Greg's Gazebo

[greg]

op.4 Blather Lather
op.5 The Bend of Time
op.6 We'll C

[Franco]

Greg,

I listened to parts of the first three compositions and think they represent a good bit of work.  Of course you need to try to get actual performances since the MIDI sound files do not come close to representing the music and present significant obstacles to others appreciating what you've accomplished.  But I know how hard it came be to get live performances.  One suggestion: if there is a university near to you, try networking with the music students and faculty towards this end.

You should definitely keep writing because I hear a unique voice and plenty of talent - try to not become frustrated with the process, and don't put too much pressure on yourself - just write, write, write - I am convinced that 99% of learning how to compose is from doing it.

Best,

Franco

[(poco) Sforzando]

I would find it helpful if you posted your scores too.

[greg]

Greg,

I listened to parts of the first three compositions and think they represent a good bit of work.  Of course you need to try to get actual performances since the MIDI sound files do not come close to representing the music and present significant obstacles to others appreciating what you've accomplished.  But I know how hard it came be to get live performances.  One suggestion: if there is a university near to you, try networking with the music students and faculty towards this end.

You should definitely keep writing because I hear a unique voice and plenty of talent - try to not become frustrated with the process, and don't put too much pressure on yourself - just write, write, write - I am convinced that 99% of learning how to compose is from doing it.

Best,

Franco

Thanks for listening. 
I was really just putting these up because Saul requested, but I don't mind others listening. The last one on here (op.6) I wrote 3 years ago...


As for the scores, the only one I have in pdf form is op.5 (attached). This is the one Karl played, back when I was experimenting for a while with notation whose rhythm is represented by the length of lines (what is called again, durational notation?)- I'll never do that again lol. I bet he's glad he played that version rather this one, though. 

The rest are, ahem... a bit scrambled in format. I have some written on staff paper and Noteworthy and others written in just Noteworthy- "We'll C" has some bars that must be up to 20 quarter notes long, but I have to divide everything into as close to 4/4 as I can get it, so the score will actually be readable. Eventually, I want to get them all in pdf, but I want to do other stuff before that, considering rewriting the stuff in Sibelius will be a huge project.


btw, my personal favorite is op.6 "We'll C." I love it! However, that's completely not what I want to express in my future work.

[Saul]

Greg I must tell you that I enjoyed all three compositions.
Your music has a refreshing quality of spontaneity, really nicely done and interesting.
The last one was a charm, really good piece.

Thank you.

[greg]

Thanks for listening, Saul. 
I think others have said stuff to the effect of what you just said. If they sound "spontaneous," it's probably because they are. The last one, if I remember correctly, I just sat down and wrote over the course of, maybe, 2 hours out of random inspiration and nothing better to do.


(sucks that on each file, the last second is cut out. In "Blather Lather," the whole last note was cut out). 

[Saul]

They were fun piece indeed, Greg.

[greg]

Here's a recording of "The Bend of Time." Sounds better than MIDI, eh? 

http://www.mediafire.com/?sharekey=dcb128f2935e1368ab1eab3e9fa335ca2093c057b4317add

[karlhenning]

Did you decide to adjust the notation at all, Greg?

[greg]

Did you decide to adjust the notation at all, Greg?

Are you talking about adjusting it from the original version with just lines indicating rhythm?
Just a couple of posts ago, on this page, is the pdf attachment of the score, which was my adjustment.

Eventually, when I "rewrite" my scores (pdf them), I'll make this one look a little better, too- but only using small adjustments. I'm still keeping the whole time signature change every single measure just because it's cool. 


btw, the recording is actually Sibelius Sound Essentials. 

[Saul]

Here's a recording of "The Bend of Time." Sounds better than MIDI, eh? 

http://www.mediafire.com/?sharekey=dcb128f2935e1368ab1eab3e9fa335ca2093c057b4317add

Really Cool Piece.

[karlhenning]

Are you talking about adjusting it from the original version with just lines indicating rhythm?
Just a couple of posts ago, on this page, is the pdf attachment of the score, which was my adjustment.

Splendid! I'll have a look this afternoon.

[karlhenning]

Really Cool Piece.

Of course. I played the premiere ; )

[greg]

A short sketch of a possible second string quartet:

http://www.mediafire.com/?witlzdozifz

(as i go make some adjustments right after posting it  )

[Saul]

Of course. I played the premiere ; )

Did you really?

[greg]

Did you really?

Yeah, he included the piece in one of his recitals.

btw, everyone- ignore that last post. Messed around with it a bit more and it sounds better- I might re-upload it.

However, I'm going to have to stop there and save it for one day (since I like the material). Starting a new project like this isn't my goal, and I shouldn't get sidetracked. I've gotten the hang of writing back, it seems... so, continuing from there, I should be able to write my orchestral work (there might be delays for other reasons, though).


(as a side note, strangely, I typed it in Sibelius without using any instrument at all- just typed notes straight in, and it didn't even feel awkward)

[Saul]

That was really nice, Karl.

[karlhenning]

Did you really?

I did, at King's Chapel here in Boston, 20 June 2006.  And if the composer has adjusted the notation to my liking ; ) I shall play it again.

[Saul]

I did, at King's Chapel here in Boston, 20 June 2006.  And if the composer has adjusted the notation to my liking ; ) I shall play it again.

Greg, you're lucky...
Did you send Karl a chocolate box with some flowers?
I think he deserves it.

Again, this was a nice gesture, Karl... not too many people have an orchestra at their disposal, and to use this privilege to perform some new not mainstream composer's work, was generous.

[karlhenning]

Flowers to Maria and chocolates to my mom-in-law Irina, thanks! ; )