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I am very pleasantly surprised. Very! I thought that the entries with complete orchestras with their nuanced pastels would win over my primary colors. Everyone here contributed a unique and compelling angle to the contest. Thank you. Also, many thanks to the judges who gave up their considerable time and expertise. I hope it was fun for you too!

Well... as soon as I heard your entry (and Monarcheon's, among others) I knew I had to do my best. And even then, both of you remained on top due to the sheer quality of your pieces. So I bow my hat to both of you. Great, great job!

Sorry I didn't want to give that impression. Yes, I like works as a whole, but of course many times I listen to fragments or parts. One I never get tired of is the beginning of Die Walküre (Act I).

But is it really? I would say that the moment's importance as a "moment" is illusory. Take for example this famous painting, what's the most striking part of it? This, right? But once you've seen the painting you cannot unsee everything that surrounds this central image. The fact that it is located very dissonantly off center, the fact that it is the only thing reasonably in focus and also the only thing with somewhat correct proportions, the fact that how even though you don't know a single reason for the anguish it is the only thing that makes any sense at all. I mean, the face is totally iconic and also brilliantly captures the tone of the entire painting, but it doesn't exist in a vacuum. If you show this to someone not familiar with the painting, it will be basically meaningless, they might even interpret it as a joke…

Thanks. And then the world turns, and isn't that something?

Congratulations Ken. And thanks to the judges for their detailed comments on and evaluation of each work.

A well-deserved win, Ken ! Congratulations to all and thanks to the judges for their work.

Wow, a bronze medal!!!! Well done, Ken! It's just fitting that you've got the first price - your work was outstanding! Hopefully this will reaffirm your confidence and help your growth as a composer. Monarcheon's silver medal is nothing to frown about. The solo cello played the role of Hamlet as convincingly as any actor. Everyone else: great job! It's been a pleasure to have this many great pieces produced as a result of this competition. Looking forward for what all of you will show up next.

I really like that idea. My only issue would be if (if it was a category much like this years) audio quality is a scored aspect, in which people forced to use MIDI would have a hard time perfectly matching the visuals it's accompanying. Other than that, it's a great idea.

Congratulations @Ken320! Your piece was fantastic, atmospheric, and a well deserved win!