Tristesse

Hello

I haven't uploaded anything here for some time.
Too busy in what is actually my job....
But I have been studying (and continue...) the harmonic, and compositional world in general, of Romanticism. Which is fascinating.
I really encourage anyone interested in composition to seriously study the resources of each period. 
We can always, always improve.

So I am uploading this piece, after reviewing some Romantic works with that title.... I hope you like it.

By the way, although I have hundreds of "works" written, I am discarding, reclassifying and renumbering from Op. 1, not caring if it is something written now or years ago, as long as it has some value to me.

You know, I know it's only my opinion... and I'm a nobody... but this is truly master level music to me. When listening to this, I could only hold on for the ride, because all I could think about was that this man can do whatever he wants. What makes you top tier is you possess such a high quality of skill, yet you're forever a student. AND, your harmony skills are out of this world, yet you take the time to give us chord symbols in your score. You're like... the best and stuff. 

Ok, enough fanboiing. Nice piece, Luis 😄 

This is some really lovely Romantic harmonic language.  The sophisticated shifts in mood feel very French, and the consistent left hand helps keep a structure with for the rhythms of the right to bounce off of.  I would love to hear how a variety of good pianists would interpret this piece in a competition setting.  It would be fascinating to see what emerges with individual interpretation. 🙂

Is there something particular you've been reading that you would recommend?  

Bravo!

Thank you.

The truth is that delving into the compositional aspects of Romanticism (and of any style, I think), is complex. I don't know if there are dedicated texts. The truth is that I have been getting information and techniques by listening a lot, watching scores, and watching videos on youtube. Then I do a lot of "practice" with those techniques and I usually reflect it in my blog.
Finally, I try to integrate all of that with some inspirational stuff.

Hi @Luis Hernández!

This is very light and easy listening.  It shimmers and sparkles with those beautiful rolled chords in the right hand.  Despite the unusual meter and grouping of 8th notes, I still hear the piece as being predominantly in 4/4.  I think this piece is very charming and hypnotic.  I must confess that I didn't like it the first time I heard it - but it has definitely grown on me and now I enjoy it immensely!  I think it could also serve as great background music for some kind of simulation building video game such as Sim City or The Sims or something.  It has that calm and contemplative atmosphere perfect for that kind of context.  There are also some beautiful transitions and modulations.  And you manage to bring the piece back to its original tonality flawlessly!  Great job and thanks for sharing!

On 7/1/2024 at 1:25 AM, PeterthePapercomPoser said:

Hi @Luis Hernández!

This is very light and easy listening.  It shimmers and sparkles with those beautiful rolled chords in the right hand.  Despite the unusual meter and grouping of 8th notes, I still hear the piece as being predominantly in 4/4.  I think this piece is very charming and hypnotic.  I must confess that I didn't like it the first time I heard it - but it has definitely grown on me and now I enjoy it immensely!  I think it could also serve as great background music for some kind of simulation building video game such as Sim City or The Sims or something.  It has that calm and contemplative atmosphere perfect for that kind of context.  There are also some beautiful transitions and modulations.  And you manage to bring the piece back to its original tonality flawlessly!  Great job and thanks for sharing!

 

Thank you for your comments.
The truth is that metrics is a matter of nomenclature as well. It could have stayed as 4/4 simply, but doing it the way it is makes it easier to write.
Curious what you said about it serving as background for a video game, hehe. Why not?
And yes, one of my main "concerns" are transitions and also harmonic originality.
Regards.

Hi @Luis Hernández,

Nice flow, very pleasant. Harmonic arrangements are very subtle, and well made. I will follow your advice and read a little more on harmonic theory.

Very interesting transitions bb. 25-27 and later bb. 52-53. They emphasise a feeling of anxiety...

A philosophical note: I am note sure I retain a feeling of "sadness" from this piece, maybe more a feeling of "loss, with no clear target".

Thanks for sharing!

Julien

16 hours ago, mazeth said:

 

A philosophical note: I am note sure I retain a feeling of "sadness" from this piece, maybe more a feeling of "loss, with no clear target".

 

 

Yes, I agree. These titles or mentions are very very subjective. I wanted to explore some subgenres of romanticism like, of course, nocturne, but also barcarolle, tristesse, elegy, dreams (Reverie, sorry I can't speak French). And it is often difficult to distinguish one from the other because except for some formal issues, they are very free pieces.

What a beautiful work.  The harmonies are exquisite in their execution and well as the interwoven heavenly melodic lines.  Not many posts can stand out with such originality.  You do have your own voice and it is quite engaging and enveloping.  Bravo.

Mark

21 hours ago, MJFOBOE said:

What a beautiful work.  The harmonies are exquisite in their execution and well as the interwoven heavenly melodic lines.  Not many posts can stand out with such originality.  You do have your own voice and it is quite engaging and enveloping.  Bravo.

Mark

 

 

Thank you very much for your (and everyone's) words.
I would like to explain briefly...
I am an amateur musician. But passionate to the end. I have been studying and learning for many years (because for me it is an enjoyment, not an obligation). 
When you take on many techniques and things that people overlook, a world of expression opens up to you.
The point is to be able to try to master all the elements of music to bring out an emotion.
This is very clear to me. The more you can master harmony, counterpoint, rhythm, forms, etc... The more you can say.
And if you add to that a moment of inspiration, of a feeling that you want to bring out from inside, then beautiful things can come out.
I have always looked for and bet on originality, within what is already well established. 
For me, the most predominant thing is harmony. One of my objectives is to make the progressions sound natural but at the same time not the same as always.

Regards...........