Brenda's Cave

Hey all,

My attempt at a tone row. Probably tons of "mistakes" as far as the rules go, but for a sketch I did in less than 45 minutes I'll take it haha. As we listened my fiance said it sounded like cave music and I had to agree.

Thoughts are always welcome!

Thanks!

Gustav Johnson

P.s. just noticed I forgot to take the bass drum out of the score. Forgive me!

I really like how you made a lot of atonality in this; but in my opinion, you should probably reduce the amount of notes played during a measure. If too many notes play in one measure, it feels a little bit too "fast". Also, the notes would be better if they are in a specific harmony, if the harmony sounds too random, then it just sounds like something all mixed up. Just my opinion.

I think there is nothing wrong in terms of "rules". What rules? It all depends on what you want to do. If you want to stick strictly to serialism, perhaps there are octaves, etc..., that should be avoided.

But I believe one must use any thing to express whatever, and the rules are not so important and you can mix tonal and atonal material. I'm talking about a contemporary and eclectic style, not classic tonal harmony.

I don't undertstand what Arthur1124 says. If you are in specific harmonies, you leave the atonal field.

Surely the notation, the score needs some fixing, and sometimes is a bit unreal (suddenly there are 6 voices in the brass section), but the result, the music is very nice (for me).

Thanks from you both, I get what you're saying. This was more fun than I thought it would be and I'll definitely be trying it again and we'll see if I can refine it some. @Luis Hernández, Could you clarify what you mean when you say octaves/etc. that should be avoided? Are you talking about doubled notes between say the brass and the piano row? Or something else altogether?

Thanks!

Gustav

In a strict atonal dodecaphonic style (not free atonality) one of the main "rules" is avoiding octaves because they make a pitch stronger than the others, and that's what "classic" atonality doesn't want.

But in free atonality you can establish transient tonal centers if you want.

@Luis Hernández Well what I mean by "specific harmony" is when you're in a harmony with defined musicality. A harmony that everyone feels comfortable listening to as in music.