Some Music I Wrote Update

Hi Benji,

These are coming along nicely. The 1st Movement is getting quite a finished look. Overall, I like it. As far as midi performance is concerned, I think Fred is correct. There isn't a gradual increase in volume when you use "cresc." for example. You can set the note velocity higher for each note/chord by selecting them individually, hitting number 9, then putting in a figure. So instead of going from 75 in measure 2 to 85 in measure 3, you could do it chord by chord and make a real crescendo, rather than a sudden change in dynamics.

Keep it up. I enjoyed listening to these.

all best,
mgj

Hi Ben,

I see the folder with the paper clip, but I don't get a file.

best,
mgj

what do you guys think of measures 75-89 in the first part?

Hi Daniel,

This is firmly in the Romantic piano concerto tradition of Litolff, Scharwenka, Busoni, Moscheles, Paderewski, Tchaikovsky--to name just a few, with a bit more adventure perhaps. I'm not aware of another concerto that uses a waltz in the opening movement (assuming this is the first movement), but I rather like the idea.

The orchestra still seems a bit strange, which is fine. There is no use putting in clarinets, or oboes, or trombones, or whatever if you don't hear them. But it would certainly present some difficulties to a conductor reading the score. For example, there are chords on one of the string ensemble staves that are in the range of the violas, cellos or basses, but no indication which instrument or instruments you want to play them. It might help to use the standard violin I and II, viola, cello and double bass sections. It would not hurt anything that I can see to do the same with the flute (sometimes flutes) and horn (sometimes horns). Where there is a single line that carries or duplicates the melody, one might guess that you may intend a solo instrument, but it is far from clear.

The measures you mention are pretty effective cadenza stuff. The phrase using the horns sounds like a wind gust, which works all right in the context of these bravura sounding measures, but could seem more integral to the movement as a whole.

The best thing is the melodic writing, I think. Some Romantics seem to have had the melodic capacity, some seemed often to struggle. Your themes seem to flow so easily that they hint at a huge store held in reserve.

I continue to enjoy your dramatic piece and look forward to any new developments.

all best,
mgj

yea i don't really know anything about the strings' ranges; i just like to put the notes in after I think of a new part and see if i like it. I only study the piano, but i might try to learn maybe the violin or something. maybe when I try to publish this, the people will help me in orchestrating the score.

Hi Ben,

If you had to play an instrument to write for it, we'd have a lot less music than we do. Any book on orchestration that I've seen lists the instruments and their ranges. You can also google up a lot of information on line. I just did a search and found this in under a minute:

http://www.northernsounds.com/forum/...ad.php?t=45335

Have fun,
mgj

Excellent, Ben! I really enjoyed your "Variations". A rough spot or two, but excellent, nonetheless. Just delightful!

I'm curious as to where you get your inspiration for your music?

Keep it up.



Lee Eschen

Sherry, I use Firefox and had no trouble downloading the second attachment. I do use a download plugin called "Down Them All" and that be why. It's easily available through FF's plugin (or add-on) manager.


Lee

Hi Ben,


I like the variations. You know, there is no law that says you can't use it as a sonata movement. Yes, it looks as if it would be fun to play.

Sherry: Perhaps it's because my firefox is country born, but it picked up the attachment and brought it home.

all best,
mgj

Actually, my dad was messing around with the piano one day, and he sort of came up with the simple main theme. I hope that doesn't count as plagiarism. ;)