isdnman Posted November 29, 2012 Share Posted November 29, 2012 Hello everyone, When it comes to trying to write a sonata I face a lot of difficulty with themes - I tend to 'overdevelop' before anything becomes coherent. So for example I might start with a motivic cell or figure in a certain key and then suddenly switch to something else that is completely unrelated - different rhythm - different key etc. I also tend to use lots of leaps and dissonant intervals which makes everything sound angular and incoherent, and not memorable. I understand that in a stylistic sense all of this is manageable but I'm interested in writing in a more classical/romantic style I would like to better understand the following: What is the logic behind writing phrases ? Phrase structure - Formulas like AAAB or AA1BB1 How do you write something that is coherent and memorable? I understand for example that you should use steps and only leaps in climactic moments but this usually ends up sound 'cmajorish' with me How do you effectively use harmony in thematic/phrasal writing - cadences, and progressions etc. Thank you for your help ISDNMAN Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
p7rv Posted November 29, 2012 Share Posted November 29, 2012 I could probably help you if you gave an example. Are you aware of how 8 and 16 bar themes such as sentences or periods are constructed, btw? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
isdnman Posted November 29, 2012 Author Share Posted November 29, 2012 Hi Pervy, Yes I am aware of such a thing, but I'm not aware of how to make them into a theme,. .. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mmf1 Posted November 30, 2012 Share Posted November 30, 2012 There is book called classical forms by William E. Caplin which describes -with examples- how different part of sonatas function and especially deals with different types of phrases.I found it very helpful.I think you'll too 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnbucket Posted November 30, 2012 Share Posted November 30, 2012 writing in a more classical/romantic style moar LEGIT Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Ravel's Hookers Posted November 30, 2012 Share Posted November 30, 2012 I tend to 'overdevelop' before anything becomes coherent. So for example I might start with a motivic cell or figure in a certain key and then suddenly switch to something else that is completely unrelated :hmmm: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kvothe Posted December 1, 2012 Share Posted December 1, 2012 My suggestion is: score study a example of classical sonata form and see how it works. Learn how the Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven wrote in that form. Then try to write in one. Furthermore, read a book a text on musical form and sonata form....amazon for this. ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.