How to Compose a Seamless Transition Between Themes

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How to compose a transition section between contrasting musical themes.
🎹 Writing Transitions Is Fun! (no really) • Writing Transitions Is...
📚 Many of the ideas in this video come from my favorite music book of all time: Analyzing Classical Form by William Caplin amzn.to/3AqkWcu
Sometimes an abrupt and sudden change in music can be fun and exciting, but there are times when a composer wants the change from one idea to another to be smoother and more gradual.
In this video I explore one technique for composing a transition section, borrowing ideas from Alan Belkin and William Caplin like the sentence form for melodic structure, gradual changes that develop over time, modulation and key changes, orchestration and timbre considerations, and so on.
And for the example I use the Love Theme and the Dragon Theme from John Powell's score to How to Train Your Dragon.
By the end we should have a a brand new transition section that bridges the gap from the first theme to the second, making the ideas connect more naturally and helping the music flow smoothly.
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Опубликовано:

7 июл 2024

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Комментарии : 475

@RyanLeach 2 года назад

🎹 Writing Transitions Is Fun! (no really) ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-C3xRCSp6P2E.html

@AitorPalacioValle 2 года назад

That was pretty smooth 😉

@wilhelmkaktuszorn 2 года назад

The decrescendo before the dragon theme ensures that the suddenly loud dragon theme does not appear entirely unnoticed but as a contrasting event. Unless you want everything to slide smoothly into one another. ... My comment 🧐

@RyanLeach 2 года назад

True, the fact that a new theme has started is still important and worth drawing some attention to

@egilsandnes9637 2 года назад

I guess you can pick and choose, and try to make a smooth transision for some elements, and let other have more of a contrast. I feel like this is an area where you can do a lot of experiments and learn a lot by trial and error. Great video!

@Qermaq 2 года назад

I liked what he did there too. Tease your audience, flirt with them, be the over-dramatic siren you cannot be in real life. Toy with them, but only as far as the narrative allows. A film score has a narrative you must obey, but a concert work allows you to be more beguiling.

@cfthompson 2 года назад

Keep the transition videos coming! I once had a composition professor tell me that "transitions are the hardest part of writing music," but then she never actually taught us anything about transitions! 😅

@Tyrell_Corp2019 2 года назад

Seems like she was right? 😂

@emilyrln 2 года назад

@@Tyrell_Corp2019 "I fear I can offer you no guidance, for that is a foe each of you must face… alone." *swirls cape and disappears in a puff of smoke*

@beanbrain6162 2 года назад

"My work here is done." "But you didn't do anything..." *Vanishes*

@user-kb6bp4of2y 7 месяцев назад

It is absolutely true! I faced with it by my own, so now I am here)

@holliethomasmusic 6 месяцев назад

LIKEWISE! My composition professor actually grabbed the pencil from my hand, scribbled in some notes (the transition), and then we moved on. WHAT KIND OF TEACHING IS THAT?

@krystenindisguise 2 года назад

It really gives me a lot of perspective on how insane a transition can get when you consider all of those contrasting elements- thank you so much

@LukeDoesShitStuff 2 года назад

I really love how the first four chords of the transition are bright, and the last four incorporate minor chords that get darker and darker.

@Roescoe 2 года назад

These transitions are generally left out of sheet music, and they're some of my favorite parts of music. I particularly enjoy Beethoven's transitions so to hear it done with new themes is neat.

@toddsmith235 2 года назад

Transitions are what I feared the most in arranging/ composing. Breaking the process down into bite size chunks makes the process more manageable and less daunting. Love your videos! Thanks for sharing.

@reistmusic 2 года назад

This is incredibly insightful and the example used is pretty much a perfect match! Somehow never thought about making a "sentence" to bridge the gap of sections. Glad I came across your channel!

@Qermaq 2 года назад

I'm not familiar with the text he cites, but I think "sentence" just means it's multiple phrases, lasting about 8 bars depending on context. And it makes perfect sense. We generally under-write and struggle to add more in - I think we all could do well by over-writing and then cut some out! It's the mark of an artist to be able to throw away a golden idea just because it doesn't fit the needs of the work.

