Requiem Aeternum

Here is the beggining of my "Missa Requiem in A Minor", the Requiem Aeternum in part--a very short part actually. What I have so far is the melody for: Requiem aeternum dona eis domine. Et lux perpet(ua). I may have to change the melody in order to end the word perpetua correctly but I digress. My question is: The melody is for the tenor. It eventually goes up a whole octave? Is this too high for a tenor? Again, I have not added the harmony, so this is just the melody, a simple use of chords. Also, how is it so far? And one more question while I am at it: Does anyone know how to make two of the same notes in a row sound less as if they are one note? There are times when it seems there is no break in the notes. Sorry for the long post.

RequiemAeternum.mid

Most textbooks say the G above middle C is the highest note possible for a tenor part. An amateur choir might however experience difficulties with that note.

I can't judge the piece right now. Also, I don't know what you're going for. The melodic rhythm is a little too simple for a regular mass, but maybe you're envisioning something huge, for which this can be appropriate.

It all depends on what you're doing with the other voices and instruments. Concerning your last question: if the harmony is varied, the listener will sense change, and might not even recognize the 'melody' note as the actual melody. Another possibility is making another part move, for example the bass in eighth notes. One word of advice: check out the Bach chorales.

Actually, the note is middle C, so perhaps I am legal. However, what I am going for is a slow march--I originally planned this as a funeral march but decided to turn it into Requiem Aeternam. I know it is a bit simple of a melody, but for the Requiem Aeternam, that is what I wanted to achieve. The Kyrie, which I am going to seperate from the Requiem Aeternam, will have layered voices, and be almost chant like. The beggining of the Dies Irae will be an inspiration from Mozart's Requiem, at its beggining, and then likely launch into my own style. The Agnus Dei is a sad and mournful piece, much like the Larcrimosa, a lament almost. I hope my ideas make sense. This is what I hope to achieve with the requiem.

I must correct myself. The highest note is G, the notes being C, E, G. This is the G above middle C. I am legal however any other critique would be appreciated, good or bad, as long as it is honest.

Your ideas definitely make sense. Do post the results when you're done, I'd love to hear the piece.

ok. will do. thank you.