Piece for Clarinet and Piano

[mango79]

Hey everyone, this is the first piece I ever composed. It took me about two days to complete, and I recorded it yesterday. I'm here for criticism and advice, so be brutally honest if you have to. I am quite set on learning how to Compose.

Thanks again

[Shane Barber]

This is remarkable. I am really impressed by the progressions. Sounds very schooled. I would be very proud to make something like this. I especially liked the dynamics.

[Glenn Simonelli]

Very nice piece. Subtle, melodic and mature. This is quite impressive for a first attempt.
Just curious: who do you imagine your audience to be?

[Deborah Young]

I don't typically like the clarinet (to me, it sounds like it has a cold, very nasally). But I loved your piece. Very melodic. Great interplay between the piano and clarinet. The only constructive criticism I have is: The time was off in a couple of small spots, and there were some places where the sustain pedal was used too much. You might go back and listen for these things.

I hope to hear more of your compositions.

[Steve Chandler]

Hi Mango79,

I've copied my response from Piano World here.

Overall that's a very nice piece of music. You managed to hold my interest throughout. As a first piece it's a real surprise with just how good it is.

You've asked for suggestions to make it better and there have been some already. I agree with the observation that it stays pretty much mp for too long, more dynamic contrast earlier would help. I also find the ending a bit perplexing, as it is it needs either more resolution or make it more abrupt and leave us hanging. The principal theme is good, but could be improved. All it may need is some rhythmic spice, consider some dotted rhythms or hold some notes a bit longer. Dotted rhythms add a sense of propulsion, holding a note can add tension or relaxation depending on what the accompaniment does. Adding these features will make your motives more recognizable so that you can craft a more effective ending.

So to reiterate, your piece is lovely and shows some real talent and craftsmanship. It has room for improvement and my ideas are simply my opinion. Consider them and if they resonate with you I hope they're helpful in making your piece better.

[mango79]

Wow, I am so grateful for your responses! I had no idea what to expect, as the piece wasn't conceived in any particular idiom, so I was really worried what others would think of it. But you have all been so helpful and positive for the most part. It's certainly encouraging me to take a stab at a second piece haha! Well, I also recorded a free improvisation along with this piece, for Piano Solo. I slowly developed the piece through about four takes, but this is certainly the strongest of the bunch. This style is definitely what comes the most naturally to me, unfortunately. I'm not interested in Serialism or Dissonance obviously :)

Anyways, I can't thank you guys enough.

[mango79]

Ya know, that's another question that has been bugging me. What genre do you guys think falls under? What kind of audience would actually appreciate it?