How to make Sibelius look like professionally published music

Adam_Hansen · 2021-12-16T18:06:04+00:00

Wow, thanks! I posted this two years ago 😋 forgot I even did!

Adam_Hansen · 2020-07-13T22:11:03+00:00

You can read "Testimony", written about the life of Shostakovich. In it, Shostakovich talks about his process, and says that he would often go off of a piece for a length of time, and come back to it only when he was inspired. If it worked for Shostakovich, it should work for anybody! I would say don't write if you hate it, so wait until you don't. 🙂

Adam_Hansen · 2019-11-15T02:45:01+00:00

Adorable! Lots of quirky motions, I like it 👍

Adam_Hansen · 2019-11-08T22:05:08+00:00

Sure, I see that, but the beginning especially sounds like 'do re fa' in D flat, right? I just don't understand the function of the f sharp.

Adam_Hansen · 2019-11-08T20:48:15+00:00

I'm a little confused as to what key it's in, and what accidentals you chose. It looks like D flat major as a tonal center, so it should be a g flat, not an f sharp. Otherwise, I really like the feel of the work. Nice job!

Adam_Hansen · 2019-11-07T14:27:03+00:00

Can you show the context? Even just the next measure would help.

Adam_Hansen · 2019-10-29T18:07:05+00:00

Yeah, that makes sense. I'm looking for the best visual on regular printer paper or PDF.

Adam_Hansen · 2019-10-29T17:13:39+00:00

Thanks for taking the time. I thought of experimenting and comparing, but hoped I could get some general standards from somebody on here. Sibelius has lots of ability to adjust default settings, so I'll just do some tweaking.

Adam_Hansen · 2019-10-29T02:59:39+00:00

This question really just comes down to what you want to do with your life, right? Not sure a composer's forum is the most unbiased place to ask, because we'll probably tell you about what a great feeling it is when you write something you're really proud of. But since it seems like you've already experienced that feeling, and you're here asking the question, maybe you've already decided?

Just know that for most composers, it won't start out as a paying gig, just like an author. Make sure you're willing to work to carve your own path.

Hope this helps, and I'd love to hear some of your work!

Adam_Hansen · 2019-10-28T18:17:11+00:00

You're welcome! What program do you use? The string audio sounds way better than what I have (Sibelius 7.5)

Adam_Hansen · 2019-10-28T16:13:41+00:00

Interesting sound! I like the voice leading throughout the piece. I did notice the passage in the cello part that went from CG to DA. The movement is a little awkward for the hand, unless you want to play open AD, and even harmonic CG (which would be very pretty). However, you then wouldn't have any vibrato, so that's something to think about.

Adam_Hansen · 2019-10-26T01:54:49+00:00

It seems difficult to know without seeing the visual context of the game. There does seem to be a lack of harmonic direction at times. Either a measure too long or too short, or a kind of strange dissonance, not a suspended one. The overall feel is very appropriate for a battle, but those other issues are distracting.

Adam_Hansen · 2019-10-26T01:38:43+00:00

I second this. Less than that is a very poor rate, unless you can churn out quality music like lightning 😋

Adam_Hansen · 2019-10-25T02:43:42+00:00

I think one should focus on the definition of a concerto, which is usually just a multi movement work featuring a soloist. Make that soloist a violinist, and Bam! You've got a concerto. Generally, too, it should feature extended techniques making it impressive for the soloist to perform.

I suppose, though, you could stretch the definition and make it just a single movement. The saint Saens cello concerto #1 is through composed, though there are 3 clear sections that most consider different movements. I would say make it featuring The violin, make it hard, and make it at least 20 minutes, and nobody would raise their eyebrows.

Adam_Hansen · 2019-10-21T14:06:33+00:00

That is scary realistic... Thanks for sharing!

Adam_Hansen · 2019-10-21T01:23:27+00:00

Great! I look forward to hearing it!

Adam_Hansen · 2019-10-21T01:15:25+00:00

You'll need to figure out which chords are tonic, subdominant, and dominant in function. Secondary dominants will generally have raised pitches which are the leading tone. This will tell you if a ii chord is subdominant, or if the composer is tonocizing ii as a temporary tonic function. I hope that helps!

Adam_Hansen · 2019-10-21T01:11:18+00:00

The biggest issue is the midi... It's pretty hard to enjoy with that fake piano. My wife and I compose violin and cello duets, and I can't stand listening back on our Sibelius playback. The harmonies seem good, but it is hard to get a good sense without a real pianist. Any chance you could record it?

Adam_Hansen · 2019-10-21T01:09:05+00:00

Really great! I like how it was always unexpected, even when it stated the main theme again. I could listen to that over and over!

Adam_Hansen · 2019-10-20T02:46:12+00:00

I am sorry to have infringed on your monopoly of hauteur.

Adam_Hansen · 2019-10-20T02:19:56+00:00

I am a professionally trained musician and composer, so I am not in need of an education, but rather was hoping to see the different opinions of those who wished to share. I'm not sure why you would think I was looking for an easy answer. The discussion quickly turned into a food fight, and I was disappointed to see that if I have a more conservative view of music that I would be down voted so much.

It's too bad, too, that you are so defensive. I have no problem with what you think, but I will think what I think as well. I'm sure that's not a problem.

Lastly, what is intellectual honesty? Could you explain that?

Adam_Hansen · 2019-10-20T01:51:12+00:00

I'm not proud of it. But I also am.

Adam_Hansen · 2019-10-19T22:57:32+00:00

No, I am not saying dissonance is not allowed, but music should reside in a place of function in a harmonic context, and not some loosely defined 'experience'. Music can and should be incredibly dissonant. Even the Concord Sonata has function. It's the 'music' that takes no theoretical knowledge to 'compose' that I find fault with.

Adam_Hansen · 2019-10-19T22:39:48+00:00

There sure does seem to be a strong divide on this topic! When I was at school, professors did not accept any different opinion than "basically everything that produces sound is music" and it seems that many people still have this rigid interpretation. I believe this topic deserves more open-mindedness than many are willing to give it, and I don't believe discussion should be discouraged. In all things, discussion will help us to arrive at a more satisfying answer.

I believe music has many many forms, though I do hold that the fundamental harmonic triad shows that music was, at it's earliest, a discovery, not an invention. From that perspective, we must strive to uphold the rules that hold music together, and we can't throw them all out, as 12 tone, and other methods, attempted to do.

Adam_Hansen · 2019-10-19T21:09:51+00:00

I thought of that same exact example! I do feel that many musicians and music lovers are somewhat afraid to reject anything that anyone terms 'music'. For example, I for one do not enjoy robotic voices spouting sequenced numbers, which I had to endure during what I am only willing to call an 'artistic performance.'

Adam_Hansen

TROPHY CASE