@reistmusic 2 года назад

@@Qermaq Yeah pretty much. I normally write chronologically (i.e. intro to outro) but I had more trouble starting off with, say a drop first and then figuring out how to connect it later on, so I tend to rewrite and end up scrapping out more ideas because sections I wrote sometimes just don't translate too well. Hurts to do that but it's served me well.

@TWDub 2 года назад

This was definitely really helpful! As a hobbyist composer who enjoys writing in a cinematic and storytelling style, I'll be taking all of this information to heart for future pieces!

@joshwalker7460 2 года назад

I really enjoy these technical process breakdowns. I've gotten a lot out of other folks theory content, but they are often overly descriptivist and lack motivation. These worked examples are priceless in terms of 'putting it all together' and picking up conventions, terms, etc that are generally omitted from more abstract content. As an overly-bookish, self-taught composer that has mostly pursued the art for my own satisfaction, there's great value in getting a window into a professional's approach and technique. You strike a great balance between depth and brevity. Your presentational style and demeanor are also on point. You've helped me get out of several structural cul-de-sacs I didn't even know I was in, already, and I look forward to each new video. 10/10 content, I feel like I'm finally learning how to 'draw the rest of the f*cking owl.' Thank you!

@briancollins1475 2 года назад

Interesting and very useful. Without transitioning, any composition is going to end up either jarring or boring. This example works really well.

@ckoditemes6910 2 года назад

This is awesome stuff, man. I realize that in my own arranging, my intuition has pulled me in a couple of the same directions, but hearing it all laid out and explained like this was very helpful.

@FilmScoreandMore 2 года назад

This was a really interesting example! I have to say, since I'm pretty familiar with the score and its themes I was surprised and unsure where exactly you were going with this; I couldn't think of any part of the score where this could come in. But I really like how you made something original out of it from two very different themes, the kind John Powell would probably have to struggle to find some kind of bridge between in a film score, so it's a very valuable lesson to composers and problem-solvers. John Powell is very adept at adapting his own themes in different variations and he designs them so he can pull as much out of them as possible. Also, your bridge of chords at 3:08 actually ends kind of similarly to the end of the Fate Theme from the third movie, confusingly not the same Fate Theme from the first. I'm finishing up an analysis on a cue from that one (Legend Has It/Cliffside Playtime), so I've been hearing that ending a lot! It's interesting that your solution would sound so similar to something else from the third movie.

@frataktav 2 года назад

This was very well done in many ways. It was smooth, balanced and colorful enough that the second theme didn sound awkward or too different, but still contrasting enough.

@Johncowk 2 года назад

I always struggled with transitions, and even though I have the feeling I got a bit better over the years, it's always nice to get some new perspectives on this :)

@dustinphan969 2 года назад

Thank you for these composition videos, Ryan!

@KingRCT3 2 года назад

Thanks for these videos Ryan, I really appreciate them. I love hearing exemples or work-in-progress a lot, so thanks for not just talking but actually letting us hear the ideas. And I love the stock footage used to illustrate your points, haha 5:50

@nyatesmusic 2 года назад

Every one of your videos are so helpful! Thank you!

@MusicBeSweetYo 2 года назад

These example videos are so helpful!

@eskoniiranen9294 2 года назад

What a really hands on, useful and practical quick lesson! Big thanks!

@tiaanhaussamer2854 2 года назад

Another amazing vid, Ryan!!

@nicolaberti7698 2 года назад

Awesome video! I usually have issues trying to blend in different sections of my track so this was very helpful!

@MrKeithterrett 2 года назад

Great chat on transitions, keep them coming Ryan!

@keeganeich5755 2 года назад

Its insane that these videos are free. Thanks Ryan for all the hard work that you put into these.

@salmonminiard3016 2 года назад

I really enjoy how you show the transitions they help me learn to play them right

@erikafloresmusic Год назад

Love your content. You’re a great educator, Ryan! Thank you

@MaxenceLasserreEngberts Год назад

Very nicely done!

