Repetitions in Motion

I wrote these pieces a few years ago while going through a bit of a Reich/Adams minimalist phase. 
My goal was to create repetitions that would still have a melodic element to it. 

Hi @BipolarComposer,

I never like minimalist at all, but I like in no.1 the repetitions provide an epic feeling in it. I don't think that too minialist, it's more like Bolero when things keep adding on it. Lovely dynamic contrast in 2:40 and lovely reset as well! I don't find it monotonous at all with the change of harmony and timbre. Modal  Great job!

Modal harmony is great throughout the set. For me the 2nd mov is quite similar to the 1st and as great as well, if not greater with the greater motion in it!

Lovely change of chords for the Scherzo! Great motion in it and I love 1:26 when you suddenly reset! The harmonic change becomes darker there and lovely clarinet! The build up from 3:25 and 4:40 are well crafted! Great ending for the set!

I thoroughly enjoy the sets and thanks for sharing!

Henry

On 3/17/2023 at 4:32 PM, BipolarComposer said:

My goal was to create repetitions that would still have a melodic element to it.

I think you've succeeded at that.

The 1st movement is melodic, in the bass as well as the high flutes.  There are many contrasts which relieve the listener from the driving ostinati in the beginning.  I think you create great textures with the different kinds of figurations you present.  The recapitulation of material from the beginning is a nice touch too, extending the length of the piece naturally in a kind of A B A form (or maybe a kind of voyage and return).  The ending is well prepared and sounds quite conclusive (which is sometimes hard to do in minimalist pieces).

The 2nd movement is not my favorite.  It sounds quite hectic and unhinged.  But maybe it would be perfect for a chaotic scene in a film or video game.  It lets up in intensity after a while, which is a welcome respite.  There is a nice shimmering sheen of high sparkling textures in this movement which I like.  This one also has a nice transition back to a recapitulation of the main material from the beginning.  The ending chords are I guess, sufficient for an ending.

The 3rd movement harmonies are quite ethereal and mysterious.  I hear some use of parallelism/harmonic planing in this, which is a unique choice resulting in the particular feel of this movement.  The flute melody in the middle sounds kind of familiar but I'm not sure where I've heard it before.  It is quite affecting and lucid however - I like it!  I am not sure how possible it would be for a single harp to play those arpeggios after minute 4 - maybe use two harps so they have ample time to change their pedals.  This one also brought the listener back to the beginning, and ended on a sort of cliffhanger of an ending which I thought was decently effective.

Overall I thought these were quite enjoyable!  Thanks for sharing.