ELS

What is your price range?

How is this a fair question? Furthermore, these pieces are so diverse- each one has something individual to offer.

I definitely disagree with some of Babbitt's more radical views on music, specifically the belief that music should be composed for the sake of academia. Now, with that opinion aside, I really do admire and enjoy Milton Babbitt's music. In fact, one of my teachers studied with him at Princeton. However, not all contemporary aesthetes (associated with the composition of atonal music) share the same views as Babbitt. Many composers, both living in dead, throughout the 20th and 21st centuries (including Arnold Schoenberg) have espoused the viewpoint that (free) atonality is the natural continuation of the romantic style of music, but eventually the need for a set procedural structure pushed composers of atonal music to use serialism. Some composers abandoned the triadic system all together, but others, such as Alban Berg and Paul Hindemith integrated triadic harmonies into both free and serialized atonality. Have you ever heard the Berg Violin Concerto? Listen to the last movement- a beautiful example of serialized, triadic atonality. I think you'd like it, antiatonality. On this concept of "newness," I think we all can agree on one thing- that it is OK to draw upon earlier forms for inspiration, or guidance and perhaps even utilize them in a way which integrates elements of music of our age, with music of the past. Now, there is LOTS of "new" tonal music being composed right now, but what makes it new is its utilization of tonality, just as Alban Berg's use of serlialism is new, or innovative.

Thank you to whoever added the last option. Good idea!

From now on, I'll make sure to do that! :D

If you are looking for that sacrificial sound, you need to build up these chords... add some more dissonant non-chord tones. Also, you may even (if you really want that Stravinskian of a dance) compose multi-metrically and use some unexpected accents, but as is, the piece does evoke a ritualistic kind of atmosphere. Good work.

New poll.

I can't believe Tchaikovsky and Grieg received more votes than Schubert and Brahms!

Would anyone recommend a specific program? I applied to the Boston University Tanglewood Institute, Brevard Music Center, and Young Composers Program at the CIM. I got into all of them, but BUTI and Brevard were too expensive, so I decided to go with the program at CIM and another program at Illinois Wesleyan. Where should I go next summer?

Sorry I didn't clarify that this piece is a sketch. Still in progress! I can't wait for your detailed analysis- will it be harmonic, structural, or a comprehensive analysis?

Its definitely not fully hereditary. There is still some question over whether raw intelligence is in any way hereditary. Whether or not you can compose well has a lot to do with your exposure to the classics, as well as formal training in music theory (ear training, counterpoint, part writing, etc.). So, if your school has an AP Music Theory course, I would advise you to take it. You should buy an orchestration book as well as a few scores and recordings. Try to listen to as much as you can to broaden your possibilities as a composer.

Glenn Gould.

Interesting idea. I can see it now: Sonatine KY for Viola and Orgasm Tape

I like this song. It has that Broadway-pop catchiness with some interesting seemingly unprepared modulations. Kudos!

Unfortunately, I had a postmarked deadline to meet- so I had no time to develop, or dissect this piece any further. I did want to expand upon the material in the first section, though. Thanks for the advice, though. Perhaps, I will revisit the piece.