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Using the Modal Method to compose classical music

rbedwell3

A bit of a departure here, but as well as being able to use the music theory I explain in the book to improvise, it is also extremely useful in writing complex music.

As I have explained before, my taste in classical composition is definitely in the late baroque style, Bach obviously being my main influence, which is shown in this piece. No plagiarism was involved, just inspiration and an awareness of the rules.

Anyway, the piece below is an invention for piano written earlier in the year. I used the Modal Method to understand the uses of scales and where they lead and all of the changes in the music follow the same rule. I do not play the piano, but use the guitar or software to write for other instruments. I have also written music for cello, violin and more pieces for the piano this year as well as many pieces for classical and acoustic guitar.

I would like to hear from any professional pianists who would be interested in performing this and other pieces. Please let me know in the comments below. (Just for the record, I envisioned this piece much faster.)

It was really very straightforward to write in this style, so don't think you need to be well versed in all of the traditional classical theory or techniques to be able to do it. A student asked me how long it took to write a piece like this. My answer, a couple of days, with revisions if and when I saw fit (after many listens). So all in all, about a week. It did make me wonder though, once one's knowledge is at a certain level, it shouldn't necessarily take very long to write a piece of music. It is usually the twists and turns that take the longest to work out how to resolve, once the invention has been decided upon. I think that is one reason why music is often compared to Mathematics, solving the riddle/puzzle/sequence is a very Mathematical experience.


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