Monotone Variations (incomplete)

[Marius Amado-Alves]

Nobody gives a damn but anyway.

This piece is for strings and percussion, namely circa 5 violins, circa 3 violas, 1 piano and 1 jazz drumset. The piece is entirely monotonic in C major, hence the title. It starts as shown, then continues in the fugal style hinted, then the drums get in and it gets rocky, then there's a drums solo, then the piano reenters, jazzy, then it ends with the inevitable tutti. That's *my* developmental idea anyway. I also think of it as a piece for students. Score attached.

Also, nobody gives a damn, but here it is, an announcement: for several reasons, this is my last proactive intervention in this forum until 1 June 2009 or later. I'll be only replying to direct inquiries or (maybe) on my own blogs. Thanks for all the fish.

All pages (PDF)

First page:

[Marius Amado-Alves]

Sorry about the "damn" bit. I realise now it was unpolite and unfair. Don't worry. The nice guy will be back on 1 June 2009 :-)

[Fredrick zinos]

No one gives a damn. Is this news to you? Of course no one gives a damn but what,may I ask, does that have to do with you completing this music? You ARE a composer. You compose not for the adulation of listeners but out of respect for the music itself and out of respect for your own not inconsiderable gifts.

[Ray Kemp]

Marius,

I'm sorry to read, you intend stopping your proactive posts and replies.
You may be surprised to know that I enjoy reading them. Just because I don't 'get' your music as recorded because I can't imagine what it is you hear in your head and struggle to have the time or inclination to learn how to express in said recording, doesn't mean I'm dismissive of your intellect and effort.

I, for one, do give a damn in what you and others do with your compositions. My expectations for all are the same as my own, that is, whatever and wherever our weaknesses are in our output we should strive to improve them. This is not easy for many due in part to the lack of funds needed, paying for the technology required.

My biggest fault following listening to other's pieces is, reporting what I hear in a straight forward no nonsense way. This is often taken nonconstructive criticism when, all I mean is the particular piece is a poor recording compared to commercial tracks of the same style and genre. In the 21st century no one can assume that good composition is enough in itself that one may disregard the need for some recording/ mixing/ production skill. That attitude will simply prevent many commercial interests in the music industry from giving the composer 'the time of day'. (any “hobbyist” with academic qualifications in music theory reading this should of course ignore my ramblings as I do theirs).

Kind Regards

Ray