came across in JC Bach's piano quartet in G major during my early studies. Likewise, he commenced such a passage on a diminished 7th of the home key that marked the end of the development section.

It is less of a trick in my view than a way to build momentum towards the initial theme (opposed to commencing immediately after the dim7th that may otherwise encourage reflection).

Your note about the slides between non slur notes is informative. I really don't like it either but didn't understand why it does this. I wonder if by adding slurs it resolves the issue.

All the best,

Markus

Edited 3 hours ago3 hr by Markus Boyd

2 hours ago, Markus Boyd said:

Your note about the slides between non slur notes is informative. I really don't like it either but didn't understand why it does this. I wonder if by adding slurs it resolves the issue.

On 8/10/2025 at 8:32 AM, Alex Weidmann said:

That's actually easy to change. When the first note of the phrase is selected, Control-T brings up the little speaker icon above the staff. Then you click on it, and select "classic phrasing". 
(Why they've chosen to have portamento phrasing by default is beyond me!)

Just thought I'd insert the place where Alex taught me how to counteract this effect in Musescore!