Piece for Guitar and small orchestra(in progress)

[Boneman]

I see where you are coming from Steve but, unless there is somewhere to start from on this or any other web site that is not going to blow me away with jargon, then I feel like I am lost!

Maybe you can point me in the right direction?

[stevel]

Originally Posted by Boneman

I see where you are coming from Steve but, unless there is somewhere to start from on this or any other web site that is not going to blow me away with jargon, then I feel like I am lost!

Maybe you can point me in the right direction?

It's difficult for people to comment on large orchestral-style works, or monumental works that people tend to try to write. Obviously, the composer has put so much work in that no one wants to tear it apart. Furthermore, there is always the element of a composers own style (or lack thereof) and it's difficult to be critical of that or point out "errors" unless there is a known comparison. For example, when you were working on your Fugue, there are definitive things about Fugues we can say right or wrong, and the student can usually glean something from those discussions. It's much more difficult to tell someone, for example, their form is "illogical" and then not be able to help them provide a logical alternative.

I suggest you try to write some smaller works, for smaller ensembles (or even solo) - just for posting here and discussing (if you don't mind being the Guinea Pig). No one wants to dredge through a 10 minute work to make some comments on it. Look at some of Tony's (TTW) pieces he's posted. Short and to the point, and much easier to discuss - not problems - but improvements (or at least improvements from another perspective).

Go ahead and write your symphonies and so forth, but post some shorter, smaller scale things. Put an "educational" goal in mind - like, I want to write this one in Binary Form and strive for that. The music may suck, but if you've got the form down, that's a lesson learned.

Have you checked out my articles on Form? I've posted a few recently that hopefully aren't too technical. But the nice part is, unlike some texts you might pick up, I'm here to explain anything that's too technical - hopefully that will help.

Best,
Steve

[Boneman]

Thanks Steve I will take a look at your articles. I am sure that they will help me with my quest! As long as you do not mind the PM's that follow!

Can you tell me where to start on the forum Steve?

[VicDiesel]

Nice piece. The revised version has a decent orchestration for as far as I can tell.

I've read Steve's first post and I agree that it sounds a bit like patchwork. You have a couple of sections that play with a motif for going up a fourth and then somehow coming down again, but it does't feel very unified. That 6/8 section definitely sounds like "eh, what am I going to do now...".

But it's all pleasant to listen to.

Victor.

[Boneman]

It has been through a first rehearsal and the guitar player is happy.

[marcuslee]

Well, I'm definitely not trained. This piece,though, is awesome. Maybe I don't want to know where you didn't do that great of a job (ahem) because I loved it. I think some of the educated comments here can help all of us, though.

Post a video of the live performance on You Tube if you can. That would be awesome.

Mark

P.S. - This piece is going on my IPod.

[Boneman]

Thank you for that. I just feel that when a tune arrives I just want to write it down.

[Boneman]

It is going to be played twice next month.

The Lights Theatre 14th June
St Nicholas Church 21st June

[stevel]

Originally Posted by Boneman

It is going to be played twice next month.

The Lights Theatre 14th June
St Nicholas Church 21st June

Will you be able to get it recorded?


Steve

[Boneman]

I hope so! I think it will sound great in the church setting.