Full Version: Grade 5 Composition!
i have chosen to do the composition without words and was wondering if there were any important points i need to include? i am just confusing myself while trying to do it!
I think there are a few things worth aiming for to give it some structure.
First Rhythm - On some rough manuscript write out the opening bars provided then mark out additional bar lines to give yourself 8 bars in total with plenty of space to write. Mark the point 4 bars overall as a half way point. Try to write an overall rhythm for the piece. Try to use the opening rhythm given to influence the continuation. It should come to some kind of pause in the rhythm at the half way point - usually a longer note or two. It is then quite helpful to start the second half with a repeat of the starting rhythm but vary it a bit in bars 6 and 7 and overall bring the rhythm to a more complete ending at the end of 8 bars.
Key - it is good to get the tune into the dominant at half way. Then it is also good to get to the dominant at the end of bar 7 then resolve into the tonic on the last note. I like to lightly pencil in the dominant triad at bar 4 and bar 7 and the tonic triad in bar 8 to remind myself where the tune is going (these triads are notes to myself on the rough version not to be copied onto the final answer!). Then within the framework of the rhythm written and the destination keys write the actual notes of the tune. Before the exam try to remember the bottom note of the range of all the regular orchestral instruments. For safety stay within 2 octaves of that bottom note for the instrument specified unless the opening you are given goes out of that range.
Sing the tune to yourself in your head and think about what dynamics and articulation would really make it come alive a bit more and add those. Perhaps add a few performance directions specific to the instrument if it is an instrument you understand and as long as they suit the tune.
Copy out a neat version onto the answer paper.
Hope that helps - it's all a bit mechanical I know and not very creative but I think it picks out a few of the things markers are looking for to gain some points.
Others here may add some more useful ideas
Best Of Luck
First Rhythm - On some rough manuscript write out the opening bars provided then mark out additional bar lines to give yourself 8 bars in total with plenty of space to write. Mark the point 4 bars overall as a half way point. Try to write an overall rhythm for the piece. Try to use the opening rhythm given to influence the continuation. It should come to some kind of pause in the rhythm at the half way point - usually a longer note or two. It is then quite helpful to start the second half with a repeat of the starting rhythm but vary it a bit in bars 6 and 7 and overall bring the rhythm to a more complete ending at the end of 8 bars.
Key - it is good to get the tune into the dominant at half way. Then it is also good to get to the dominant at the end of bar 7 then resolve into the tonic on the last note. I like to lightly pencil in the dominant triad at bar 4 and bar 7 and the tonic triad in bar 8 to remind myself where the tune is going (these triads are notes to myself on the rough version not to be copied onto the final answer!). Then within the framework of the rhythm written and the destination keys write the actual notes of the tune. Before the exam try to remember the bottom note of the range of all the regular orchestral instruments. For safety stay within 2 octaves of that bottom note for the instrument specified unless the opening you are given goes out of that range.
Sing the tune to yourself in your head and think about what dynamics and articulation would really make it come alive a bit more and add those. Perhaps add a few performance directions specific to the instrument if it is an instrument you understand and as long as they suit the tune.
Copy out a neat version onto the answer paper.
Hope that helps - it's all a bit mechanical I know and not very creative but I think it picks out a few of the things markers are looking for to gain some points.
Others here may add some more useful ideas
Best Of Luck
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