Assignment 3
1. Listen and discuss
Listen to these three pieces. Partial scores were handed out; complete PDF scores below.
composer score audio Bartok Messiaen Feurzeig
Go to this Google doc to comment on the music.
As before, you need to comment at least twice, once initiating and once in response to another person's posting.
Make your initial comment before the end of the weekend (Sunday midnight) so others have time to read and respond.
You may say whatever interests you about whichever piece(s) you choose.
2. Compose
Write a duet or trio for any of the woodwind instruments in class.Duration: 1.5 - 4 minutes
Form: AB or ABA; in either case, in clearly contrasting sections.
The entire piece will be octatonic. You may use different octatonic transpositions if you like, but stick strictly to whatever octatonic set is in use at any time.
Again, think deeply about “non-syntactic” elements like register, density, dynamics, articulation, and remember to notate these elements in detail. In particular, use clear contrasts of some of these parameters to distinguish between the A and B sections of the piece.
Refer to the Essential Dictionary of Orchestration for information about the instruments’ capabilities. You may also reach out to players and ask them to try different passages.
We will read through the pieces in class next meeting.
Bring in a score (or part, if you make parts) for each player, plus one extra score for the class to look at.
Be sure to bring a properly transposed part for any transposing instruments you use.