Lesson with Ceresz

In our first class with Ceresz (via email), I asked him to have a quick analysis of Bach Prelude 1 from well tempered clavier book. The piece is obviously very repetitive with the same arpeggio pattern all over. I asked why the piece works and what keeps the interest even if it is repetitive. And we had a quick discussion over the piece.

The second class, taking the Prelude 1 as a model, I asked Ceresz to compose a progression of chords, without any rhythm, just whole notes (potates) I asked him to write different chords on each bar for maybe 15-20 bars.

Ceresz, please complete this and attach the file to this thread.

**Please do not reply to this thread if you are not Ceresz, use pm instead. thank you**

Okay, before I begin with the second assignment let's just see I get what you're saying. Do you mean I should write a chord progression for Prelude no.1, and I can use the same chord again but not straight after the original one?
I hope I was clear enough, I just woke up

What I meant was that, write something totally your own. Write whatever you want to. If you want to limit yourself to classical harmony rules than do so, if not than be crazy and write whatever chord you want. I said take Prelude 1 as a model by means of one chord per measure.

This is going to be easy, I don't want you to finish a composition right now, just write progression as if it is an accompaniment to something. Think of it as the basis of your soon-to-be composition. If you get stuck, look what Bach did, how did he keep the flow, with modulations ? pedal tones ?

ok. just go and write something now ! )))

EDIT: remember, only potatoes! ..

Thanks, I will

EDIT:

I added the attachment

Ok, you have used triads, no problem with that, for your next assignment, we are going to enhance those chords with inversions and some 7th chords. I liked the progression, I feel that this is a good material that we can work on.

Your next assignment: and I want you to work more on this, work on this for couple of days. Don't rush it.

- I assume you already know 7th chords and their inversions. I want you to use some inversions and some seventh chords in there. Play around with it and see which chords you can "upgrade" to 7th chords. You can use both minor 7th's and major 7th's. No classical rules apply here! Its all up to you. Unless it sounds too odd. Use your ear as the judge, if it sounds good to you, then it's good !

-Make a plan, is this piece going to be in ABA, or AB ? or something totally different. I suggest we stick with these two. We can consider this progression as A. Write another "contrasting" progression which will be our B. Make this one a little different. Perhaps introduce some accidentals, obviously you haven't use a single one in your current progression. Ok, make it sound different, that's my point.

As I said before, don't rush this, make it in few days, until you are totally confident with it.

EDIT: and again if you get stuck, use this space to contact me.

Okay, I will start right now and in a few days you will have it
Oh, and can I change the key in the B part?

Haha, damn I suck at being patient
I already finished writing part B... and now I wan't to move on, but I guess I will live with it for a day or so before posting it... anyway, I will probably use an ABA structure.

Ok so you finished part b. I also asked you to use some inversions and seventh chords on A. have you done that too ? You worked on it a short time i guess. Now go on and ask yourself, have you liked what you have done ? do you see a potential on that chords ? If not, than there must be a problem..

I have added inversions and stuff on part A and well, the only problem with part B is that it get's a bit repetetive towards the end, hower I think that can be fixed with some interesting melody. I used a half cadence at the end of part B.

If you feel that you are ready, you can upload it now. But you are free to work on it some more.