June 7, 201114 yr Sextet is written for flugelhorn, kazoo, guimbarde, bohdrán, banjo and Hammond organ. Its pitch material was first freely written then loosely developed by application of inversion , retrograde [R] and [RI] techniques as well as increasing/decreasing the interval values. Vertical relationships resulting from simultaneous horizontal movement were sampled at different points in the piece and similarly developed and re-stated at key locations. Rhythm was treated largely in loose blocks or sections characterized by one or more dominant durations or small rhythmic units, each such block being threaded through different instruments. I used texture as an organizing element by defining sections where either moving melody, stationary chords or rapid arpeggiation sounds by itself or in combination. Creating this brief map was very helpful for me, and I'm generally pleased with the course of the composition so far. Things I feel need improvement are: 1. Pitch content. I don't think its development is apparent enough; and 2. Playability, especially for the Banjo. I'd much appreciate your feedback in these and any other areas. I'm also curious to know your thoughts about the length of the piece. Thank you for listening! Sextet
June 8, 201114 yr Author Anthony Weiner? When naming the composition, I considered the effect of using "Sextet" and worried that the word sex would distract from the work or invite unwanted associations; I briefly thought about "Sestet" as an alternative, but it seemed that "Sextet" was in more common use for compositions/ensembles employing six performers.
