Sonata in Eb for Wind Quintet

Hi, everybody,

Just recently my composition instructor suggested that I venture into other forms and styles of composition other than the baroque. Its supposedly a part of the process of finding my own unique voice.

I personally have difficulty accepting this: I believe that my natural voice is the baroque, but no on seems to care or take that point seriously.

Anyway, here's my first attempt at classicism and sonata-allergo form:

http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page...?bandID=430217

(the one on top)

I don't really like it very much, though I tried to make it as interesting for myself as possible within the given requirements .... ahh well.

If anyone has thoughts on the piece, or on my situation in general, feel free to share.

- BE

I'm not the person to review this, ok with baroque organ music but little else from that era.
This piece is ok though the instrumentation isn't always clear from the samples/instrument you used. Nice tune at 0.38" and the development flows. Still has tinges of baroque.

As to your situation, it depends on how you see yourself in a few years' time i.e do you want to take up composition professionally or semi-pro? If so, it's wise to broaden your horizons. If not, compose what you like. You might move away from the baroque on your own. Just respond to whatever inspiration strikes.
M

Still has tinges of baroque.

I guess thats what I meant in "keeping it interesting for myself"....oh boy!

I'm not exactly sure what I'd be doing in a few years, but I'd love to publish something.

- BE

it is a fascinating piece! you seem to write very easily in this style too! very enjoyable, with a joyous mood which is really delightful, congrats!

Originally Posted by The Baroque Enthusiast

Just recently my composition instructor suggested that I venture into other forms and styles of composition other than the baroque. Its supposedly a part of the process of finding my own unique voice.

Here we go again...

Just by being a "classical" (lower-case 'C'), you're limiting yourself. If your composition instructor doesn't venture beyond the realm of "art music", conventional instrumentation, etc., then he's guilty of the same sort of limitation that he's implying you have.

The question is, do you slavishly copy the Baroque masters or do you add something to it that is your own, without compromising the fundamental Baroque quality of it?

All of the Baroque greats were distinguishable from each other, yet they worked within the same framework and aesthetic. Some of the worst Baroque composers turned out inferior imitations of their more competent counterparts. And it shows.

The composition you wrote is indeed very good. I can write Classical-style pieces just as convincingly as I can write Baroque, but I'm a Baroque person and that's where I'm staying...for the time being at least.

I'm trying to see where I can infuse new life into the style, but that will hopefully become more obvious in time.

But I can afford to do that because I don't do this for a living.

The question is, do you slavishly copy the Baroque masters or do you add something to it that is your own, without compromising the fundamental Baroque quality of it?

I write as it comes to me. I don't refer to others. I know what I like and I do it and it makes me feel good inside. And if that just happens to be baroque, then whats wrong with that.

I feel with this piece, I had to make a conscious effort to "switch modes" ; it's not natural for me.

The baroque even shows in the small drawings I create from time to time (I'll post one soon when I can). It's just the way my mind works.

But I don't understand why everyone is bent against this way of thinking, when it makes so much sense.

- BE

Actually, I found some right here.

Originally Posted by The Baroque Enthusiast

Just recently my composition instructor suggested that I venture into other forms and styles of composition other than the baroque. Its supposedly a part of the process of finding my own unique voice.

I think it's a good idea - that is, unless you dislike the style or form you're asked to write in. Prior to comming across the "Fuge challenge" thread, I had never written a fuge. Doing so made me think of music outside my normal compositional habits and I beleive I have grown from it.

Originally Posted by The Baroque Enthusiast

I personally have difficulty accepting this: I believe that my natural voice is the baroque, but no on seems to care or take that point seriously.

Just curious how you came to this conclusion. Did you start out writing convincing sounding baroque music? Or did you work at it?

Why is it important to define your "musical voice" according to some label anyway? Can't you think of yourself as a musician who appreciates baroque music and is presently emulating it?

Well, I don't know anymore. I seem to be spiraling downwards here . Now I have more questions than answers for you.

You say "emulating" - does that make us into hacks?

Isn't "emulation" an implication of inferior work?

How do you find it a good idea to search through different genres to find a "voice" through experimentation by "emulation", if the end result is going to ultimately be a derivative product?

Would my work be considered more seriously or be better recieved if it conformed to "conventions of unconventionalism"?

Is such "artistic progress" always going to lead to a superior product?

- BE

Originally Posted by The Baroque Enthusiast

Actually, I found some right here.

Can you paint at all?