Variations on a melody by Mozart for string quartet

These are variations on 'Voi che sapete' written for string quartet.

Please let me know what you think!

A lot of bowing issues, both with inconsistencies is similar or parallel parts and also just in melodic lines.
Some clashing tones as well; the main one I noticed was m. 20 with the A-flat in V2 against A-natural in VO.
The theme comes out very nicely, except for maybe the E-flat minor variation that could have used a bit more explicitness. 
Some of the double and triple stops, especially in the first violin should be looked at...
It sounds nice, but a lot of technical stuff is embedded in it. 

Cheers!

2 hours ago, Monarcheon said:

A lot of bowing issues, both with inconsistencies is similar or parallel parts and also just in melodic lines.
Some clashing tones as well; the main one I noticed was m. 20 with the A-flat in V2 against A-natural in VO.
The theme comes out very nicely, except for maybe the E-flat minor variation that could have used a bit more explicitness. 
Some of the double and triple stops, especially in the first violin should be looked at...
It sounds nice, but a lot of technical stuff is embedded in it. 

Cheers!

 

Thanks for your reaction. Very useful, considering I don't play any string instrument! I personally think the m. 20 example you refer to is not that disturbing, but thanks for pointing it out.

Lovely variations on a wonderful theme. Yet another impressive competition entry. 

6 hours ago, Cappielly said:

Lovely variations on a wonderful theme. Yet another impressive competition entry. 

 

Thank you! I was too late for the competition's deadline, so this doesn't count anymore alas. ;)

I too was late for the competition deadline, and so I'm taking my sweet time with the variations. Your work sounds nice, but I have to agree about a few of those clashing notes. It wouldn't be a problem if there was more of that dissonance consistently throughout the piece, but the music overall leans towards a more straightforward harmonic character and those few dissonances are distracting rather than striking or colorful. It's not like it's bad or those few notes ruin the rest. Other than that, it really sounds good and to a certain extent I'm sure the "distracting" nature of those few notes is subjective. I don't think they mess it up too much. You've probably got more to worry about with the bowing/multiple stops problems that Monarcheon mentioned. It's always good to hearken closely when another musician lets you know about those issues, especially speaking as someone who lacks familiarity with many of these instrumental details. (pun intended)

4 hours ago, KJthesleepdeprived said:

I too was late for the competition deadline, and so I'm taking my sweet time with the variations. Your work sounds nice, but I have to agree about a few of those clashing notes. It wouldn't be a problem if there was more of that dissonance consistently throughout the piece, but the music overall leans towards a more straightforward harmonic character and those few dissonances are distracting rather than striking or colorful. It's not like it's bad or those few notes ruin the rest. Other than that, it really sounds good and to a certain extent I'm sure the "distracting" nature of those few notes is subjective. I don't think they mess it up too much. You've probably got more to worry about with the bowing/multiple stops problems that Monarcheon mentioned. It's always good to hearken closely when another musician lets you know about those issues, especially speaking as someone who lacks familiarity with many of these instrumental details. (pun intended)

 

Thanks for your comment! Perhaps it does nog fit in the context of the piece, you are right. I will make note of changing this. Yes, instrumentation is a very delicate matter, and I have much to learn on this! Any tips on writing for strings or a book you could recommend?

These are the two that I own on the subject. The Technique of Orchestration is exactly that. It contains information on instrumentation but it's also very dedicated to orchestration so it's perhaps better that you prioritize Instrumentation/Orchestration as the former contains a bit less detail on strings and other instruments than the latter. I've found both of them indispensable in filling the gaps (canyons really) in my knowledge. Without them, I'd be completely helpless.

https://www.amazon.com/Technique-Orchestration-Recording-Package-6th/dp/0130771619/ref=mt_hardcover?_encoding=UTF8&me=

https://www.amazon.com/Instrumentation-Orchestration-Longman-Alfred-Blatter/dp/0582281180/ref=pd_sbs_14_t_0?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=M62D30N79RDYQEE8RCA9

There's also this one that I've had recommended to me: https://www.amazon.com/Instrumentation-Orchestration-Alfred-Blatter/dp/0534251870

Supposedly it's really good for Instrumentation specifically. It's on my list of things to get soon.

16 hours ago, KJthesleepdeprived said:

These are the two that I own on the subject. The Technique of Orchestration is exactly that. It contains information on instrumentation but it's also very dedicated to orchestration so it's perhaps better that you prioritize Instrumentation/Orchestration as the former contains a bit less detail on strings and other instruments than the latter. I've found both of them indispensable in filling the gaps (canyons really) in my knowledge. Without them, I'd be completely helpless.

https://www.amazon.com/Technique-Orchestration-Recording-Package-6th/dp/0130771619/ref=mt_hardcover?_encoding=UTF8&me=

https://www.amazon.com/Instrumentation-Orchestration-Longman-Alfred-Blatter/dp/0582281180/ref=pd_sbs_14_t_0?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=M62D30N79RDYQEE8RCA9

 

There's also this one that I've had recommended to me: https://www.amazon.com/Instrumentation-Orchestration-Alfred-Blatter/dp/0534251870

Supposedly it's really good for Instrumentation specifically. It's on my list of things to get soon.

 

Thanks for this! I'll certainly look into it.