Piano Composition in E minor

[Matt Baker]

This is one of the first pieces that I actually composed on the piano (instead of mostly in the software). In fact, I even notated it by hand before putting it into the computer. I tried to notate how I play it, though the timing of the live performance is much less rigid than the computer playback. 

I'm interested in feedback of any sort that stands out to you. I tend to write mostly on instinct, but I welcome comments about the form/structure. Also, I'm not super familiar with piano notation, so if there's anything that seems odd in that respect I'd love to know about it. 

Thanks!

Matt

https://soundcloud.com/user-127912106/0-prelude-no-1-in-e-minor

EDIT:

Here is the track with the addition of recorder to support/enhance the melody. Updated sheet music is also attached.

https://soundcloud.com/user-127912106/prelude-no-1-in-e-minor-with-recorder

1 Prelude No. 1 in E minor.pdf

1 Prelude No. 1 in E minor - 2nd Draft.pdf

1 Prelude No. 1 in E minor - With Recorder.pdf

[Gavin Brown]

Hi Matt,

A couple of notes on the score: 1) pedal markings should be below the bass clef; 2) spacing between treble and bass clef is rather wide and should be tightened where possible; 3) It's ok to use the 8va as you have done, but would suggest you get rid of it and move the notes down. You can open up the space between systems if need be. Alternately, you could use an 8va bass clef (a bass clef with an 8 below it) if your software supports it; 4) the sudden tempo changes should be noted as rit. and accel. where possible (e.g., use rit. on m 74->end).

Musically, this is mostly chords and might benefit from a bit more melody.

Thanks for posting!

Gav

[Matt Baker]

Thanks for the comments, Gav. In order:

1) Good to know, and I have fixed it.

2) Naturally resolved after moving the pedal markings.

3) I use MuseScore, which does support octave clefs, which I have used. Great suggestion.

4) I did think of that, but I forgot to change it before posting it. I was mostly concerned with getting the playback close to how I play it live. I actually struggled with that measure (actually two measures, I think) in that I couldn't get the timing quite right. I played around with tuplets, changing time signatures, all sorts of stuff. The I played it once and realize I just slow down a little, hence the time changes. I've hidden those on the score (still there for playback purposes) and notated it properly.

Musically, I hear a melody when I play it as is, but apparently it does not come through when you don't already have it in your head. That's why external feedback is great! I plan to add another instrument to highlight the melody. It will probably be either a viola (which I own but only play at a most basic level) or recorder (which I own and play significantly better that viola). 

I'm posting an updated version. Thanks again!

Matt

[Matt Baker]

I spent a little time last night adding in a recorder part to bolster the melody. I've edited the original post to attach files and whatnot. Thanks again for your help!

Matt

Gav Brown said:

Hi Matt,

A couple of notes on the score: 1) pedal markings should be below the bass clef; 2) spacing between treble and bass clef is rather wide and should be tightened where possible; 3) It's ok to use the 8va as you have done, but would suggest you get rid of it and move the notes down. You can open up the space between systems if need be. Alternately, you could use an 8va bass clef (a bass clef with an 8 below it) if your software supports it; 4) the sudden tempo changes should be noted as rit. and accel. where possible (e.g., use rit. on m 74->end).

Musically, this is mostly chords and might benefit from a bit more melody.

Thanks for posting!

Gav

[Gavin Brown]

Hi Matt,

I'm sure you could tell, as I could right away, that this is much stronger. Well done!

Gav

[Matt Baker]

Thank you! I have a couple other piano pieces that are similarly mostly chords, so it helps to realize that what I've actually written are piano accompaniments; I will add lead instruments accordingly. 

Thanks again!

Matt

Gav Brown said:

Hi Matt,

I'm sure you could tell, as I could right away, that this is much stronger. Well done!

Gav

[Matt Baker]

Thank you for your comment! I a couple of other pieces I'm working on in my spare time (I teach elementary music), so if I do make changes I probably won't get to it until summer. One of those pieces, however, is based on a fairly agile recorder move I did on accident that starts with a septuplet run, so I definitely see what you're saying there. I'll post an update here if I ever get around to experimenting.

Matt

michael diemer said:

The recorder is a very agile instrument. If you want to experiment with making this more adventurous, try giving it some more athletic moves, so to speak. some rapid runs, triplets, sextuplets, etc. And some independent melodic content, so that it is not just following the piano. While this does provide some nice accenting, the point of two instruments is primarily to create contrast, one of the most important elements in composition. Also, a soprano recorder can play a lot higher than you have it, and should most of the time. there should be some distance between it and the piano. some open space.