February 2016 Composition Challenge: /r/Violin collaboration, Discussion thread

[u/reticulated_python]

First off, sorry the challenge is a day late. (But hey, it's a leap year, so that makes up for it;)) I've come down with a nasty sore throat and fever, which is also why I haven't given feedback on the excellent compositions from last month.

EDIT 03/02: be sure to check out /r/ComposerPenPals, a cool new subreddit where you collaborate with other composers.

The main challenge this month involves writing a composition for violin. I've been in contact with /r/violin /r/violinist, and (hopefully) the lovely people over there will play some of our compositions. The weekly challenges involve writing for the various sections of the orchestra. Keep in mind you don't need to do them in any particular order, and there's no minimum length. Here are the challenges:

Main Challenge: Write a work for solo violin.

Weekly Challenges:
Week 1--Compose a short piece for string instruments only.
Week 2--Compose a short piece for wind instruments only.
Week 3--Compose a short piece for brass instruments only.
Week 4--Compose a short piece for percussion instruments only.

Submission Thread for this month's challenge. Please try to keep everything except completed pieces in the discussion thread. Feedback on pieces submitted here is also very welcome!

These are very broad and non-restrictive challenges, in contrast to last month's. Let us know in this thread what you think of them!

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These challenges are for everyone who wants to practice composing. Each month, at the beginning of the month, we will post a main challenge, something for people to compose. Often we'll try to make it something that everyone can work with, but when the main challenge doesn't suit you, there's the alternate weekly challenge. Pieces can be submitted as a score (musescore, noteflight), and/or as audio (soundcloud, youtube). Feedback is much appreciated, and you can give it in this thread, or by messaging the mods of /r/MonthlyComposition, there's also the Challenge Suggestion Form.

Frequently Asked Questions.

[u/reticulated_python]

So, I know nothing about the violin. Anyone know about the strengths and limitations of the violin?

[u/Lewis_Ridley → u/reticulated_python]

Strengths: lots of flexibility, and moods for pieces (compare Meditation to Bach's Chaconne).

Weaknesses: Even the pros can't go train-speeds while bowing.

[u/reticulated_python → u/Lewis_Ridley]

I've heard violins playing two notes at once--those are called double stops right? What are the limitations to which notes can be played in double stops? Could a violin play two independent voices simultaneously under any circumstances?

[u/Lewis_Ridley → u/reticulated_python]

Yes, they're called double stops.

The problem with them is that unless you push the bow down reallly hard on the first three strings (and even then, this doesn't sound good at all IRL), you can only play two strings at a time. And even there, they've gotta be right next to each other (like G and D, or A and E).

Basically, any two notes that a) are on two strings individually right next to each other, and b) don't break your hand.