Advice for Transitions?

Hello All!

I need help.

Every time I write music, the melody seems too complete.

It seems too classical. (not that thats a bad thing but its not what

I'm shooting for) Whenever I listen to orchestrational music, it doesn't seem

to be...resolved as quickly. Most of my melodies finish within 16 bars, but then I have to switch to

a different melody. I can never complete any pieces because my melodies tend to be spaoratic. (And now another, completey different melody!)

Help!!!!

Try working a different way. If you take a melodic approach, try using a chord grid to space it out, then fit the melody to the chords.

Or just work within limits: say "This melody IS going to take up 45 seconds" and fit a piece around that. Then make sure the next countermelody develops from that point, setting yourself up by a long melody with enough parts to reinterpret.

The secret comes in how the melody is constructed. If you construct a melody that is complete with sentence, period, etc... you will most ALWAYS have a melody that has a completed sound. Most of the melodies, if you've not noticed, from some of the greatest masterpieces could be considered incomplete on a number of levels. Take for instance the famous theme from Beethoven's 5th. EDIT: Not too mention that the melodic theme is used in all 4 movements of the Symphony in various permutations! The melody is simple but yet is open in its possibilities. Another good example is the Ode to Joy theme from the 9th. The melody is closed BUT it is variated multiple times throughout the piece to provide interest. In the Romantic era, motifs and leitmotifs were used to allow for more expansive possibilities in regards to development, etc. Its all in the manner in which YOU wish to compose your pieces.

Myself: I take full advantage of the motif and leitmotif concept. Seldom will you see in my work a fully worked out melody.

Edited November 25, 200916 yr by jawoodruff

Thanks A Lot!!!

I've found that when trying to write outside of my comfort classical zone I think about how long motifs and phrases are...

Maybe, try to expand 4, 8, 16 measure motifs into longer non-standard lengths.

I've found that when trying to write outside of my comfort classical zone I think about how long motifs and phrases are...

Maybe, try to expand 4, 8, 16 measure motifs into longer non-standard lengths.

Or reduce. I like the 3 measure phrse sometimes.

Hmm. If you aren't shooting for a classical piece...just arrange it in a new way. Play with keys and mix and match and such. Perhaps you could show me one of these problem pieces? I'd be glad to help

Thanks guys for the advice....my problems have been solved.

look for stuff by me soon!

Thanks A LOT!!