Minuet For Baroque Orchestra

This a Minuet for Baroque Orchestra idea that I came up with. This is really the first time that I have tried to write something with this instrumentation. I did not try to focus too hard on the counterpoint here, so it may not be as well written, but I wanted to try my hand at writing for the Baroque Orchestra. I have to fix a number of things, but I would love some general feedback on the idea. Thank!

I am not quite sure that in the baroque style such an orchestra would be treated in this way (because of the doubled lines all the time).
But anyway, it sounds very good.
I only have doubts about the flute, which is in a rather low register compared to the strings.

I tried to model it on Bach's minuet in b minor from his orchestral suites, and his had the flute and first violin doubled. I could agree that the other voices could be more independent though!

I need to work on using more of the higher range of flute, I can agree with this too!

Thanks for the feedback!

Hi @Guardian25,

I find this one enjoyable piece in Baroque style! There are only two places I am in doubt. In b.3 you are having the A# in flute and violin, but for the basso continuo it's a F# minor chord without a # figured bass, therefore there's a clash between A natural and A# there. Maybe you can add the # symbol in the figured bass to prevent the tone clash.

In b.13-14 I am ok with the parallel octave btw. the flute + first violin and the 2nd violin, but one going from A to G# and another one goes from A to G natural seems too strong a clash. Maybe you should change the G natural in 2nd violin to G# there.

Thx for sharing!

Henry

5 hours ago, Guardian25 said:

I tried to model it on Bach's minuet in b minor from his orchestral suites, and his had the flute and first violin doubled. I could agree that the other voices could be more independent though!

I need to work on using more of the higher range of flute, I can agree with this too!

Thanks for the feedback!

 

True, I have gone through the BWV 1067 suite (The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock) and the flute and violins I go many times in unison, not always. And in minuet all the time.
What also happens is that Bach uses in the strings violins I, violins II and violas.
Because the cello is part of the basso continuo.

In your minuet, by adding one more section (cellos that are not part of the continuo), there is a "problem" of balance, or what to do with that section.

Another doubt I have is that, at least in the version I have heard, it is not a flute that sounds but a recorder (tenor) whose tessitura is in that area.
 

I like this piece!  I also have the same complaint that @Henry Ng Tsz Kiu already mentioned - in bar 14 the clash between G and G# is quite objectionable and unnecessary.  It would create a really nice chromatic movement from A in bar 13, to G# in 14, to G natural in 15 imo.  Also, you have the music slow down as if it's finished, but then it repeats the 2nd half again.  I would put the rit. only in the 2nd ending so that the listener isn't fooled into thinking that the piece is done and then it's like "Oh - here we go again!"  Besides those things I really enjoyed this piece.  Maybe you could use this instrumentation to write different kinds of old Baroque dances in the future?  Thanks for sharing!