GMG Classical Music Forum

The Music Room => Composing and Performing => Topic started by: MarkMcD on May 25, 2017, 03:23:08 AM

Title: Nocturn in C# minor
Post by: MarkMcD on May 25, 2017, 03:23:08 AM
Hi Everyone,

I've been busy just lately so not been around for a few months, but I did keep working on my music also and I think this piece is in a pretty decent state now so I thought I would post it and see what you all think.  As always, all comments, good or bad are welcome.

There is a technical error in the score.  The piece is in C# minor and for some reason all the B#'s are written as C naturals so if anyone knows how to change them all in one fell swoop in Sibelius, then I would appreciate you letting me know how, otherwise it's doing it one by one lol (I'll get round to it eventually).

Anyway, it's a classical piano and flute duet, I hope you like it  :D

https://www.dropbox.com/s/17az3aa0ga3qs5u/Nocturn_in_C_minor.mp3?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/xq464w0ymedvmnt/Nocturn%20in%20C%20minor.pdf?dl=0

Thanks, Mark
Title: Re: Nocturn in C# minor
Post by: Mahlerian on May 25, 2017, 08:07:45 AM
Quote from: MarkMcD on May 25, 2017, 03:23:08 AM
There is a technical error in the score.  The piece is in C# minor and for some reason all the B#'s are written as C naturals so if anyone knows how to change them all in one fell swoop in Sibelius, then I would appreciate you letting me know how, otherwise it's doing it one by one lol (I'll get round to it eventually).

Under the Home tab, go to filters, and click on Advanced.

Go to Pitch, select single, then select C natural under the dropdown menu.

Click Select at the bottom.  All of the C naturals will be highlighted.

Press the return/enter key to enharmonically respell the notes.

Done!
Title: Re: Nocturn in C# minor
Post by: MarkMcD on May 25, 2017, 09:32:53 AM
Thank you so much Mahlerian, that's saved a lot of headache, much appreciated  ;D
Title: Re: Nocturn in C# minor
Post by: MarkMcD on June 03, 2017, 03:17:29 AM
Is this piece perhaps a little too conventional for most peoples tastes here?  I know it has a strong Chopinistic quality, especially in the left hand.  I do try not to sound like other composers when I write, but it's nearly impossible these days to not sound like somebody, be it past or present composers, you can always find someone to draw comparisons with.

Thanks anyway to all that have taken time to listen.  I am always open to criticism as long as it's constructive so please don't feel I only want to hear how lovely it is.  That may be nice, but it wont help me learn.
Title: Re: Nocturn in C# minor
Post by: Florestan on June 03, 2017, 06:14:50 AM
Quote from: MarkMcD on June 03, 2017, 03:17:29 AM
Is this piece perhaps a little too conventional for most peoples tastes here?

Certainly not for my taste.

I think the piano introduction and the first section is too fast and too staccato, though. Sounds like an Allegro ma non troppo to my ears. If you could make it / them Adagio, and more legato, it would have a more nocturnal feeling and mood and would provide a more vivid contrast with the more agitated section starting at 03:38 in the first clip.

Anyway, I liked it.

Title: Re: Nocturn in C# minor
Post by: MarkMcD on June 03, 2017, 07:27:38 AM
Thank you Florestan,

I agree with you about the tempo.  This is a Sibelius reproduction, although when I play it myself, the tempo is slower, but when Sibelius is playing it at my live play tempo, it just sounded like a snail on mogadon.  Again, I think the staccato element is also a product of the software.  The score is marked legato.

Maybe I'll try again with a re recording at a slower tempo, much of the time, the perceived wrongness of things to the composer, is due to having heard it sooooooooooooooo many times, that you loose perspective and what sounds wrong to you, may not to a "virgin" listener???

Mark
Title: Re: Nocturn in C# minor
Post by: Florestan on June 03, 2017, 08:34:31 AM
Quote from: MarkMcD on June 03, 2017, 07:27:38 AM
Thank you Florestan,

I agree with you about the tempo.  This is a Sibelius reproduction, although when I play it myself, the tempo is slower, but when Sibelius is playing it at my live play tempo, it just sounded like a snail on mogadon.  Again, I think the staccato element is also a product of the software.  The score is marked legato.

I suspected it, actually.