Suspence

Hi I composed this short piece for chamber group (Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Cello, Vibraphone and Tambourine).

I wanted to explore chromatic scale, its harmony and sonority and also percussion instruments I never used before.

The cello ostinato couldn't be simpler, just quarter notes in staccato in a long C pedal, but It helps creating tension. 

I'm not used to write such a contemporary music, so I'm interested to know your opinion and what could be improved.

2 hours ago, Guillem82 said:

I'm not used to write such a contemporary music, so I'm interested to know your opinion and what could be improved.

Because of this line, my feedback will be completely diferent from what I would normally say.

This doesn't sound contemporary for me at all. Not a bad thing, I just don't know if that is what you were going for.

It all reminds me of Haydn's and Beethoven's quartets. Its not because you are using somewhat chromatic harmonies that you are entering a more contemporary style.

 Take this as an example:

Or maybe even quick moments like 12:40 of this:

If you want to venture into a chromatic sound, give this a try:

Its one of my favourite Bartok Quartets.

Why does the opening theme sound like the Toreador theme from Carmen's Bizet!?!?

That said, I second Jean's comments. Using chromaticism doesn't necessarily equate to modern harmonic styles.

Thanks Jean Szulc  & jawoodruff!

It's good to know it sounds more classical than I though, I was getting worried to sound too contemporary :)

@Jean Szulc: I think the dissonance quartet is one of the more innovative works of Mozart. I was reading the editor returned the score, saying it was plenty of errors at the beginning, which means its harmony was not according to the classical standards of the period.

"Why does the opening theme sound like the Toreador theme from Carmen's Bizet!?!?"

@jawoodruff: Can you please send a link? I don't recognize the Toreador theme.