"Hi Timothy,
Thanks for your comment! I can't say that I was motivated by either of these motives you've outlined. I've never written a piece with the intention of being "as far from traditional classical as can…"
Music Composers Unite!
Music
Hayden McGowan's Discussions
A light little divertimento for mixed quartet ["Divertimento", for clarinet, guitar, piano, and violin (2018)]
Started this discussion. Last reply by Hayden McGowan Nov 27. 4 Replies 1 Like
Not much to say - a short little piece for mixed quartet. Compositional methodology: cross-relations, PC set play, largely improvised.This piece is a bit out of character for me - I typically design…Continue
A new work for mixed ensemble - "Winter". Comments/criticism
Started this discussion. Last reply by Hayden McGowan Dec 2. 13 Replies 1 Like
Here is a new chamber work for mixed ensemble (nonet).Typically, I employ a variable twelve-tone method in my music, but this work was more freely composed. I employed various PC set-class…Continue
Hayden McGowan's Page
Latest Activity
"What was the motive here? Just curious. I sometimes wonder if in an effort to be modern post classical in composition we go too far the other way. If the motive was to show interesting combinations of notes and be as far different from traditional…"
"A quick addendum to my last comment: Reading it over, I hope that how I expressed my disinterest in digital playback quality didn't come off as abrasive or pretentious. That was not at all my intention! It's any composers…"
"Hey Bob,
I think this ultimately comes down to objectives. I exported an MP3 of my piece to share it with other composers who might take interest in the pitch content etc. (i.e. the actual content of the music). I have no interest in…"
"Hayden,
Believe me, I'm as guilty of this as anyone, but if you don't care about the quality of playback you post, how do you expect us to. In two sentences, you reduced the music you so carefully crafted to a state of un-importance. This…"
"Hi Bob,
Thanks for your comment. I haven't been at my home computer for a couple weeks, so I don't have the score on hand, but I will post it here when I am home (in a few days from now). I can assure you it is absolutely playable.…"
"Hayden,
As I am not a big pitch-class or even a 12-tone fan, I don't have any criticism of this piece. Besides, without knowing what sets you used, it's hard to say too much about a through-composed piece. Only a question. What is the…"
"Thank you, Bob!"
"I'm afraid I have to agree with Timothy and Bob. With all due respect, there is no reason to defend yourself against polite criticism. If the criticism offends you, the most dignified thing to say is "Thanks for your input."
I agree…"
"Hi Hayden--
VERY well done..and very enjoyable.:)
Its originality--the bringing in of the repeated chords--was very interesting and really imparts a special character to the piece.
GREAT job and thanks for posting!
Bob…"
"Thanks very much, Bob! The sorts of feelings you've described were definitely present during pre-composition and sketching. I'm glad these aspects came through in the final product!
Always appreciate your comments :)"
"I also enjoyed this very much Hayden--
I read what you wrote about the title, and to me the music beautifully paints the cold dreary loneliness of winter..a certain sadness of spirit matched by the change in nature.
Very well done and thanks so…"
"Harold,
Out in the real world, as you say, players play what's on the page. If you tempo-mark andante, your trio won't play largo."
"Thank you, Graeme!"
"Interesting piece Hayden. I normally have a preference for more 'conventional' pieces but found your work to absolutely conjure up the mood of a miserable winters day. One of those days where it's just too cold and wet that you just…"
"Thanks Gav, I do agree with the folk element! That was a conscious decision so I'm glad it is perceptible.
Your comments are always appreciated!
Hayden "
Profile Information
- What have you composed for? Or what medium do you work around?
- Film, Multimedia, Orchestra, Small Ensemble, Big Ensemble, Contemporary Ensembles, Other
- What is your favorite genre or style of music?
- Contemporary Music (Concert)
- Is music your main income source?
- Sort Of - Music Related
- Where do you live?
- Ottawa, Ontario
- About Me (Must include at least one paragraph of biographical information about you as a composer) - blank or minimal answers on this line will cause your request to be rejected. Include a link to your website if you have one.
- I am an emerging contemporary music composer from Ottawa, Ontario (b.1994).
I currently study composition under Dr. James Wright and Dr. Jesse Stewart at Carleton University as a Bachelor of Arts/Music student. In the near future, I aspire to complete doctoral studies in composition and enter the professional academic sphere as a Professor of Music.
Though primarily occupied with concert music, I also compose for media. In 2015 I composed the soundtrack for "The Elder Scrolls V: Maslea", a fan-made expansion pack for the popular video game "The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim".
I am Director of Communications at Ottawa New Music Creators (ONMC), a composer society and concert production organization in my hometown of Ottawa, Ontario.
Comment Wall (1 comment)
- At 12:24pm on November 22, 2018,
Gav Brown said…
Welcome Hayden!
© 2018 Created by Gav Brown.
Powered by
