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Works in Progress: Senior / Re: Song Cycle (cello & piano)
« Last post by Tónskáld on Today at 08:59:48 AM »
Last time to trouble you for feedback—you'll have a little reprieve from me for a bit as no new musical projects are on the horizon. :)

Here are the final two movements of the cycle. I've called them Sweðrung1 (decline, corruption) and Ellorsíþ2 (departure, journey to beyond). Sweðrung represents the moral collapse of a society, the stage just before its death. I use a 5/8 rhythm here to make everything sound just "not right." Ellorsíþ symbolizes the dying breath of an empire, and I incorporated themes from the previous 4 movements (if you listen closely) to act as memories from a distant past. This movement is in 9/8 time, giving it a lilting waltz or the rhythm of gentle waves striking a ship as it sails to undying lands. Just like previous movements, these also feature harmonies derived from symmetrical scales.

I'm once again grateful for your patience in listening to these. This project is to be an entry for a competition in which each movement must begin with the same material and thematic development must occur throughout. The deadline is tomorrow, so I'm somewhat relieved to have finished a day early, and perhaps to get some feedback on what could be tweaked to provide better flow.

Thank you in advance,
Jordan

1Pronounced SWEDH-roong (the "dh" is a voiced th, as in they)
2Pronounced EL-lor-seeth (the "th" is an unvoiced th, as in thanks)
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Works in Progress: Junior / Re: Variations on a Simple Tune
« Last post by mjf1947 on Today at 08:58:04 AM »
Haydn Variations - aha   Jer .... I had a bit of difficulty making the connection.  :-\

I listened to the Andante and Allegro.  Both are quite pleasant and enjoyable with orchestration which keeps the listener engaged.

To me there is a "Disney Like" feel to the music .... and as I said before fluffy akin to show music.

Reminds me of many of the Pop pieces I played in the orchestra.

Now I haven't moved on to the other variations ......So I don't know if my initial impressions will hold.

Looking forward to the rest.

Mark

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Completed Works: Junior / Re: Broadway Morning - Clarinet String Quartet
« Last post by mjf1947 on Today at 08:40:24 AM »
Okay- for those following this thread  ;D and those not too sure  :'(

I decided to make the initial theme the main work.   I did some more editing and tweaking transitions etc.

I think this version will meet the suggestions/critics posted.

Thank you all for your feedback!!!!  8)

Mark

PS: For all you that have not engaged in the conversation - I encourage you to do so!
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Works in Progress: Junior / Re: Variations on a Simple Tune
« Last post by Jerry Engelbach on Today at 03:15:37 AM »
Mark,
 
The orchestration of the A section of the theme is almost identical with that of Brahms’ Haydn Variations. A direct steal.
 
Cheers,
Jer
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Completed Works: Junior / Re: Broadway Morning - Clarinet String Quartet
« Last post by mjf1947 on Yesterday at 06:25:53 PM »
Quote from: sandalwood on Yesterday at 02:48:42 PM
Mark, the previous one sounded to me like it would be a mvt in a multi-mvt suite,  the totality providing context for the components. The last one sounds like it is meant to be a stand-alone work. If it is, then I have the following listening notes:

I think you need a transition from section 1 to 2 at 1:28. I did not feel comfortable with the 15 seconds from 2:15. I have a gut feeling that this piece feels as if a bit short/hurried to accommodate the two themes together. I fear to be misleading, of course, I know I may be hearing it differently tomorrow. So, yes, the proverbial grain of salt :)

You know you never know where you might end up with a composition.   

You make a valid point.  I am playing around a bit and deleted the second theme .... to try for a more integrated piece.

I'll post soon.

Mark
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Completed Works: Junior / Re: Broadway Morning - Clarinet String Quartet
« Last post by sandalwood on Yesterday at 02:48:42 PM »
Mark, the previous one sounded to me like it would be a mvt in a multi-mvt suite,  the totality providing context for the components. The last one sounds like it is meant to be a stand-alone work. If it is, then I have the following listening notes:

I think you need a transition from section 1 to 2 at 1:28. I did not feel comfortable with the 15 seconds from 2:15. I have a gut feeling that this piece feels as if a bit short/hurried to accommodate the two themes together. I fear to be misleading, of course, I know I may be hearing it differently tomorrow. So, yes, the proverbial grain of salt :)
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Composition Topic of the Month / Re: November, 2019: To piano or not to piano
« Last post by gogreen on Yesterday at 02:21:58 PM »
I used to compose at the piano first, and then transcribe material to staff (in pre-Finale days). I haven't used a piano to compose now in some 30 years. When I conjure up material, I hear it as an instrument or section, or combination of instruments, so, these days, working at a piano first and then transcribing adds an additional step. When I'm working in a score, I'm familiar enough with instrument ranges and other instrument technical considerations so that I hear the music as I flesh out the score. I admit, though, that I often need help with some aspects of playing strings and some percussion instruments.
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Completed Works: Junior / Re: Broadway Morning - Clarinet String Quartet
« Last post by mjf1947 on Yesterday at 02:11:24 PM »
Well .... I combined all the parts and did some more tweaking.

However, me thinks I need some distance from the work.

Some here it is .......

I will come back to it at a later date .... :angel:

Mark
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Completed Works: Junior / Re: Broadway Morning - Clarinet String Quartet
« Last post by mjf1947 on Yesterday at 01:06:24 PM »
Quote from: Jerry Engelbach on Yesterday at 07:28:41 AM
Mark,
 
I like the main theme very much.
 
I wonder if its phrasing could be highlighted with more dynamic variety and maybe even slight pauses, to really make it stand out from the overall texture of the piece. The theme kind of sneaks back in at the end rather than decisively announcing itself.
 
The beginning is very engaging, with the clarinet and strings echoing each other. There is slight bit of that later, and I found myself hoping for even more.
 
The whole thing has a pleasing mood. But throughout I also wanted to hear emphasis to propel more sense of direction.
 
Your harmonies and the blending of the instruments are lovely.
 
Cheers,
Jer

Jer I agree completely!

Lots see what develops..................

Mark
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Works in Progress: Junior / Re: Variations on a Simple Tune
« Last post by mjf1947 on Yesterday at 01:04:24 PM »
Jer,

I'm going to take the review slowly.  So I will first comment on the opening theme.

While listening to the theme I had a few reactions: firstly, it has both an British Pastoral flavor along with an American touch.  Then I heard some Bach maybe because of the counterpoint and harmonic structure!  :o

The orchestration is smooth - the chosen ensembles compliment each other and presents a homogeneous fluffy fullness.

Overall the entire thematic material - which is lovely - is well supported.  The moving ensembles are a rel treat to hear.

Your choice of voices .... i.e., trumpets interplay well with the other instruments.

I look forward to listening to the first variation.

Mark
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