The Barn Gizmos Trio

Hi folks,

So, our theory teacher assigned us to write a piece. There were only three rules:

1. It must demonstrate an understanding of the techniques we've been learning this semester (voice leading, counterpoint, harmonic progressions, suspensions, stuff).

2.It has to be performable by members of our class, so I chose piano, bassoon, and clarinet.

3. It must be between 2 and 3 minutes long.

1. Techniques used:

I decided to play it safe and write a nice, simple, completely diatonic piece of boring crap. So basically, I fiddled around the scales a lot with the clarinet and bassoon parts, playing them off each other. I wrote two different and pitifully unrelated 16-measure, um, phrases? Not sure what to call them. Then, mostly to fill up time because I don't know what I'm doing, I repeated everything they had just done with the piano, adding a couple additional harmonies where I thought it appropriate.

I then reitered the first 8 measures with clarinet and bassoon, then merged those two parts into one homorhythmic, harmonied version of the original clarinet part, and gave the bassoon part to the piano (and expanded it a lot). It's pretty simple, I'm hoping to show the professor that I understand what we've been learning, and nothing beyond that.

2. How long it took to compose the piece

I wrote the first 8 measures yesterday afternoon in about 30 minutes, then did the rest of it throughout today, taking a few breaks. Probably about 5 or 6 hours total? I know I'm slow, but I'm new at this, so cut me some slack.

3. Structure of your piece

See #1.

4. Obstacles when composing

I had a lot of trouble with the piano part. I don't really know what piano does in a chamber music setting, or how to best use its harmonic abilities to support the other instruments. Also, I kept realizing that what I thought was one chord was really another, which repeatedly made me feel like an idiot.

5. Summary of overall piece

An attempt at imitating the Classical style, which I have not yet formally studied, so probably way off. Definitely not what I would ever listen to for fun, but I'm moderately proud of how it turned out. I feel that at the very least, I created something completely original that doesn't break too many stylistic rules. I'd like to think that if this were performed to a general audience (no music people allowed), I could convince them it was written in the 1700's.

Thanks!

-Stephen

PS: Oh by the way, I have to turn this on on Monday (the 2nd), so prompt feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Barn Gizmos Trio.pdf

Barn Gizmos Trio.MUS

Barn Gizmos Trio.MID

Hi Stephen! I really liked you use of counterpoint in the beginning. Overall, the piece has a classically simple sound that I found most enjoyable. Repetition of descending sixths sounded good, though when you repeat that same pattern, that's a lot of repetition. However, I think it works well for your piece and it demonstrates a good knowledge of compositional skills you've acquired. Great job! I'm sure that your teacher will be impressed.

Hey man, great piece, I love how simplistic and comforting it is. Very folksy or classical as green said. I dont have much to say at this point, I think it's a start for you. Keep up the good work. Hope to hear more from you :blink:

You did a good job with your assignment. Right now I don't think you need to worry too much about being too repetitive. As you study more you'll learn how to further develop your ideas and the same goes for studying and imitating styles.