Saturday, November 18, 2006
08:39 AM
Just been writing for an hour and half. Got some stuff, violin lines mostly. Using violin concerti as models; Mendelssohn, Spohr and a few more.
I realized yesterday that, when I was playing with ides, I was trying to organize them already – writing a beginning, a phrase structure right away. But it was clear to me that my mind doesn’t work like that, at least not at first. The ideas come, scattered and random, feeding on each other, almost like they are trying to outdo each other, vying for my attention “You think that’s cool? Look over here, check this out!” And if I tell the new idea to hang on a minute as I try to shape the first idea then that new idea usually tells me to never mind and goes away.
I am still too slow. Wrote a page of ideas. That’s not enough. I’ll do better tomorrow.
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Chamber CD - Day 12
Friday, November 17, 2006
Noon
Had a real late start today, Lucas didn’t sleep good at all. Nightmares and stuff. However, once I got down to the cave, the ideas really started to come quite easily. Today I wrote a few ideas for cello and drum kit that really rock. I think that particular combination of instruments is an absolute killer, and , if I may be allowed to wear my “producer’s hat” for a second, cheap and simple to record!
5:30 PM
Went out and bought a new computer monitor. The one I had was killing my eyes and I put up with it for way, way too long. I am sure I got some eye damage from that piece of... I just got completely fed up and ran out and bought a new one.
So, no composition this afternoon. That sucks.
Noon
Had a real late start today, Lucas didn’t sleep good at all. Nightmares and stuff. However, once I got down to the cave, the ideas really started to come quite easily. Today I wrote a few ideas for cello and drum kit that really rock. I think that particular combination of instruments is an absolute killer, and , if I may be allowed to wear my “producer’s hat” for a second, cheap and simple to record!
5:30 PM
Went out and bought a new computer monitor. The one I had was killing my eyes and I put up with it for way, way too long. I am sure I got some eye damage from that piece of... I just got completely fed up and ran out and bought a new one.
So, no composition this afternoon. That sucks.
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Chamber CD - Day 11
Thursday, November 16, 2006
12:04 PM
This morning was dedicated to rhythm and percussion. A few good ideas came out and it was the most fun I’ve had writing since I started this project.
For a while now I have been hearing a way to incorporate drums in my writing. I really enjoy drum corps and drumline percussion and, even though I play percussion a bit, I need to learn more about it to write for drums like a pro.
So I allotted a limited amount of time this morning for the studying of percussion, listening and reading. I focused on drum corps, drumline, snare drum, sticking rudiments and the Quad (a collection of 5 toms).
I kept my study time short and then used the stimulus to generate ideas. The writing was a lot of fun and ideas came faster than I could grab them. Some of them seem cool now, but we’ll see in a few days. I’m still “planting seeds” right now.
There is just enough time in the morning to write as much as I need. The early afternoon is dedicated to business matters and then I am off teaching. I get up early to do piano, perhaps I could replace that with more composition? The thought of it breaks my heart...
Oh, and here’s a little thought I had this morning, an analogy about the process of composition I thought was rather amusing but true.
“Coming up with musical ideas is like having sex: fun, fast and exciting. Writing the piece based on the idea, though, is like having the baby: slow, uncomfortable and often painful.”
12:04 PM
This morning was dedicated to rhythm and percussion. A few good ideas came out and it was the most fun I’ve had writing since I started this project.
For a while now I have been hearing a way to incorporate drums in my writing. I really enjoy drum corps and drumline percussion and, even though I play percussion a bit, I need to learn more about it to write for drums like a pro.
So I allotted a limited amount of time this morning for the studying of percussion, listening and reading. I focused on drum corps, drumline, snare drum, sticking rudiments and the Quad (a collection of 5 toms).
I kept my study time short and then used the stimulus to generate ideas. The writing was a lot of fun and ideas came faster than I could grab them. Some of them seem cool now, but we’ll see in a few days. I’m still “planting seeds” right now.
