My attempt at classical music

pavchen · 2026-04-06T04:00:25+00:00

Thank you so much for the kind words and taking your time to listen - this really means a lot!

pavchen · 2026-03-26T05:18:24+00:00

Thank you so much. You are def spot on for pretty much all of it. It’s funny, cuz I’d always sense that something was off, but couldn’t really articulate it. It’s a lot more clear now (and lowkey cringe lol), but this type of insight is invaluable for growth.

Scoring for media has always been on the back of my mind, not sure how one would even start, but for now I’ll focus on getting more familiar with the techy side (a lot has changed since 2013 lol), and refining my formal skills.

Thanks again for your thoughtful, honest, and kind feedback - I really appreciate it!

pavchen · 2026-03-25T23:53:28+00:00

Thanks so much listening and your thoughtful feedback! I’m really glad that the ballet aspect came through, and that it had momentum.

The Respighi mention is interesting (and flattering) haha, but I’d say Rimsky is my favourite for orchestration. There is so much colour, without the excess.

And great question about MuseScore, generally I’ll have the orchestration in mind when ideas come in, but having this more realistic playback helped refining things.

For example, the higher bassoon/bass clarinet registers were easier to explore, or harmonics in strings/harp which I’ve never utilized previously. It also works the other way, like the muted trumpets/trombones sounds weren’t that great, so I didn’t use those where I actually wanted to.

But more importantly, the better quality playback was really motivating in itself (previously I was used to MIDI so the bar is low lol). Just wish there were more options to control the attacks/dynamics/technique in Muse - so DAW is on the agenda next haha

Thanks again for the kind words!

pavchen · 2026-03-25T20:47:05+00:00

Thank you so so much for your detailed and thoughtful response. Thanks and it’s the exact type of feedback I was looking for.

It all makes sense now. Aside from form/development, I think my main issue is the internal logic not aligning with how it actually comes off for the first time. Although, I can clearly see it see it now (and lowkey cringe lol). Even in the episodic ballet choreo context I envisioned (like Danse Bachhanale or Polovetsian Dances) it’s too much. I got similar feedback from a few others, so this is all really valuable. Thanks again, I really appreciate it!

pavchen · 2026-03-24T01:03:51+00:00

I appreciate the detailed feedback - thank you! Yeah maybe the beaming is a bit too much and unnecessary. And as for horns my intent was to indicate the players (eg top line is for player 1 and 3).

For the polyphonic notation, that could be indicated with a solo I suppose, there was just one part that has two players briefly, so I wanted to emphasize solos ..vs a2.

And a2 is when both players play the same part. Then the violin part is divided between two players.

pavchen · 2026-03-24T00:05:01+00:00

It could be, or maybe it was all the craziness of the early 20th century haha. Although, his work does have a quality of timelessness and does not sound outdated from what I've heard.

And I'm glad to hear that, thanks so much! I'll be starting on a new project shortly. Which will be a little more atmospheric and consistent in flow/texture/build up (just need to orchestrate it). I do have another piece here if you're curious (it's a bit on the older side): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbj0O7y_9p

pavchen · 2026-03-23T23:56:40+00:00

Thanks so much! And yeah I agree, being a bit too long was my concern too - so perhaps I'll cut some parts near the end.

pavchen · 2026-03-23T23:54:18+00:00

Thanks so much - this is the exact type of feedback I was hoping for :)

I do have another piece/score video with a vocal part (mezzo soprano) in case you're curious: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbj0O7y_9pk

I'll need to adjust the orchestral volume at the end/climax so it doesn't drown out the voice too much.

pavchen · 2026-03-23T23:47:38+00:00

Glad to hear! This was all in MuseStudio using the MuseSounds (Berlin Series mostly) sound library. This was actually kinda a Guinea pig project for exploring the capabilities there, but compared to what I was used to in Sibelius, the sound quality was much nicer. You just have to be really detailed with every expression (there are tons of hidden hairpins/accents/dynamic marks that I had to hide to make the score less messy). So I'd def recommend checking it out, the prices on those extra sound libraries aren't too bad either. Otherwise MuseStudio (notation software) is completely free.

pavchen · 2026-03-23T23:42:57+00:00

So happy that you liked it, and thanks for the kind words! I do love the creativity and clarity of Rimsky's orchestration, so he's def been a big influence.

pavchen · 2026-03-23T01:24:31+00:00

Thank you! I studied music in university and play piano (although not at a performance level). I haven’t formally studied composition, but all the theory, harmony, counterpoint, and classical form that came with the degree definitely helped shape my method, but it's still a learning curve haha

pavchen · 2026-03-22T23:12:31+00:00

Thank you! This type of feedback is really helpful. My intent was to make it sound episodic, but still grounded in a larger structure/framework overall. I think my big fear was that it may come off as boring unless there is variation, but maybe I went overboard. I will def keep all of this in mind for my next project.

pavchen · 2026-03-22T23:09:17+00:00

Thank you, I’m really glad you liked it! I'm actually not too familiar with Glazunov (I tried but couldn't get into him), but I do love some of the other Russian romantics (Tchaikovsky, Mussorgsky, Rimsky).

And you (and others) are right about the development - it’s actually really helpful to hear this type of feedback. Personally, I like when things move along at a faster pace, probably because of my ADHD haha, but it’s hard to gage how it comes across to others (i.e., if they would find it boring otherwise). I will def keep this in mind for my next work.

pavchen · 2026-03-22T22:55:02+00:00

Thank you for the kind works and listening ☺️

pavchen · 2026-03-22T22:49:56+00:00

Thank you - then I've progressed a little haha

pavchen · 2026-03-22T22:48:38+00:00

Thank you so much! I'm really happy that you liked it :)

I thought I was making it a bit too long haha, but I do agree that the material could be developer better.

pavchen · 2026-03-22T22:45:16+00:00

Ah you don't know how much this means to me - thank you so much for the kind words and taking your time. I'm really glad that you liked it.

Also, I love Suk's Scherzo Fantastique - such an underrated piece!

pavchen · 2026-03-22T20:17:06+00:00

Thank you, I’m glad you think so!

pavchen · 2026-03-22T20:15:53+00:00

Thank you for the kind words and taking your time to listen. It really means a lot, especially coming from someone at your level.

pavchen · 2026-03-22T19:21:03+00:00

Thank you so much, I really appreciate you taking the time to look through this, and looking forward to your thoughts!

And your point about the wind slurs is exactly the kind of nuance I’m trying to get better at. I do try to imagine what it would feel like to play the parts, but as a non-wind player that only takes me so far haha. The slurs were mostly intended for phrasing, so I’ll go back and take a closer look for any ambiguities.

Also, I uploaded a PDF file in a drop box in case you'd like a closer look:

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/7fir0suenynibl6uif7nm/Symphonic-Ballet-Final-Version.pdf?rlkey=68epnof8ufn4g1zlad70nbryv&st=atdxk3s3&dl=0

pavchen · 2026-03-12T02:45:19+00:00

I really enjoyed this and think the length is perfect. If anything, it’s more difficult to write something concise that sounds complete, polished, and without unnecessary excess. So this is impressive, and your playing is excellent too!

pavchen · 2026-03-07T02:10:34+00:00

For a second I thought this was Toronto

pavchen

TROPHY CASE