Incomplete baroque piece

I was listening to a notable Bach song (BWV 582, Passcaglia) when I was struck with a desire to make a song myself that begin with a dominant bass line. I'm not particularly skilled at planning/writing fugues/preludes, and that one is a permutation fugue.

Anyway, I seem to be having trouble developing the tenor and soprano voices that will join in. Choosing what sounds right isn't always the way to go, I'm sure. Mostly I try to listen to song as it is, and if I get a feeling about something that should be changed, I do it.

That isn't happening very successfully with this piece.

For a fugue I know that it begins with a Subject, followed by an Answer separated by connecting episodes. In prior pieces I do not believe I've truly obeyed those rules of structure (which would make them more like preludes/fantasias?).

I'm not terribly familiar with music terminology and I can't read sheet music. I can play the piano slightly, but usually only with one hand/piano key at a time. I only started getting interested in writing music 8 months ago, but I've always been very passionate about what I listen to.

So, any idea on how I should further develop this? Or should I save this for when I know more about what I'm doing?

Sounds, err, modern... Not much Baroque going on. From what I hear, I'm going to suggest that you study actual music from that era before attempting to write a piece in that style.

Basically, same goes for the technical aspect. I strongly recommend you spend more time studying before attempting something such as a fugue. To attempt one without a firm understanding of musical and fugal theory is bold enough, but without being able to read music... frankly, I'm impressed you got as far as you did.

My honest advice, scrap this and go back to the drawing board; specifically, trying to learn the basics of fugal composition. Trust me, it'll pay off big time.

Thanks for the advice. I apologize that this short incomplete piece doesn't tell you more about where I am. Seems I need to study the Pascaglia in more depth if I hope to develop an imitative work (academically).

I'm a little surprised that you say it sounds modern. For the last 6 months or so I've been listening exclusively to classical music (Bach and Chopin in particular).

While I do enjoy the music, doing these sorts of things is more to learn music.

I think something a little less adventurous than a fugue would probably be the best baroque-style composition with which to begin. Try writing some simple baroque melodies, with harpsichord accompaniment, perhaps? Something to get you into the genre gently, and which will be easier to critique than this, which sounds like it might be a perfectly good pedal exercise.

Originally Posted by Anilikos

I'm not terribly familiar with music terminology and I can't read sheet music.

There are many kind people on this site who are eager to help you in developing you piece, but it can be very difficult if you don't know how to read sheet music (treble/bass clefs, note values, key/time signatures, etc...). My advice is to learn it as soon as possible.

A good start can be Music Theory on 8notes.com , or you may apply to become a student at the lessons thread.


Oh, and welcome to YC !!!

Originally Posted by Anilikos

Thanks for the advice. I apologize that this short incomplete piece doesn't tell you more about where I am. Seems I need to study the Pascaglia in more depth if I hope to develop an imitative work (academically).

I'm a little surprised that you say it sounds modern. For the last 6 months or so I've been listening exclusively to classical music (Bach and Chopin in particular).

While I do enjoy the music, doing these sorts of things is more to learn music.

Listening to only classical music does not mean your piece will sound classicalish. The simple fact of the matter is that there are many small (some say big) things that go into writing a truly baroque piece.

It's hard to get into the little details about it since you don't have much music know-how when it comes to this. Take Matt's advice.

Like Mikas said its sounded a bit modern, a lot of dissonance in the counterpoint!

i made a "little baroque" tune of a part of you theme, its baroque style, no good melodies but that was not the point, just to show you one of many ways to do things.

midi:

Attachment 11050

Those were some very helpful links, everyone. Thank you for the info. I understand the basics of sheet music more clearly now, though I still don't recognize notes by sight. I think I'm going to try memorizing the C scale song a little more completely so I can actually recognize what a note is by name instead of matching what I hear in my head to what I'm trying to do in the sequencer.

What I've uploaded is something else that's incomplete, but I like some of the ideas in it (though it needs to development). I figured I'd write 12 fugues in different keys and start with A minor.

What I've been studying lately is intervals and how they affect the construction of a Major/Minor scale. The 3rd, 6th, and 7th notes of the scale are the only difference from Major to Minor.

I'm afraid that isn't a fugue, Anilikos. Could you explain briefly what process you used to compose that piece? If you explain what you think the tenets of fugue-writing are, we might be able to point you in the right direction.

This is very good improvement! very good try