Rondo in C sharp minor

Please take a listen to this Rondo I composed. I wanted to capture some early-Romantic fire with this one, and I hope you enjoy! Beethoven was looking over my shoulder the whole time I wrote this, so this music definitely will not make any kind of hyper-modern statements. Though maybe there's a touch of modern in there, especially the middle theme. I appreciate any and all feedback!

03 Rondo.pdf

Sounds Slavic in places - I’m guessing that speaks of your own heritage? Not hearing much Beethoven tbh

Being honest, I found it all very difficult to follow. The tonal (or lack of) approach is bewildering for you leave little that is memorable. Perhaps it is partially due to the midi sound set you’re using. Is it something you can play yourself? Also I struggle to hear the resemblance between your ideas (eg how you developed your ideas).

What’s your approach to composition? What is your training?

Edited 12 hours ago12 hr by Markus Boyd

@Markus Boyd Thanks for your feedback! Yes it does sound a bit Slavic in certain areas.

No I can’t play it myself sadly. Wish I could!

For this piece my approach was to be true to the rondo form, to play around within that framework. My training is very limited, mostly self taught. I’ve read a lot about composition and taken some theory classes, but never had a composition teacher per se.

Cheers!

2 hours ago, Seni-G said:

@Markus Boyd Thanks for your feedback! Yes it does sound a bit Slavic in certain areas.

No I can’t play it myself sadly. Wish I could!

For this piece my approach was to be true to the rondo form, to play around within that framework. My training is very limited, mostly self taught. I’ve read a lot about composition and taken some theory classes, but never had a composition teacher per se.

Cheers!

That’s great, thanks for sharing. I’m also largely self taught with some limited formal guidance here and there.

You play the piano, right? I suggest that you compose something like this for piano but at your practical skill level; and then you can play it for us.

I did wondering during my listening about the playability of it.

Lastly, there are some aspects of your diminution in the rondo theme that I felt unnecessary. If you don’t mind, i’ll have a play around with your theme later at some point to illustrate my point.