Jumping Bunnies for woodwind quintet

Hello everyone,

One day while I was surfing YouTube, I came across this video of two bunnies hopping: https://youtu.be/RlveKVGw0fY?si=1irFlw3BCY59XTAb

I was so moved by the cuteness and playfulness of the scene that I had an idea to write this composition.  My original version was for solo piano, but I finished this version for woodwinds first, so I decided to upload it first.  Enjoy, and feedback is welcome!:)

Aww, I thought that was really cute. Listened to it with the video playing. I think the theme captured the playfulness + the adorable caution of the bunnies. 

Obviously the midi playback is limited. Like the last note is probably supposed to have playful/quick staccato attack to round off the piece. 

Thanks @UrKr for your comments!  I’m happy that I achieved what I set out to do.  And agreed, midi is often off like that, I have to admit.

~Frank

Hi @Frank Normandy!

To me this sounds like a good introduction to the jumping bunnies video which I also watched along with the music.  But when the bunnies really get into their quick and high energy flurry of activity there seems to be a real mismatch between the calm and tranquil music and their fast movements.  If you were asked to set this scene to music in a movie by a director, I think they'd probably reject this music because it doesn't sound energetic or upbeat enough.  Or at least, I would if I were the director.  But I can easily imagine music that matches the scene with quick melodies with lots of "hopping" in the melody and possibly liberal use of flutes or piccolo with pizzicato strings accompaniment (or something - that's just my own suggestion).  Young Composer's Forum actually had a competition a while back titled "The Tortoise and the Hare" where many composers (including myself, although I only composed my entry after the fact of the competition because I was a judge and organizer of the competition) composed their musical interpretation of a turtle and bunny/rabbit/hare racing.  Their characterizations were varied but they were tasked with using a different instrument for each animal - you should check it out if you're interested!  Thanks for sharing.

Hello @PeterthePapercomPoser,

Thank you so much for your thoughtful feedback.  My composition could use a change of pace when the bunnies cranked up their energy.  I was likely too caught up with expressing their innocence and playful side.  I like your suggested way of composing the piece; it sounds like a great idea.  Regarding "The Tortoise and the Hare" composition, it does sound interesting.  I'll check it out.  Thank you again for your thoughts!

~Frank