Cello Sextet

Hey,

This is a piece I wrote two nights ago. It took about 3 hours to compose, another hour to edit, and then another hour to print (my friend's printer sucks). I wrote it for the cello studio class at my school (UF).

In this piece I basically (as a composer, not as a chronological aspect of the music) discover a whole knew world of tonality. It is not atonal music, but the chord progressions are not based on any direct theory. The inspiration for this work is basically just the opportunity to write something that will be at worst read, and at best performed.

The structure is more or less ABA, with the A section consisting of a harmonic theme more than any particular melodic idea. The B section is a waltz, which is grounded in classical tonality. Then the A section returns and develops into a transition to the final few chords.

I hope you all enjoy it, a friend of mine said it was the finest piece I have ever written, although I am skeptical...

I welcome the critiques, especially on the harmonic aspects because that is a whole new world for me.

Thanks!

The mp3 can be found at:

Putfile - Adagio for Cello Sextet

Finale 2008 - [9, 5 Adagio for 6 Cellos done Score..pdf

I wouldn't say it wasn't based on any direct theory. The chord progressions, that is. Just about anything that sounds good to the ear has its basis in theory. Without any theory behind it, it just wouldn't make sense to the listener, the performer, or even the composer. Theory explains why things sound good. Once we've learned theory, we use this knowledge to our advantage. For you to discover these things youself, like you did, involves a little introspection and much exploration. Good job. :thumbsup:

That said, I like this piece. Mostly because of the suprising harmonies. There were a few places that seemed to grind a little bit if you know what I mean, but that could just be the mp3. It would be much more clear on a live recording. I really liked your use of all the 'celli. You treated all the parts with respect, rather than having a few do soli and the rest accompany. To boot, you threw in a few other techniques; the harmonics and guitar-like pizzicatos really add to it.

Now I probably wouldn't like this piece as much if I didn't know how little time you spent on it. For three hours' time, plus a little editing, this is good. I you'd've said you spent three weeks on it, I wouldn't be as impressed. :P

Thanks, I am kinda surprised it took only 3 hours myself (but I guess thats why its so short : P). On that note, I guess by the theory statement I just meant not normal (i.e. circle of fifth progression etc). I will hopefully be able to get my hands on a real recording (if we actually ever play in the studio, after 3 weeks, we still haven't taken out our cellos) in a few weeks, which I will post up here. Thanks for the comments! Mighty speedy of you too :thumbsup:

I liked this. It was a good piece. I specifically enjoyed the duet of sorts at measure 70, and the harmonic structure throughout the piece. Everything you did harmonically was exciting and interesting and frequently unexpected. And it all moved very smoothl.. I also liked your use of pizzicato, especially around measure 63 (I think...) My only qualm was that I felt you overused the rhythmic motif in your first A section (the half-eighth-eighth-quarter-half thing). It became tedious after a while, and slightly moreso on repeat listenings.

But overall it was a very good piece, with remarkable harmonies. That was by far what I admired most about the piece. I could always "expect the unexpected" in that regard.

Great job!

Thanks a bunch! I am glad you liked it!