@bluryu6070 2 года назад

Once again, a musical gold mine of information and skills thank you Ryan!

@callumkuhl1370 2 года назад

Great job, thanks for sharing your knowledge!

@owenrsmithmusic2029 2 года назад

Anther great video Ryan - I love how succinct and accessible your content is!

@felipemenezes6058 2 года назад

That was an amazing explanation! It really shows how clever and talented composers, musicians, and other music workers really are to create something as beautiful as the How to Train your Dragon soundtrack. If a soundtrack can make me feel the way the way the characters are portrayed, that's a huge thumbs up from me.

@MNolanMillar 2 года назад

Connecting ideas is my weakness. Great example and ideas here. Thanks!

@user-te6ry8gw2x 2 года назад

Please keep doing these fantastic video, I was learned from your video a lot！

@rjdubu1485 2 года назад

Wow Ryan you’re orchestration videos are amazing. Thanks for making this!

@immineal 2 года назад

Just what I needed, thanks! Nice Video, keep it up!

@oliverlacota3112 2 года назад

Very clever! I'm going to have to go check out your other stuff.

@TempestsFist 2 года назад

You sir make the transition between Ignorance and Wisdom seamless yourself. I like stopping by every once and a while and taking a lesson on music.

@Markrspooner 2 года назад

Great video Ryan! The transition layer you composed totally works to smooth things out between the 2 sections

@Coda02 2 года назад

Thank you for your videos! They really do help me a lot!

@devonhiggs6581 2 года назад

I absolutely LOVE this video! I love how it explains the process so simply. It’s my first time seeing any of your videos, but I’ll definitely be checking out more! Please keep making wonderful videos like this!

@whitebeamroadstudios 2 года назад

Useful stuff, as always!

@vextronx 2 года назад

I'm so glad I found this channel. :)

@musiclore 2 года назад

Fantastic as always.

@bryancortina2604 2 года назад

Man I really love your videos , never stop , is really helping in may journey

@zoundbiestudio4021 2 года назад

Amazing video Ryan! It's really helpfull to dive deep in the macro view of composition which is what sometimes makes us struggle more than a catchy phrase. Acknowledging the whole piece is an issue that goes pretty much under the radar.

@pilcaroo 2 года назад

A very clear and practical explanation, thank you. What I like the most about it is seeing how an almost technical problem (transitioning between different themes) can be an opportunity to be an opportunity to really create something new and beautiful, and not just find a decent way to solve it.

@JonHarris77 2 года назад

Great job in breaking things down step by step and showing how to deal with each difference. It really de-mystifies the process to see it laid out so clearly and specifically. Your systematic approach in all your videos is very helpful! 👍

@shczzma3083 2 года назад

I just stumbled on this video, I am changing from academic A levels to a music technology course next year and have zero experience writing or creating music but I have a good sense of what sounds good and that transition was so satisfying to listen to! thank you for this video :)

@Author_SoftwareDesigner Год назад

Informative clear. Packed full of useful information that’s immediately applicable.

@Juan_Teppa 2 года назад

Fan of your channel Ryan, tons of great advices on every video!

@jovymulan2072 Год назад

It's a good thing you mentioned specific tools that we can use for a better transition. Thanks a lot!

@lim7lim 2 года назад

Great lesson!

@vgzimrlankey5682 2 года назад

Incredibly helpful!

@paulh.gaston4795 2 года назад

Thank you for this. Transitions are always an incredibly thought-provoking discussion for composers.

@brandonpozzo 2 года назад

Thank you for the amazing content you put out! I'm going back through your videos and learning so much.

@aarons1972 Год назад

Oh man, so cool. Can't wait to put this one into usage. Thanks, Ryan.

@MrIanGrom 2 года назад

So simple and perfectly explained, brilliant!

@patrickleduc7712 2 года назад

Very helpful video! Underrated channel-- wishing you the best, Ryan!

