November Competition Results

Ok, as will be standard rule now under all unfinished monthly competitions, the reviewers have taken charge of the November competition. For this competition, where the theme was a winter piece for chamber ensemble, Jawoodruff and myself served as judges. There were many different styles represented from minimalism to baroque and there was much deliberation between us. Ultimately, we decided the following:

3rd Place: Gamma's "Winter" for piano

http://www.box.net/shared/42gustiq0c

http://www.box.net/shared/4x1f75qdju

We felt this was a mature minor key work with the minor modality sometimes being hidden. The 3/4 against 6/8 feel at times was a nice touch. While we weren't entirely convinced the piece represented winter, we felt the idea in the dizzying array of eighth notes that sometimes occurred. We both felt that this was very solid, mature writing.

2nd Place: Mahler's "Quarlerei" for piano.

Pdf: http://www.box.net/shared/lrfmcokxq1

Mp3: http://www.box.net/shared/lfvgnguo4p

We felt that this was the best overall writing and that is was also very mature. This piece probably has the best use of imagery and was strongly considered for the win. The piece maintained interest throughout while using very rapid accompaniment. While its vagueness and lack of immediately clear melodic structure helps it to become a piece conveying imagery, we weren't totally convinced of winter.

1st Place: Icewind91's "Winter Fantasy" for 6 woodwinds

Mp3 at bottom of post

Pdf: http://kupax.com/files/10770_1mmj9/winterfantasy.pdf

While we did not find this to be the most advanced writing: the transitions to new key areas were sloppy and immature, we felt that this was the best at conveying a mood of winter. It is childish in nature and made me picture it as soundtrack to a children's Christmas movie.

Congratulations to the winners and all who participated! The other entries were also quite enjoyable and I encourage everyone to listen to all of the pieces!

Winter Fantasy.mp3

Amazing job pulling through and finishing these competitions guys! You've helped the community in a big way :]

The December contest is also finish and posted under the December thread. This is how any monthly competition not finished 10 days after the completion date will be handled from now on.

Congrats to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. I felt the compositions entered in this competition were above average for the monthly competitions. Plus, if I don't make the top 3 then you know the other compositions were good. lol

Ha..you were definitely in the discussion, Bachian. We flipped our order around many times. If anyone would like specific feedback on their piece, please send me a pm.

Congratulations Gamma, Mahler and Icewind91. :)

Wow; I just read this today! I have no clue what to say; I didn't think I had any chance of placing, let alone winning! Thank you very much! And congratulations to Gamma and Mahler!