Character Piece 1 (after class performance)

After hearing my first composition performed in class, it sounded a whole lot more coherent than it did on the midi playback of my computer. The first "section" was easy because i used the same rhythm in the piano for the first six chords, however when I felt like there needed to be a change, I couldn't think of any way to depart from that.

Through trial and error I finally found a way to link the parts. (through a glock "cadenza" type
line).

The piece did convey what I wanted it to, an atmosphere or feeling more so than an actual melody, giving more focus on the harmonies. I was excessive in the use of the glock, which I myself didn't pick up on, but some people commented on that it was a little much. Which is a good thing, because the written part isn't exactly performer friendly (with the odd rhythms and such).

Simon and Andrew took the piece at a much slower tempo, which I think is the tempo I would like to keep it at. It's a good tempo which makes it easier to absorb the chords better I think.

Project 1

When I listen to atonal or serialist music, I listen closley for chords that have a consonant resonance. I'm drawn to these chords and the way that they relate to one another. For the first project, I wanted to use chords that acted in this way and I beleive I have succeeded. The only thing was that I did accidently use a tonal chord (Major 9th chord), and upon hearing the chord progressions of the other students, realized how little tension was present in the chords that I have used. It was also commented upon that there was a dip in the tension of the chords (chords 8-10 were more tense than chord 9)

Naturally, consonant chords will not have as high tension as dissonant chords, so I tried to add tension by a falling bass line, with parallel fifths. This did not create enough tension, so I plan to make a few of the middle chords more dissonant.

I am not a big lover of atonal music, but by limiting myself to work outside the framework of tonality I am able to appreciate atonality more. Composing in this way opens up a world of endless texture possibilities that one may not reconize while writing in a tonal medium.