@luisfeliperey 2 года назад

Great example! Thank you Ryan

@patrickgodding 2 года назад

You should consider making a video course on Scoring and Composing… I’d definitely pay for that!!

@alasdairsorley 2 года назад

Very nicely put, easy to follow, might go try this myself :)

@BenjaminJNichols 11 месяцев назад

outstanding, this is so helpful, thank you!

@samuelvargas4163 2 года назад

Hi Ryan, great video as always!

@darthjarjar8 2 года назад

I learned a lot from this!! Good video 👍

@JuanAMatos-zx4ub 2 года назад

Excellent video, definitely will keep it saved for future reference.

@LucaBovelli 6 месяцев назад

Wow finally some actually good content! Love you bro

@mimosa-music 2 года назад

Excellent problem definition and solution. Really nice work.

@RasiRon 2 года назад

Very high quality instruction

@mbaldwinlobue 2 года назад

Wow!! Thanks so much for great content like this. I’m learning so much from you. Really appreciate it.

@ianwrightartist 2 года назад

Great video which has helped me with a piece I'm working on at the moment! 👍

@DavideChiarello 2 года назад

Great content as always!

@nicolassorin561 2 года назад

buenisimo, un maestro sin duda, capooo

@Phloxx1 2 года назад

This is gold. Thank you

@grazianomaugeri309 2 года назад

Thank you for the video, good job!

@eliakselrod4655 2 года назад

so educational. thank you!

@WizardOfArc 2 года назад

I greatly appreciate your teaching 🙇‍♀

@markweerheim3628 2 года назад

This video (and the previous one about transitions) really make me want to write some transitions myself, I like how smooth the transition was while still having some contrast to slightly catch you off guard

@mattwallis1893 2 года назад

Good stuff Ryan. Well thought through and excellent explanation. 👍🏼

@spokefast 2 года назад

actually amazing - thank you!!!!

@bigitugu 2 года назад

This video couldn't have come at a better time for me! Great video!

@stefanxgc2558 2 года назад

Really great explanation!

@ingridmannik634 2 года назад

Thank you for the awesome content!

@edkraken7011 2 года назад

This is the kind of creators we need💪

@FernandoDuarteMusic 2 года назад

Great job! Thank you!

@fal_pal_ 2 года назад

This is a very practical and easy to follow process, thanks for putting this together!

@happybirch9663 2 года назад

Just this morning I was thinking about transition between pieces in a mashup. This gives me a clearer idea of how to do it.

@kemarcummings1555 2 года назад

Awesome video!! I've learned so much.

@listeningcolors9888 2 года назад

Great lesson on transitions Ryan😄 🙏 Thank you for opening up a different perspective again.

@lilquaz100 2 года назад

Love this!

@AFRoSHEENT3ARCMICHAEL69 2 года назад

I enjoy your analysis. Helps me with my own writing.

@ChrisLodyMusic Год назад

I've been binge watching a large amount of your videos over the last week or so as I have some scoring work to do and I'm feeling a little out of my depth to be honest. But your channel is an absolute gold mine of information! I don't think I've ever been so happy to discover such a rich resource. On top of learning about transitions here your one brief mention of Octatonic scale led me back to the bottomless pit of wiki music theory articles which talk about its Alpha chord and how that relates to the Fibonacci Sequence! Super inspiring, thank you 😁

@Nicenigel14 2 года назад

This methodology for creating smoothe and interesting transitions is very helpful, thanks!

@thea-rose Год назад

Super helpful video, thank you!! I'm really trying to improve the way I write transition material and modulations at the moment and I learned loads from this video. Love your style of teaching, it's so concise and you have a great way of making complicated things way easier to understand.

@256threst8 Год назад

This is pretty helpful. Thanks.

@tp700 2 года назад

This was really helpful, thanks

@kuru9157 Год назад

Thanks for making these videos Ryan! Due to lacking a good theoretical foundation (due to hating music theory as a kid), videos like these, making practical use of those cadences, chords and harmonies really helps me get excited about learning theory again.