Agonie (Chorale-like Sketch - String Octet)

Looking for feedback on this sketch - I know that there are some formatting/labeling errors but I'm primarily concerned with harmonic progression and overall cohesiveness.

Hello @jwpianist,

I think this is a quintet rather than an octet? 😛

I like the chorale texture. The modulation throughout is modern but fluent for me. Will you think the parallel fifths like at b.27-28 needs to be modified or not? I think it’s just a stylistic preference.

Thx for sharing,

Henry

Just curious to know your intent in writing this meditative piece.  Is an exercise in counterpoint or something more?  For the most part it holds your attention. The harmonic movement is interesting ... however, as it move towards the end it feel a tiny bit repetitious.

Mark

On 12/20/2023 at 9:00 AM, Henry Ng Tsz Kiu said:

Hello @jwpianist,

I think this is a quintet rather than an octet? 😛

I like the chorale texture. The modulation throughout is modern but fluent for me. Will you think the parallel fifths like at b.27-28 needs to be modified or not? I think it’s just a stylistic preference.

Thx for sharing,

Henry

 

Thanks for the review! I intended the work to be scored with 2 1st violins, 2 2nd violins, 2 violas, one cello, and one contrabass (in that case, I would remove the doubling in the cello in the opening). The parallel fifths were intentional lololol, I like the hollow way that they sound. 

On 12/20/2023 at 12:42 PM, MJFOBOE said:

Just curious to know your intent in writing this meditative piece.  Is an exercise in counterpoint or something more?  For the most part it holds your attention. The harmonic movement is interesting ... however, as it move towards the end it feel a tiny bit repetitious.

Mark

 

 

Thank you for listening! It is something more - it's sort of a reflection on my life in general tbh (a lot happened in the past two years). I didn't exactly know how to end it, so I agree with you regarding the harmonies toward the end.