Writing Charatcer Piece 2

SO, this second piece was a lot less painless to write. It seemed to flow a lot easier. Since my first piece sounded more like chords resonating over bar lines i decided to try and add some rhythm to move the time instead of capturing one moment and stretching it like my first piece.

Although it looks much different on paper there are my similarity which could link the two compositions. I did reuse several chords that appeared in the first piece in order to create a sense of unity throughout the work as a whole. instead of going for major dissonances I stuck with a lot open 5ths and octaves. I love the sound of 5ths and 9ths when used in a modal context.

Overall this piece has a lot more "line". Contrasting the opening few piano chords in 4/4 with the quick 5/8 measure of the vibraphone will drive the line forward. hopefully in wont be perceived as too tonal..................


time will tell

Character Piece 1

So I decided to compose something based on texture rather than a moving line. Many of the compositions I have been hearing so far in class are full of fast moving lines and heavy dense walls of sound that sometimes become incoherent because of the balance chosen between the piano and the other instrument. Often one instrument does not back off enough for the other to take the "lead" and the listener is lost as to the message or intention of the composer.

I think I was successful in creating a simple texture for Piano and Vibraphone that lasts roughly two minutes in length. The chords move mostly in slow half and quarter notes, which results in creating "space" for the listener to hear the dissonance between the intervals.

Some constructive criticize i received,

- Could be longer
- There are eight notes in one measure.... I should expand on this
- Perhaps could be a little longer
- Use a fermata at the end instead of whole notes for two measures
- Mose sustain in the piano line (pedal) ... would create a more wash of sound
- Think about the use of a fan
- Fix ties and notation errors

I am happy with the way it turned out overall, but agree that the piece needs to be developed more. This could potentially be a slow middle section in a 3 movement work!

Adam

Chord Prog

SO I have been listening to my the progression that I created and I realize that it sounds completely different every time i hear it. The week leading up to class I found myself somewhat unhappy with the tension and dissonance levels that were supposed to build to a climax.

I played the chords during class and for the first time i was not being critical but was just observing the sounds. I agree with several of the comments that I received and was able to use the feedback to modify the progression so that it follows a more logical progression of tension. My highest point of tension was chord 9 which is what i initially had planned.

Since the class i have re ordered some of the chords so that each one is a little more tense, until the descent into more 'relaxed' chords. It will definatly be interesting to hear these chords in different textures when I start composing for piano and another instrument.


anyway better go start that now....

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