Composing Short Pieces Using A Theme By Luderart

Hey everyone, 

While reviewing, and then discussing at length, one of Luderart's latest soliloquies, I had the idea that it might be helpful to him for every participant to take one of his starting themes (2-4 bars worth) and demonstrate what could be done with such a starting idea by composing a short piece based on it. I think everyone would benefit from the challenge, and also the (hopefully) improved output from Luderart in the future!

The example which I've given before is Mozart's Piano Sonata 7, Mvt. 1, (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D95g_FU5cU0) which has a distinctive main 2-bar motif / idea. There was many things that could have followed that initial flourish and Mozart chose his particular direction.

The piece in question is Luderart's 5th soliloquy for clarinet (http://www.youngcomposers.com/music/listen/5481/soliloquy-for-clarinet-no-5/.) Feel free to make minor corrections as you see fit. I suggest using the first 2 bars, but halved into 4 bars, and doubling the tempo to a fast allegro. However, if you want to use just the initial motif, then stick to just the 1st bar (I don't like bars 3-4, and they certainly wouldn't work in my style.) I'd also suggest lowering the second note to an E, and the third to an A, in bar 1. Obviously, change the key, possibly into a major key or even atonal. I'll leave that up to you.

He aspires to write a sonata, so I'll write a short one in a Classical period style, feel free to do the same or compose in a totally different form and style if you want. Write for piano solo, quartet, trio or whatever instrumentation you want. I would love if someone wrote a short fugue, for example (the first bar could possibly be cajoled into being a fugal subject.) A short miniature piece at about the same length of his, at 1:30 would also be great for direct comparison.

I know you might have pieces you're working on now, so fit this in your to-do list wherever you see fit, no particular time limit. Just link your pieces here when you're done!

Cheers

Dan

I may exceed the time limit by 15-30 seconds or so (funny how that seems like a lot when we're composing such short pieces, something I've never really done before), but I'm on board and even a bit excited to do this.

I may exceed the time limit by 15-30 seconds or so (funny how that seems like a lot when we're composing such short pieces, something I've never really done before), but I'm on board and even a bit excited to do this.

Good! It'll be interesting to hear what you come up with. :)

Dibs on fugue!

Joined, and currently writing.

(P.S. Darn, Christian! I already started writing… Dibs on second fugue! Even though it's not really a fugue…  :P)

Great to see some fugues proposed! :)
I am now less busy again and will get writing soon! 

My not-so-small to-do list this summer:
1. Luderart theme sonata

2. Schubert variations

3. Finish:  Woodwind Sonata mvt. 3, Rondo

4. Finish:  Piano Adagio

5. 2nd set of 12 piano miniatures

I might write something for this

So, am I the first?

http://www.youngcomposers.com/music/listen/6710/Fughetta%20upon%20a%20theme%20by%20Luderart

I don't like to take too much time to compose something... and it is a problem sometimes :P

i guess i never told anyone i was going to do this, but i guess i will now http://www.youngcomposers.com/music/listen/6711/Clarinet%20soliloquy%20march. Here you go guys. i've never done anything like this before so i hope it is okay

Do you guys know Tchaikovsky's Six pieces on a single theme, op. 21?

This little projects is a bit like this^^

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yqv_92wVOYg

I think a better soliloquy could have been chosen for this challenge, since the given theme has a definite character, and the piece itself isn't terrible, and actually develops the theme somewhat.

Thanks DanJTitchener for this interesting challenge that is naturally of particular interest to me since it uses one of my themes.

Let me say that I have listened several times to the two submissions so far by Christian Perrotta - whose resourceful and beautiful fugue I enjoyed a lot - and by Aquatunic - whose pop-style piece I also enjoyed with its creation of a distinct atmosphere and lively beat. I look forward to the future submissions from the rest of the participants in this challenge. And it will be up to me to be stimulated into incorporating into my future compositions the different ways the participants of this challenge develop my theme.
 

I think a better soliloquy could have been chosen for this challenge, since the given theme has a definite character, and the piece itself isn't terrible, and actually develops the theme somewhat.

it would be up to luderart if he wanted to do this challenge again with a different soliloquy. i would do it again because i enjoyed the challenge of making a piece based on an already existing theme. judging from luderart's recent compositions, which have gotten better since this challenge started, there isn't really any need to do it again as Dan's, Christian's, and whoever else was involved in the 4th tuba soliloquy conversation's point was received

it would be up to luderart if he wanted to do this challenge again with a different soliloquy. i would do it again because i enjoyed the challenge of making a piece based on an already existing theme. judging from luderart's recent compositions, which have gotten better since this challenge started, there isn't really any need to do it again as Dan's, Christian's, and whoever else was involved in the 4th tuba soliloquy conversation's point was received

I would suggest that the challenge be repeated in the future with themes from other composers in YC. I think everyone will benefit from seeing how their themes are developed by other composers with their own particular compositional philosophies, skill, and inspiration, as well as be challenged to broaden their scope of composition from the musical (as opposed to inert verbal) insights received. I guess that the participants would also benefit from the challenge (it is up to the participants to speak here). It is also a way of creating musical/compositional interaction among the members of YC (in addition to only verbal). By the way, the challenge is still going on; and I think I will receive further insights with each new contribution to it.

I second luderart's suggestion. We should do more of these challenges. I think it's one of the best ideas we've had so far relating to improving this site's participation.

I like it! Let's do it!

So, the composer being "used" in one challenge could chose the next composer (in this case, luderart would chose the next composer).

What do you think?

i like it. sounds fun. i'm in!

is their any way we can advertise this to others on the forum? cause there are countless people who use the site but not everyone looks through the forum

If you decide so, I will choose. But perhaps we should set criteria on the basis of which to choose rather than leave it totally to the preferences of the chooser. Also, can the chosen one be any member of YC? Or might they better be chosen from among the participants in the last challenge?

Alternatively, the composer might be chosen by a vote, and then asked for their agreement as well as the theme before proceeding with the challenge.

Well, it would be fair enough to chose amogst the participants. If someone is not participating, well... it's a good stimulus to make him/her join the following challenge^^

I know that there's a lot of people that don't read the threads. Well, I really don't think they deserve the attention of this challenge. If they don't read it, then it doesn't interest them.

People that read the threads don't always feel the need to post a comment, especially when it's redundant to do so, Christian. :P

I've been following this thread, perhaps I'll come up with something. 

Well, posting something like "Hey, I like this idea", like some of the posts before is a good way to make other people know that you read it, that you are here^^

But I do prefer to choose only amongst the ones who composed something for some previous challenge.

I've been procrastinating with my entry for the challenge. 
I'll have a serious attempt at writing my mini sonata movement tomorrow! :)
Also, I too think its a good idea to choose a theme from the works of those who participated in the previous challenge

Well, posting something like "Hey, I like this idea", like some of the posts before is a good way to make other people know that you read it, that you are here^^

But I do prefer to choose only amongst the ones who composed something for some previous challenge.

Hey, I like this idea

^ I second that, although I don't think I've been here long enough to participate in any challenges.