Am I out of my mind?

[BethWagner]

I wasn't sure if I should post this question here, or if the composer's lounge would be a better place. Here goes.
I have always wanted to compose music--primarily for the organ, but also choral music. I recently heard of a competition (which will go unnamed) for choral pieces that have never been performed before. I've never composed anything "serious" before, but when I saw the rules/regulations for this competition, I instantly wanted to enter it. I started working out a piece with a text and so far have loved the results, but as I see more of the "stiffness" of the competition, I've begun to worry. What if I'm breaking major composition rules? (I know I am!) How do I know if my piece is even acceptable? It's not a major work (it can only be 3-5 minutes) and has traditional SATB voicing with organ. Have I bit off more than I can chew? Thanks so much in advance!

[wljmrbill]

I tell you in these days of composition I wonder sometimes if there are any rules: but then I am ancient and we had rules. I hear parrell 5ths and many other traditional errors. I am sure if you follow basic rules of composition and YOU LIKE the composition- that is 2 points. If you know a choirmaster who might check out your work now and then..might help wth insite. With competitions it depends many times on what the judges are looking for in the contest. One of the best way is to enter your composition and get the feed back they will offer and continue on with your composing.

[Krummhorn]

Competitions are a wonderful experience, and a great teaching tool. I've entered many playing competitions over the years, one a few, lost a few ... but the experience I got from those along the way helped me to be a better musician.

I quite agree with Bill's post above ... seems these days lots of rules have been thrown out the window, but the one thing I think still rules is the use of counterpoint. Having another musician review your composition is a good idea, too.

[Corno Dolce]

Study Walter Piston's treatises on Counterpoint and Harmony if you worry about breaking rules.

[BethWagner]

Since I know the judge of the competition, I know that he'll "ditch" any piece that doesn't follow theory rules. I'll try to get another musician to look it over, but would guys mind elaborating a little more on the technical tems of counterpoint and parallel fifths?
I'd like the piece to sound good, but also have a quality of orderliness and percision.

[Ghekorg7]

Hi Beth !
Follow Corno Dolce's advice and check your piece if it works with these rules.
Bill and Krummhorn have right about nowadays rules in composing...but think this : Shostakovich's works are "wrong" according to classical school rules. This make him a bad composer ?
What about going/sending choral music to the 21st century?
Who's gonna do the first step breakin' some "solid" rules?
Can you imagine a heavenly new choral melody played by a VPO with Sampler Choir along with a real choral and some synthesizer drones simulating the sound of Universe?
...just a thought...

Cheers and go for it !
Panos

[FinnViking]

I think too often these rules kill the fun of making music. When I started taking improvisation lessons I was first taught how to create 3-part chorale accompaniment in Palestrina style focusing mainly on avoiding the notorious parallels, resulting in something that will sound utterly boring and uninspiring even if created by a born talent. The right way would be to create right in the beginning something that sounds good and inspires to continue. But the problem when it comes to competitions is that there are these rules, and often there are dry academics among the jury. So there are actually three things one can choose from, when considering to take part in a competition: 1) learn and obey the rules, 2) create music that you like disobeying all rules and see what happens, 3) don't bother to take part in it, just make music that you like.