O'Riordan

I think theres so much emphasis put on the orchestration because orchestration is kinda difficult. And it really affects the way a composition sounds. Compare one of Mussorgsky's original pieces with one of his pieces orchestrated by Rimsky-Korsakov. Large difference isnt there? Want to have even more fun, compare both of those with one of the orchestrations by Shostakovich. Orchestration is just as important as harmony and melody. Maybe even more in some cases. I've always held the opinion that a composer's work should be across all the genres, chamber music, operas, and large orchestral works. All say something different. I think a lot of composers may view the symphony as the ultimate medium because of the rich history it has. Who doesn't want to be compared or compete with Beethoven or Mahler? Not saying everyone does, but a lot of composers do. And aleatoric music is an interesting thing. I love John Cage and Henry Cowell, but I personally look at strict aleatoric procedures like I look at strict serialism procedures, it turns the music into a procedure, a puzzle for the composer or the listener. That I do not, nor will I ever, agree with. A composer should write down what's going on in their head, not what some dice are telling them. In my opinion of course.

How does it matter anyways. That's the real question. Who gives a damn if some composer thats 14 writes for an orchestra of 150 instruments? Im fairly certain we're allowed to do whatever we want to do, and if someone wants to do that why not? Damn, maybe that kid will grow up to be the next great orchestrator, and write a hundred symphonies of incredible magnitude, all because he/she got a taste for it when they were a teenager.

There's nothing wrong with disliking counterpoint. I personally like it and have done a vast amount of studying on it. But if someone could approach me and tell me why they dont like counterpoint, and back it up with some theory or something, good for them. Counterpoint has been around since Bach, maybe its time some said enough is enough. Us composers are known for pushing the boundaries, why not with that? Maybe it's time a some new form of linear harmonic ideas came about. Course this is probably just the ramblings from three in the morning. But ohwell.

If you think youre going to be famous, youre already damning yourself to not be.

I like his 8th. Although I get bashed whenever I say that. But then nobody liked his 8th. I'm reminded of when his apprentice asked him why people disliked the 8th so much as compared to his 7th. He responded with "because the 8th is so much better."

I started playing guitar a few years ago and was researching weird guitarists when I found Frank Zappa. End of story.