There is just enough time in the morning to write as much as I need. The early afternoon is dedicated to business matters and then I am off teaching. I get up early to do piano, perhaps I could replace that with more composition? The thought of it breaks my heart...
Oh, and here’s a little thought I had this morning, an analogy about the process of composition I thought was rather amusing but true.
“Coming up with musical ideas is like having sex: fun, fast and exciting. Writing the piece based on the idea, though, is like having the baby: slow, uncomfortable and often painful.”
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Chamber CD - Day 10
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
12:05 PM
Okay, I woke up this morning and still felt the pangs of panic. So I decided that it was necessary for me to write today, to trust that I knew enough, just write freely and have fun.
I started off by playing through my Schumann. Carnival is one fun suite to play. I wanted to start off with something inspiring and uplifting and that did the trick.
Then I began writing and it was good. I am in so much better spirits now that I got some notes behind me. I wrote a few ideas, pacing around my studio, jotting them down then checking them on the piano. I got about 10 ideas or so this morning and now the next step is to let them sit for a bit.
The piece listing I have worked on last week worked wonderfully in focusing my music - I looked at the list, chose a piece I wanted to write, and then I just set to work. This morning I worked on a sorrowful, Lachrymose type of a piece, based on the Greek myth of Pirene, and a fast drumline-inspired piece.
Now for the next few says I plan to just come up with ideas without judging them as I write. Just play, experiment, let go. I will let them sit for a while then come back to them and see which ones are good, which ones will “grow” into pieces. I have come to call this first creative phase as “Planting Seeds.” Pretty cool.
I also did some listening to Bang on a Can and Alarm Will Sound, two contemporary ensembles that perform contemporary composers. I just wanted to see what I liked and, just as importantly, what I didn’t like about this music and presentation. I think I need to need what I don’t like as I continue to define my musical personality.
And I am also wondering if I should set deadlines for myself... can one write in a truly creative way under deadlines? Would I even meet these deadlines? I don’t want this project to last forever, I got so much more to do!
12:05 PM
Okay, I woke up this morning and still felt the pangs of panic. So I decided that it was necessary for me to write today, to trust that I knew enough, just write freely and have fun.
I started off by playing through my Schumann. Carnival is one fun suite to play. I wanted to start off with something inspiring and uplifting and that did the trick.
Then I began writing and it was good. I am in so much better spirits now that I got some notes behind me. I wrote a few ideas, pacing around my studio, jotting them down then checking them on the piano. I got about 10 ideas or so this morning and now the next step is to let them sit for a bit.
The piece listing I have worked on last week worked wonderfully in focusing my music - I looked at the list, chose a piece I wanted to write, and then I just set to work. This morning I worked on a sorrowful, Lachrymose type of a piece, based on the Greek myth of Pirene, and a fast drumline-inspired piece.
Now for the next few says I plan to just come up with ideas without judging them as I write. Just play, experiment, let go. I will let them sit for a while then come back to them and see which ones are good, which ones will “grow” into pieces. I have come to call this first creative phase as “Planting Seeds.” Pretty cool.
I also did some listening to Bang on a Can and Alarm Will Sound, two contemporary ensembles that perform contemporary composers. I just wanted to see what I liked and, just as importantly, what I didn’t like about this music and presentation. I think I need to need what I don’t like as I continue to define my musical personality.
And I am also wondering if I should set deadlines for myself... can one write in a truly creative way under deadlines? Would I even meet these deadlines? I don’t want this project to last forever, I got so much more to do!
Chamber CD - Day 9
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
9:54:30 AM
The mailman finally delivered the complete collection of Schumann’s piano works on Friday. I can’t wait to take a good look at all this great music!
***
I am finally getting well organized and getting a good sense of direction for this music. I have taken a hint from writing film music and have started an Excel workbook to keep track of my ideas and development. Using a computer is much neater than paper, and more environmentally friendly!
