Dance for cello quartet

Hello all,

This little piece (2 mins approx) started as an exercise to write a scherzando for string quartet. I've recently had cause to resuscitate it. It didn't go down too well that I did it for 4 cellos.

It was also slated for 'not being modern'. Although it's no way a Caribbean piece, I was pretty involved with Caribbean music and rhythms at the time.

It's tonal but the rhythms vary...should keep the players on their toes!

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Here's the score.

Any comments would be gratefully received.

Thanks.

:wub:

M

Dance5.pdf

Hey, I think this is great, and who cares about if it is 'modern' enough? One thing I did notice is that it is in fact, a hell of a lot of fun! Its really well written with lots of really neat interplay between the parts, and I really think you use pizz in all the right places, particularly the really simple and perfect last two bars. I found the piece attractive melodically, harmonically it was what I expected but also provided the odd little twist and turn, especially when moving to the minor etc. The rhythm was light and delicate and definately had a Caribbean flavour.

My only question is regards the size of the ensemble. The sound file implies a larger body of strings that the quartet title you suggest. I am inclined to feel this would work especially well for string orchestra rather than just 4 cellos. I think with the addition of a full string group, you could thicken those lovely pizz sections (nice spread chords perhaps quasi-guitar?) and maybe even utilize solo lines, maybe having a solo violin or viola sometimes peeking through the texture with a little phrase, only to have it answered by another solo instrument. I think as it stands it is fine but I would like to see more done to it.

Also, great to see your scrawl! It's a rare thing these days and your handwriting is very presentable.

Great work mate, keep it up!

This is some nice work! I agree with hymnspace that it would be better suited for a string quartet or a string orchestra.

I enjoyed your handwritten score, as well!

It's almost impossible to hear your piece on SoundClick for me.

I think his Mp3 player is not good for my computer, but one thing I want tell to you: I saw your score and the free-hand writing (without computer) has made me to come in mind beautiful memories and it has give to me a little nostalgia. Beautiful, compliments.

I saw your score and the free-hand writing (without computer) has made me to come in mind beautiful memories and it has give to me a little nostalgia. Beautiful, compliments.

For me as well! I have largely abandoned manuscripts... :toothygrin:

Fun piece you have going on! Just because its tonal doesn't make any less modern. Defintely feels like a piece that should be experienced on a nice summer day! It almost feels like there should be other movement attached kind of like a serenade. In fact, just after writing my last sentence my mind goes to Dvorak's String serenade in E Major. :toothygrin:

I really enjoyed this piece. This really motivates me to start writing again after my recent lack of time to do so. A very happy and fun piece indeed :blush:

Nice work!

Thank you for these kind comments.

Hymnspace:My only question is regards the size of the ensemble. The sound file implies a larger body of strings that the quartet title you suggest. I am inclined to feel this would work especially well for string orchestra rather than just 4 cellos. I think with the addition of a full string group, you could thicken those lovely pizz sections (nice spread chords perhaps quasi-guitar?) and maybe even utilize solo lines, maybe having a solo violin or viola sometimes peeking through the texture with a little phrase, only to have it answered by another solo instrument. I think as it stands it is fine but I would like to see more done to it.

If I wrote it now it would probably be for a full string ensemble, then I'd have to do a couple more movements to build it up a bit.

Majesty:Fun piece you have going on! Just because its tonal doesn't make any less modern. Defintely feels like a piece that should be experienced on a nice summer day! It almost feels like there should be other movement attached kind of like a serenade. In fact, just after writing my last sentence my mind goes to Dvorak's String serenade in E Major.

As for the handwritten score - it's time/learning more than money that holds me off software. I've voiced views on the crookedness of makemusic so I won't start again here! I don't mind writing scores by hand but the software wd be useful for extracting parts. I started composing some years before decent software came available so it's just what one gets used to. There are things software seems weak on - little things like different time sigs on different staves, handling complicated divisis and breaking single staves into multiples and back. I have no such doubts about sequencers though, it took some time to learn but I seem to be getting the hang of it now.

Anyway, thanks for the compliments and I'm pleased the score was legible.

:whistling:

regards,

Montpellier