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Hey! I have worked a bit more on this, since ive posted this, but I need to finish it! I will take this as a sign to do so And I will have to eventually explore the string orchestra. That would be two violins, viola, cello, and double bass right?

A friend of mine was lamenting the fact that nobody has ever made something special for her, so for her upcoming birthday, I've written a set of orchestral variations on "Happy Birthday". Variation II contains a figure based on scale degrees that spell out her birthdate, while variation IV contains an ostinato based on her initials. Any comments or criticisms would be most appreciated!

Good thing I didn't include social security number. Good catch! This one doesn't really bother my ear, but maybe I should see if I can "fix" it. And you're right, that key signature should be D minor. Thanks to both of you for listening! Hopefully my friend will no longer have any excuse to say no one's ever made something special for her.

Thanks, @PeterthePapercomPoser! Your kind words mean a lot to me. You're right: this piece is still unfinished. I've taken some time so I don't rush myself trying to make something worthwhile and end up creating a half-baked ending. I'll post once I've gotten everything complete. Hope you'll stay tuned! 😉

LoL - be careful, someone looking through the score could try to steal her identity! Great job with these variations! They are anything but ordinary or banal and actually quite interesting! From the moment it begins it hooks the listener - I love the trumpet fanfare and the flute and harp combination is great also. Your fugato variation is also pretty good (but we'll see what the great fugue master of the forum @Henry Ng Tsz Kiu has to say about it LoL). I like the minor string variation which is kinda modal sounding with the occasional Picardy 3rd. The overall form is also solid with the most conclusive and final sounding variation at the very end - very well done! Thanks for sharing! Peter

Hi @Awsumerguy! I listened to the most recent version you just posted. It's a very charming and dynamic piece! It's not over-orchestrated and very much within the realm of possibility of actually being playable as far as I know. There's some great dramatic moments where the orchestra seems to revel in its grandeur. Other moments are very gentle and elegant. I like how the piece is coming along! I never felt that the piece was becoming tiresome or boring in any way. It's not done yet right? I'm looking forward to hearing the finished version! Thanks for sharing. Peter

This beginning certainly is very gigue-like with well written counterpoint and in the style expected of a gigue! Have you worked on this anymore at all since you posted it? I personally prefer a string orchestra as the ideal venue for writing old Baroque dances like my own specimens suggest. Thanks for sharing! Peter