I have made a page for the general concept of the CD, one for a listing of the pieces I want to write, another for the instruments I wish to use, one for titles I might use and I will probably have one worksheet for each piece.
Now this all sounds good, but I need to get my ass writing. I am feeling very stressed out and more than a bit depressive today. I feel scattered, overloaded.
It is taking too long for me to get going. I am experimenting with a higher degree of preparation and organizing than I have ever used before, and the length that it takes for this alone would be enough to drive me crazy.
However, I think the cause for my woes lies elsewhere. This is an important project for me, a turning point, or should I say, an arrival point. With this project I will find out if I am as a good as I think I can be.
10:20: PM
I had a breakdown tonight. The stress got to me. Too much is going on, too much to do: the book, the writing, the kids, the house – and everything seems to be progressing at a snail’s pace, not getting resolved. That’ all I will say about that.
My wife is a great support.
I must relax. Stay sane.
9:54:30 AM
The mailman finally delivered the complete collection of Schumann’s piano works on Friday. I can’t wait to take a good look at all this great music!
***
I am finally getting well organized and getting a good sense of direction for this music. I have taken a hint from writing film music and have started an Excel workbook to keep track of my ideas and development. Using a computer is much neater than paper, and more environmentally friendly!
I have made a page for the general concept of the CD, one for a listing of the pieces I want to write, another for the instruments I wish to use, one for titles I might use and I will probably have one worksheet for each piece.
Now this all sounds good, but I need to get my ass writing. I am feeling very stressed out and more than a bit depressive today. I feel scattered, overloaded.
It is taking too long for me to get going. I am experimenting with a higher degree of preparation and organizing than I have ever used before, and the length that it takes for this alone would be enough to drive me crazy.
However, I think the cause for my woes lies elsewhere. This is an important project for me, a turning point, or should I say, an arrival point. With this project I will find out if I am as a good as I think I can be.
10:20: PM
I had a breakdown tonight. The stress got to me. Too much is going on, too much to do: the book, the writing, the kids, the house – and everything seems to be progressing at a snail’s pace, not getting resolved. That’ all I will say about that.
My wife is a great support.
I must relax. Stay sane.
Friday, November 10, 2006
Chamber CD - Day 5
Friday, November 10, 2006
9:38:01 AM
I like the Menuet a lot, it has a very clear melodic and formal plan. Things build through great arcs with clear direction. Of that suite I also like the Rigaudon and the Toccata.
And things have to be cool, man. The music has to grab you by the collar, pull you in close and say “listen to me!” and not let go.
***
10:46
I am listening to Benny Goodman now.
His improvisations have so much music in them, thank God for these recordings. In jazz, solo sections are like development sections, and Goodman’s improvisations are better than most composers development sections!
Magical improvisers like Goodman and Django Reinhardt did not create mechanical explorations of the material but great, melodic lines with direction, dramatic shape and virtuosity.
There is so much fun and vitality in this music. That is what I want.
Thursday, November 9, 2006
Chamber CD - Day 4
9:29:02 AM
I am late again, but I will keep trying. Let’s get to work.
1:48 PM
I spent the whole morning studying the form of a short simple piece in deep, painful detail until I thoroughly understood it. What the hell am I doing...
My goal is to clarify certain ways of looking at form that have been brewing inside my slick skull for a while. I want to have a clearer idea of the elements of form, how they connect and why. I don’t want to just use a boilerplate form and just change the notes, but instead build an understanding of form that allows to mold it with control and purpose.
A lofty goal for sure, and I made some headway this morning.
However, I starting to get a little emotional at not having anything written yet. Well, almost nothing. All this organizing, preparation, studying, could it be a way for me to avoid composition?
This CD project I have embarked upon, it is something I have been thinking about for a long, long time. I am doing it now because I finally feel like I am ready for it, that my craft is up to par, but I can feel the fear, in the pit of my stomach, nagging me, “you know, it all might suck...”
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