Embedded Files
Composition
Graphic Score.mp4This composition connects deeply with Unit 3: Breaking the Rules. This challenges music notation, using lines, curves and shapes that require interpretation as opposed to stave lines in traditional music notation. This piece is inspired by aleatoric/chance music, where chance or indeterminate elements are left for the performer to interpret.
The most important musical feature of this piece was its non traditional notation. This piece puts heavy emphasis on expression, timbre and dynamics. With only one part, the texture would be monophonic, however, the indeterminacy slightly creates texture, sometimes generating polyphony and homophony.
I composed the music with pen and paper in combination with technology for layout. I created a rough idea of the piece (form, harmony and melody) in my mind, drew it down, then created parameters for the performer to follow. The parameters told the performers what to interpret and what to perform, meanwhile leaving ambiguity on the exact meaning of symbols used. This makes every performance distinct and unpredictable.
I think innovation is creating new ideas, techniques, styles, or technologies. I have demonstrated this through using graphical notation and the idea of uncertainty which creates freedom in interpretation and performance, making each performance very different
With this work, I made it interesting by introducing complex rhythms (such as melodies on page 1 where they do not stop and end on a specific beat) and unpredictable changes in dynamics and pitch. I also used unexpected stops/silences to create unpredictability which engages the audience.
This is my first time mixing in Dolby Atmos. Interesting how there is height and size of the audio source. It comes with reverb as well.
Performance
rachmaninoff 13 preludes no10.pdf
The Homecoming by Arnold Böckner
Rachmaninoff's Prelude in B Minor
13 Preludes Op. 32 No. 10
This piece connects with the first unit "Me and my Music." I have always loved Rachmaninoff's music, and this piece in particular is one of my favorites. I really like the melancholic tone in the beginning and end, as well as the somewhat heroic middle section.
The piece has very complex and lush harmonies and the chords are voiced very wide. The piece uses a lot of homophony and some parts have very thick texture. The piece flows well and has a lot of legato. The piece features a lot of rubato as well as rit. and accel.
I convey meaning, ideas and feelings through the execution of the notation. I also made interpretive choices regarding tempo, dynamics, phrasing and the arrangement of texture. I also take into account the background of the piece (which was inspired by "The Homecoming" by Arnold Böcklin) as well as the composer. I am trying to communicate the story of a person finally returning home but feeling depressed and not accomplishing much, despite going through many obstacles and overcoming many challenges. This resonates with my past experience of arriving at the end of a journey feeling sadness and failure.
I used pedaling technique to make the piece as expressive as possible without sacrificing clarity. I also had to arrange the texture so that the melody can be heard over many voices. I controlled the velocity of pressing down the keys and my arm's movement to create different sounds.
I prepared for this performance by practicing pedaling, playing big chords, and showing contrast between different dynamics. I also listened to many pianists' recordings, of which Sergei Babayan's interpretation resonated with me the most.
Reflection on success of chosen performance repertoire. How successful was your choice of repertoire? How do you know?
I think my choice of repertoire was successful, because I liked the piece, I am fairly satisfied with my performance, and the piece was challenging for me, especially dynamics and the veloce section.
X Lento.movSomething Else...
Is this music?
You can vaguely hear words in the background, but I don't recall adding vocals. Perhaps the frequencies added together created fake singing sounds.
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