I decided that it was time for me to compose a longer piece. I’ve always been a fan of classical music and longer pieces in general that tell a story.
I’ve organized it into 4 separate movements that each attempt to convey a different part of the journey.
In the first movement, I wanted to use the waltz time signature, and to establish the overall feeling or mood of the piece. It’s a reference to past works, but also incorporating some newer ideas. Toward the end, I slow down and bring in some prettier chords to close the first section peacefully.
The second movement is a little more upbeat and in a more common 4/4 time signature, but still utilizing natural minor to maintain and not shift the tone too drastically. I wanted to capture some of the sea shanty vibe for this part. Midway, the section modulates keys, and shifts into Phrygian dominant. I wanted to convey that at this point, we’ve reached unfamiliar, foreign or exotic territory. The pace quickens and slows, but comes to a rest just in time for the next part.
The third is a bit slower and apprehensive, but emphasizes the prettier chords that were present in the first movement, and major scales to show positivity despite coming through the uncharted areas of the second movement.
Finally, we come to the fourth movement, and the resolution of the journey. Sudden crashes of lightning and sweep picking to jar the listener awake after a relaxing third section. We resume waltz time, and harken back to the beginning, but heavier, almost more complete. I used some slash chords here to incorporate the extra bass notes and really tie in the lower register. In conclusion, I bring it back to open chords; showing that we’ve seen the different time signatures and emotions, we’ve heard the pretty variations of the chords, and we’ve heard the aggressive versions. All in all, it comes back to the most natural open chords to display the progression in its purest form and to bring the music to a close.
Thank you very much for watching, listening, and participating in whatever way you like. I hope you all enjoy the ride.
8 окт 2024
