My own music

[renee97]

After what seemed an eternity, I have finally been able to get back to composing. I had better get back to this as I have promised to compose a set of six to nine songs on poems by a local poet. I also wrote a grant to help fund this project, and I should hear whether it is funded within the next week to 10 days.
One of the poems just really, really grabbed me. It is about working (only) part-time. Working on this for maybe four hours max, I had a page of music written. Had to make one or two corrections (certain words or parts of words should not be on a strong beat), but I really like what I composed. It is possible I could have the entire poem set by Christmas. Assuming no medical stuff gets in my way, of course.
renee

[speber]

I'm glad to hear you're back to composing!
Good luck with that!

[renee97]

I never thought about this until very recently, but if I do not give it a title, or at least not a title that would link it directly to epilepsy, I might compose a work for full orchestra which would musically "paint" the very beginnings of a seizure (tonic-clonic), the seizure itself and some of what happens afterward. Might not be very "ear-appealing," but the experience is anything but appealing to us anyway. Comments?

[speber]

You are an artist attempting to express something using your chosen medium....go for it!


PS. I personally would love for others to get a partial 'sense' for the experience...even if it has to be 'odd to the ear' for a change.

[Bernard]

Hmmm... I'm imagining something like Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture...

[renee97]

Before anyone, um, tries to imagine? 1) Keep in mind (pun intended) that my knowledge of the entire classical music repertoire is quite extensive, 2) I finally have resources (both individual people / musicians / composers to consult with and computer software) that will enable me to do things a little different.
In other words, I do not want this to sound like any thing previously composed. My best works so far (and the ones that I plan / expect to compose!) involve my writing down with words what the structure of the music will be and then just writing the notes.
Having said that, I am smiling and laughing, my current project is writing songs. In this case the music has to fit the words. Period!
renee97

[speber]

[renee97]

since last posting, MY last posting, I have started writing notes. I have no idea if I will ever be able to hear this work except on my computer, but even that is pretty cool. even though I am partial to wind instruments, I will admit that string instruments are a little more flexible. Of course I am partial, I like this a lot.

[speber]

Dig da cello....that's my desert island instrument I believe.

[renee97]

I think I have opened the door to a monster. A very big monster.
I have been reluctant to ask friends who are composers "how" they compose. Meaning things like when do you start, how much time per day / week, etc. I have also read about composers from history and some of their habits.
one of my closer friends is a young woman in her mid 40's. she told me in an email that she can , and does, spend up to 10 to 12 hours a day composing.
when I read that I gulped!
another composer who recently told me that he has ceased all composing activity because it had become too stressful told me a similar story; that once he had an idea for a composition he could spend ten straight hours on writing it all down.
I am beginning to consider the possibility that I have opened that door -- myself!

Just thinking about NEEDING to spend that much time to get that music on paper, to express those feelings into music for that much time is something ------weird! I have always tried to structure my time: structure meaning not allowing any one thing to dominate. I don't know where this is going, but I do know that this composition I started for full orchestra - back in the beginning of this month - is beginning to look like it is going to "write itself" and I had better step back and let it happen!!!! It may be complete by January 2nd!
R 97

[Bernard]

I used to be that way about writing computer code (programming).

[renee97]

B:
I think the human brain is actually "hard-wired" to acquiring an addicition. Doesn't matter what it is; alcohol, drugs, electronics, composing, photography, whatever. Our poor under-developed (improperly fed?) brains seek something to depend on. I even vaguely recall hearing that this is true. Hmmm?
R 97