Hello everyone :)
We are thrilled to see so many of you regularly participating in the Flat challenges. Every single one of the submissions is truly amazing!
✨
As always, keep in mind that the whole purpose of these challenges is to inspire you to compose regularly, not to create a sense of competition.
😔 We noticed that many participants imported scores created elsewhere or imported their own compositions made some time ago, making only a few edits before submitting them. Please remember that this is not allowed. Yes, we can tell by reviewing the data of the score. Songs must be created in Flat from scratch specifically for the challenges. This ensures that everyone participates under the most similar conditions possible. Please adhere to this rule to avoid disqualification and to show respect for other participants.
👀 To start, let's check on the highlights of this challenge!
✨ The highlights
Before announcing the winner, we want to highlight some interesting creations:
What a beautiful collaboration! The accents at the beginning of the song perfectly capture the flapping wings of a bird—in this case, the cardinal. Great use of this compositional technique!
Great play on words for the title! This tiny bird, the Tern, embarks on its migration journey, and the song captures the moment it takes flight. The composer brilliantly uses tension and release, especially between the B-flat in the dom7/diminished chord and the B natural, to mirror the bird's struggle between flight and gravity.
What a magnificent song! The interaction between the strings and winds is truly beautiful. You can feel every part of the Arctic Tern’s journey, capturing both the challenges and the determined bravery of this incredible bird. The recurring melody adds a sense of tension, making me think of those moments when the tern might be on the brink of giving up but keeps pushing forward without looking back.
4. Echoes of the dove by Beachside Brass
This piece is a perfect example of "less is more." Like the dove, the song is simple and beautiful. With just two instruments, the composer tells a whole story. The Euphonium adds a rich and warm tone that enhances the piece perfectly.
✨ By the way, the most frequent birds featured in your scores were:
- Duck
- Goose
- Arctic Tern
- American Robin
- Penguin
- Crane
- Heron
All of these birds have very interesting migration paths. If you're not familiar with them, I suggest investigating a little bit—you'll be amazed!
The winner
Now, without further ado...
🎉 Congratulations to...
🥇 Darker for his amazing piece > Odyssey of a Shearwater
This song is full of creative aspects that will surprise you and make you feel like a migrating shearwater. The choice of instruments is meticulous and spot-on (I highly recommend reading the score description). It starts with a slightly rock-like vibe that gives the song a lot of power. Let yourself be surprised and moved by this piece!
The top 10 scores:
This composition unfolds with such elegance that, before you even realize it, you’re fully immersed in a wave of emotion that deeply inspires. It gently draws you in, making the experience both captivating and unforgettable.
There's a lot to say about this song, but what really stands out is the brilliant use of the French horn. The song’s narrative is masterfully crafted, drawing you into the world of our charming protagonist, a duck. Around measure 20, the music beautifully captures the moment the bird takes flight, setting off on its adventure.
This piece is very cinematic and reminds me of the soundtracks from those old Disney animations. If you close your eyes while listening, you can imagine the entire story. It's truly beautiful!
This song really stood out, not just because of the quality of the composition, but also because of its genre: pop. It's not something we see very often in challenges, which was a pleasant surprise.
6. Migratory birds can(´t) migrate South because every 1 bird have only 1 wing by Lukáš Trnka & Realistic
Another remarkable collaboration, and these synths! These synths, guys... Amazing! A lively composition, just like the swallows.
7. The Flamingo by JONAHSENA
The percussion is incredible; it perfectly reflects the elegance and stunning beauty of flamingos. Even though flamingos are not migratory birds, they tend not to stay in the same place for long.
8. Quick Bath of Watercock by Scott Tioh张文礼
When you listen to this song, you’ll feel like you’ve entered the kingdom of birds, hearing various species singing and interacting with one another. It’s a truly unique and special piece!
9. One Part To Another by DANTE MARZINI
This music piece wonderfully tells the story of the Australian Pratincole's journey. The shift to Bb minor at bar 54, with the piano and harp, brings the storm and the bird’s song to life. It's a beautifully crafted piece.
10. To Warm Winds and Fearless Flight by 1C3
This composer takes you on a musical journey, perfectly capturing the cold weather of the Tundra Swans' migration path. The ocarina and percussion create a fresh atmosphere, while the piano’s beautiful modulation makes you feel like you’re flying with them.
❗If yours isn't in the group of finalists, please don't be disappointed – we really loved listening to every submission and we're looking forward to seeing what you come up with for future challenges 💪🏻 Remember, we have one of these each month.
💡 And don't forget about the bonus points, they can make all the difference!
Again, a big thank you to everyone for submitting your songs 🤟.
By the way, the August's challenge is already, you can join > here.
Keep creating amazing music!
See you next time,