De Profundis

Hello!

This is my first post here and my first larger piece. Consisting of 18 quite short parts (everything is written in the score) cantata - "De profundis" (Ps130) is for SATB choir, SATB solo, 2 violins, 2 violas, cello, flute, oboe, bassoon, 2 trumpets, trombone and basso continuo. Unfortunately, this is the best I can do with the "recording" (there is no text and BC is just bass line on harpsichord) with musescore. I know my contrapunctal writing needs a lot of practice and study to improve, so please excuse any awkward moments in the music—to my ears, it sounds reasonably decent overall!

Since it is my first "publicated" score, I would really appretiate any kinds of tips/feedback about music, score and sound :)

Thanks in advance

De Profundis.pdf

Welcome! On the continuo playback point you mentioned, a practical workaround is to make a separate playback copy of the score and write out a simple right-hand realization for the harpsichord there. Keep your intended bass line, and start with just one short section or cadence before doing all 18 parts. That lets you hear the harmonic support without having to make a fully realized keyboard part compulsory in the performers’ score.

For checking the counterpoint, try playing the bass with just one vocal line at a time, then add the other voices. In MuseScore Studio’s Mixer (F10), you can Solo more than one instrument together. Temporarily reducing reverb can also make entries and note endings easier to check; restore it afterwards for the listening version. The controls are documented here: https://handbook.musescore.org/sound-and-playback/mixer

These are suggestions for the mock-up you described, rather than a verdict on the composition. A short excerpt with the continuo realized would make it easier for readers to discuss the harmony you actually intend.

Thank you, I'll update playback file when I make the continuo.

Another point about the score, I'm not sure what has happened with some of your clefs. I also use Musescore, and there are indeed work arounds for lots of things! A great first effort at a longer work!

I used older ones just for fun/to learn to write in various keys. I can always change them, I forgot about it to be honest 😅