Score: 7

"Some comments"

submission: (dj-b) Medieval Times Final

date: November 16, 2007

I liked the oboe or whatever that was about 1 minute in. It made for a nice ending.

You have some fairly good ideas in here. The biggest thing I would suggest is to change the pitches of some of those fast notes when you have a different long note playing in the bass rather than keeping them exactly the same throughout the whole piece. That would avoid the dissonances, create more logical harmonic progressions and would sound nicer (to my ears anyway).

Score: 9

"Good work"

submission: Noiz - The Land of Crying Sand

date: November 15, 2007

I probably wouldn't call this classical, but then I'm not exactly sure what else to call it! Anyway, it's a pretty appealing piece. The harmonies were quite interesting, and the sound texture especially was very good. The only thing I didn't really like was the constant repetition of the piano part - I wish there was some more variety, but I can understand that it's part of the style. I just don't happen to like that particular stylistic element (which I often also hear in rap songs).

Come review my latest piece if you have the time. ;)

Score: 10

"Extremely effective"

submission: An Overture (full)

date: November 15, 2007

Even though I have nothing really to say (other than that I'll buy a CD of your music if you ever release one, seriously), it would be criminal to keep quiet about something this good.

I'd listened to this piece before in two parts, and I must say that it loses a lot by being broken up like that. I love the energetic first half, but this time around I found that the melodic second half was like a drink of fragrant water (an effect which I simply didn't get by listening to it separately). The melodies there are sweet and memorable, and exactly what is needed at that point in the piece.

The prime thing missing from this (as good as GPO is) is the human touch. I really hope that you can get an orchestra to play this overture some day. It would be a real loss if it didn't happen.

Although it's a minor point, I liked the little "ending after the ending" thing that you had there. It made me smile. :)

Sorry about not replying to your message... I've been quite busy lately, and haven't really had the time to think. Come December... things should start moving again. But do check out my latest submission if you have the time. I'd really appreciate any input you have to give, even if it's of the most banal sort.

Score: 8

"Quite nice"

submission: clarinet short solo 5

date: November 15, 2007

Here's your main problem, I think: the sound quality stinks. That's probably a big part of the reason why the score was 1.90 with 5 votes (although judging by the score of my own recent submission, many people who browse the classical section don't actually like classical music, or perhaps they just vote 0 to strike down competitors). Anyway, if you want, you can send me the MIDI file and I'll try to create an mp3 that actually sounds a little more listenable. :)

As for the piece, it seems pretty nice to me. Some fairly nice harmonies, good melodies, good development. I thought there could've been a bit fewer dissonances in the first half, but that's personal taste. ;p

Score: 8

"A generally good piece"

submission: _-={Mighty Hails}=-_

date: October 28, 2007

Sorry I haven't been reviewing your songs much lately, Maestro. To be honest, I find it pretty difficult to give proper reviews to songs which really deserve a thorough analysis. I have the same problem with reviewing Simon-F's submissions. But be that as it may, I'll just try to give some of my first general impressions.

First of all, I thought that the ending was appropriate. I also loved those angry voices that you used at certain points in the song. How did you do those?

The piece overall was a bit of a mixed bag for me. On the one hand, I love some of the subtle sound effects that you managed to achieve. Sound design seems to really be your strong point. And it had some very effective moments. On the other hand, I ended up feeling slightly bored in certain parts. The middle, in particular, I felt could have used some more energy. You had those angry voices yelling every so often, which was good, but everything else was pretty slow and mellow. Some more energetic drumming or faster melodies (though I notice you don't seem to do those much) in the middle would have been wonderful. Also... the melodic progression was sometimes a little unclear, although this could be my fault for not noticing it.

Unfortunately, the piece as a whole seemed a little static to me; there was little to move it forward harmonically or rhythmically. Despite the occasional spark of energy, it didn't really go anywhere. Your sound design is brilliant, but I feel that here you focused on sound design (which is definitely important) at the expense of the harmonic and rhythmic aspects, which are at least as important. If your song still sounds good as a crappy MIDI file, you'll know that you've succeeded. ;)

Anyway, it's still a nice song overall, hence my score. But I think there's some room for improvement. :)

Score: 10

"Simplicity itself, and very nice."

submission: Rain in the Night

date: October 28, 2007

I can't help but visualize a film in my head as I listen to this. I know that it's meant to symbolize the calm feeling of raindrops falling against a windowsill, and the harsher sound in the middle represents the occasional gusts of the storm. And yet somehow, I think it would suit a Christmas-themed flash very well. I even have a scenario in mind. It's too bad I don't know how to use the program. :)

Perhaps I shall learn, some day...

Score: 7

"Not a bad loop"

submission: Myst (Old)

date: October 27, 2007

...even though you marked it as "song". Well, I think that the build-up and middle section and everything are pretty effective. I could see this being used in a video game in some kind of foreboding level.

The only problem is, I don't see why this is in the "classical" section. It doesn't sound classical at all to me.

Score: 10

"Beautiful! Absolutely beautiful!"

submission: The Darkness Suite

date: October 25, 2007

I just love this piece. Can you believe that it almost brought tears to my eyes?

You have incredibly effective harmonic progressions, wonderful melodies, and a great sense of purpose. You're definitely on my list of "best composers on Newgrounds" now.

Also, if I may ask a question... I've never heard that "soft piano" sound before. How did you make it sound like that?

Score: 10

"Excellent!"

submission: -=)The Dawn(=-

date: October 25, 2007

This is a very compelling piece! I love the harmonies and the soft dynamics in it. Interesting middle section, too.

Overall, this is simple a great thing to listen to. I'll have to check out your previous movements!

Score: 7

"Not bad"

submission: Yasu et Liam

date: August 11, 2007

A very nice, slow piece. Pretty good progression. Simple harmonically and rhythmically. Quite pleasant overall, although the sheer amount of instruments playing chords got to be a little too much at times (particularly toward the end).