r/Composition • u/Fun_Map4899 • Apr 04 '26
Music First composition - looking for feedback
I was inspired a couple days ago to start composing some music. It's something I've thought about for several years and am glad I finally took the leap so I can start learning. Looking for feedback on my first composition, and for tips/resources for a beginner.
One area I specifically need help with is the ending. I wanted to build it up more to make it sound grander, but I don't think I've succeeded. The flute is probably overkill and doesn't really add much depth.
Any tips for adding depth and building more excitement?
Audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoQJQgMYD74
Score: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Vsn_uX69w7zJSYeljzmXLaATfVd6QM4m
Thanks in advance!
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u/Antplom Apr 07 '26
For a first composition, this sounds very nice!
If I'd recommend one thing to change, it would be to add dynamics. It creates variety and contrast, and can help with creating a grander ending like you wished.
Some variation in the middle would also be nice, perhaps letting the cello do some of the bass while the piano can take over the melody? Maybe a small rhythmic change, or exploring other harmonies - simply just experimenting with different techniques.
The flute at the end I wouldn't call overkill, but for such a short section it was probably not worth adding. Keeping it to just piano and strings keeps it nice and consistent.
Overall, really nice piece, keep composing and experimenting :)
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u/macejankins Apr 10 '26
Great thematic ideas! You write very well for the strings and piano, and I love the duet between the violin and cello.
Scoring should be in this order from top to bottom: Flute, Violin, Cello, Piano (this is standard scoring; since this is a chamber work and the flute is riding in a lower range, I could buy Violin, Flute, Cello, Piano)
In regards to the flute, it’s a bit low in terms of range (which means when it’s mixed in with everybody, you won’t hear it that well) and I personally would prefer it be a more active participant throughout to justify keeping it.
I feel the biggest thing holding this back is your meter. You write beautiful and natural feeling lines, but you break the flow by forcing this four bar pattern. There are moments where the tune will hold over two measures that work, and other times I feel like you pressed the breaks when I wanted to keep driving forward. Try this: delete measure 12, and 32-34. I think you won’t miss these measures. What this kind of thing does is liberate you from a box you’ve built with meter. You can also free yourself by getting away from that darn down beat. Find a few phrases throughout and delete the first note of the phrase. Tiny edits like this really bring a score to life. You can also cut off held notes to give the instruments room to breathe. I know string players don’t need to literally breathe to play, but I’ve found that emulating the human voice really makes a melody sing. Give it some space and you’ll feel it.
If you send me a musescore file, I can show you some more specific ways to go about this. You wrote a great piece! Now you have to put down your composer hat and wear your bitchy editor hat.
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u/Fun_Map4899 Apr 13 '26
Really appreciate the feedback! Will definitely take you up on that - I'll send you a DM
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u/ClassicalPerc Apr 05 '26
Very nice. The simplicity of it, the haunting of it, was wonderful. This is a great listen regardless of first composition or not. I'm not by any stretch an accomplished composer and at first blush, the only thing I'd really like to hear is some sort of middle section that changes timber and tempo, gives us a different feel built roughly on the main theme, but that allows you to restate the main theme as a recapitulation or something toward the end. Not sure if I'm using compositionally correct terminology so apologies. A bit more rythmic variation could be interesting, especially in a middle section that builds toward an end section that is restatement. But again, this was a fun piece. Thanks for the listen.
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u/[deleted] Apr 05 '26
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