This is the beginning of a string quartet I'm writing.
Problem: I need ideas for a middle section (or critiques of my current idea for it).
To aid in your suggestions and provide context, here's details about my ideas behind the work...
IMPORTANT: If you don't care, THAT'S FINE; don't read, but please skip the points below to #4 under "sections" and give your thoughts anyway:
A. Construction:
1-Harmonically, I've based it largely around the opening succession of three adjacent 7th chords: 2 mm7 and 1 MM7 (this planing is why I call the style "neo-impressionistic;" I certainly don't place myself in the same class as Debussy and Ravel, but neither claim the technique is original).
2-Melodically, the seed motives are found in the opening violin solo as well as the first 4-part phrase (violin line). They include an outlined MM7th chord, a five-note motive comprised of a rising m3 and 3 descending scale tones, and a 4-note motive distinguished by an ascending dotted rhythm and a downward leap of a P5. These three ideas are combined, manipulated, and recast in different moods.
3-Thematically, it's intended as a whole (loosely) to portray a kind of dreamy, bitter-sweet nostalgia as one thinks on past lost opportunities or perhaps views an ancient ruin of a fallen civilization.
B. Existing sections:
1-Opening 3 measures lay the groundwork for the movement's harmony and part of the melody.
2-First section: lower voices shift between successive groups of 3 adjacent 7th chords. First vln. unfolds a long-breathed, floating melody with rhythm that remains free of the steady, quiet pulsing of the harmony. Cello replies and embellishes the line, and viola gives a concluding statement.
3-Second section: In a non-7th-chord harmony, 1st violin offers a statement of plaintive sadness and cello responds with an offer of hope. Violin agrees, but resumes the mournful theme.
**HERE'S WHERE TO SKIP TO:
4-Here is the problem: What would provide a good middle section of contrast before a restatement of the above beginning ideas to conclude the movement? I have considered the following so far:
* Basic idea: the section will contrast the first sections that are more straightforward and vocal. I want to convey a more "dreamy" state of nostagia--as if time is suspended and the subject is enveloped in memory
* A slow harmonic rhythm and freer chord progression (perhaps some more "clusterish" chords; I'd like to keep the beginning idea--harmonic centers based on groups of 3 adjacent 7th chords) to give a more "suspended" (trance-like) mood; this must be done with taste, because I do not intend to fatigue the listener's ear with completely aimless long, wandering section
* A rhapsodic, seemingly non-metrical melody with a quiet but cantabile quality; again, I still want it to have direction
After listening (as best as you can on Finale
), I'd certainly appreciate your thoughts: can you see my ideas providing a good contrast? Does the "static group-of-3-7th-chords" idea have potential? Other ideas on how to contrast with the existing sections?