With this class, we are going to work with Marivou how to start and finish a composition -the process of composition.
Before we begin I would like to say something about the teaching of composition. As you might be already aware, there is not
a way of composing. Composers always chose their own way of doing things. However, there are some things that are worth to know which have been proved to work over the centuries. Such as the form of the piece, the harmonic progressions etc. In my first class at the university, the teacher told us that you have to know the rules in order to brake them. That was the first time that I heard this golden rule and it stuck to my brain until now. In this class, I am not going to force you to believe on something that I do. There are some things that you have to realize yourself because those things are that you will never be forced to learn. (I don't know if that makes sense!) Anyway, my english is not as powerfull as I would have liked it to be so from time to time I might have some difficulties expressing myself completely.
Let's get back to composition. As I told you, there is not one way of composing. I can only assist you to find your own way of doing things. I will be likely to try and show you an example of how I do it but that might or might not make any sense to you. In any case you will get a clear idea on how to start from scratch and finish a composition.
Ok enough talk, lets start !
We are going to start to write a piece immediately. For solo flute.
How about this? for your first assignement, find a piano, sit and try to come up with some themes. you can use whichever scale you like, It could be a 12-tone melody or modal, anything!. Find a melody that you will like. Don't try to finish up things quickly, write only sketches of 2-3 bars. It really is up to you.
Let me be more specific. Write 2 contrasting themes. They don't necessarily have to be complete, we have all the time in the world, we will be able to work on them later. Just find 2 contrasting themes. And see you in next class..
