about my composition no.2

Sarabande

About the piece

 Sarabande, as its name suggests, is a slow piece written in triple meter. The piece is composed for classical guitar and flute where the melody, played by flute, is accompanied by classical guitar. This combination of two instruments is intended to evoke a traditional atmosphere of the Renaissance period. As a result, my intention was to approximate a real work from that period as closely as possible.

Structure

The whole composition is divided into sections. The main motif is introduced in the first two sections and developed in another two sections. Although the main motif is repeated in the middle part of the piece, the conception of the theme was considerably expanded and varied.

Harmony

The harmony played by Classical guitar is based in chord progression in the key of E minor. Although the piece is composed in E- minor I have chosen different a chord progression than is usual (E minor, A major, C major and B major chords). This combination of chords allowed me to compose the harmony that evokes a former period.

Melody

 The melody pattern, consists of a three-note motif, is repeated throughout the first section. In the middle part of the piece the main motif expanded and varied in different way in order to make it more attractive for audience. The melody is combined with scales in E minor key signature.

Rhythm

The whole composition is written in triple meter.  At the beginning the tempo is slow and steady while in the middle part of the piece the tempo is slightly increased. In the last section the tempo returns to the first mood.

Influence

Among composers who had influenced on my composition were George Frederic Handel (Sarabande), Phillip Glass (The poets of arts) and Ludovico Alonso Mudarra (Fantasia x)

about my composition no.1

Saudade para o musgo

About

As the title suggest ‘’Saudade’’ is a sad piece with deep emotional spirit. My intention was to compose a piece that evokes emotional longing for places that have not be discovered yet.

Rhythm, tempo and mood

The whole composition is alternating between slow and fast rhythmical variations. The slow tempo gives the composition profound emotional atmosphere whereas the fast tempo gives the composition a slightly brighter feeling.

Scale

The A harmonic minor scale was used in my composition. The reason I have chosen the’’exotic scale’’ is that the sound of the scale portrays mysterious mood and a kind of ‘’far away feeling’’.

Melody

The melody is based on tones of A harmonic minor scale. The main motif consists of six notes (B, A, G sharp, F, E, D), which provide the foundation of the piece. In the centre of the piece the melody becomes more improvised.

Harmony

The harmony is based on chord progression the key of A harmonic minor.  I decided on chord progression I-IV-V. Consequently, the A minor, D minor and E minor were used. Moreover, the natural harmonics, which are on the beginning of the piece, were used to emphasise a spiritual feelings.

Technique

The tremolo technique was chosen for the piece. This effect combined with main motif allows the piece to emphasise the spirit of a ‘’calling from away’’. I used natural harmonics to evoke melancholic mood. In addition, I adopted very a unusual strumming technique where the strings are lightly polishing by flash of the fingers. This effect is intended to evoke kind of dream atmosphere.

Influence

Among composers who have had an impact on my composition are Czech under-rated guitarist and composer Stepan Rak  (Czech Fairy Tale) and Brazilian guitarist and pianist Egberto Gismonti (Aqua e Vinho).