This score was for my Materials of Composition assignment 2, where we were instructed to compose an original string quartet. My analysis for the piece and the score can be found below. The link to the Sibelius audio can be found "here." Artistic Intentions
My artistic intentions for this string quartet was to blend my style of contemporary composition with traditional baroque structure and styles. I use similar tropes of baroque / classical composition such as outlining the chords I-V-I to start off the piece. However, I was influenced by contemporary harmonic progressions near the end, heavily revolving around chords IV and vi. Although the melody is simple, I mix it up with a counter melody by the 2ndviolin, using rhythmic motifs to align them e.g. triplets. Compositional Process I’m not as familiar with writing for strings so this was an interesting challenge. I’m unsure about how I’ve blended the ranges of each of the instruments, however I made sure to chat with string players to discuss what pieces are easiest for them to play e.g. where to put rests, using interval jumps alongside crescendos etc. From this information I tired to write as idiomatically for the instrument as possible. Initially, I created the melody using solfege. After giving this to the 1stviolin, I worked out the bass part given to the cello. This gave me the basic harmony I was working with and allowed me to fill in the 2ndviolin and viola part accordingly. The rhythm isn’t too complicated as I didn’t want to overcrowd the piece and so I could focus more on harmony. This also means that simple rhythmic motifs are easier to identify. Techniques Employed I used pizzicato in the viola and cello at the start of the piece to have a nice contrast to the B section an give the piece somewhere to build to. The final A section is then the same motive with bowed strings instead, swelling to a sweet and “vocal” conclusion. I wanted the piece to feel lively, so I decided to keep vibrato throughout it’s entirety. Formal Structure The formal structure is approximately based on ternary form with an A section; The Exposition where the main motive is identified outlining chords I – V – I. It then moves into the B section in which I explore the main motive and it’s variations. I decided to keep the rhythm mostly the same as that’s the most identifiable aspect of the motive. Putting it in the relative minor differentiates it from the A section and builds it to the last section. The last section is back in the home key (Bb major) and is the A section that moves somewhere else and resolves differently to the first A section. This gives the piece a sense of finality in the musical narrative returning to the home to a “new normal”.
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Artist SummaryI'm a WA Fremantle based singer-songwriter / composer. Here, you can have a gawk at my studies, compositions and performances. Archives
August 2022
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