Minimalism

Melody
My melody starts off with a simple piano motif which is based off the
French system spelling my name Monei. I then harmonised other
instruments to imitate the original melody motif. I added ornaments
to these motifs to create difference and interest in the unique
motifs.

Rhythm
I composed this piece in simple quadruple time (4/4) and my original
motif uses crotchets but this then diminishes into minims and then I
have the orchestra come in and use some dotted crotchets to create
a more remarkable sound. I used dotted quavers in other motifs
such as the second orchestra against the four crotchet beats of the
original motif to create difference.

Form/structure
The structure has three sections. The first and last section are much
similar in the fact that they have instruments dropping out or
coming in every bar. The second short section is when every
instrument is playing at the same time.

Instrumentation/ Orchestration
I used the piano to create three different motifs which gives the
atmosphere of simplicity and elegance. I then moved on to adding
an orchestra to do two motifs which created the effect of dramatics
and gave heart to the piece. I used the difference sounds of the
Spacious Drum Set to produce a sense of interest in the music
with the unique, unsystematic sounds. I used brass to create a
majestic atmosphere to the music. I used the flute to create a sense
of tranquillity in the music and innocence as the high pitched motif
rings through the piece. I then added a Taiko drum to the beats to
create a feeling of the piece surging forwards. Finally I added a fast
moving saxophone to top off the composition which made the whole
piece more dramatic and to create the final piece of the
composition.

Texture
The texture starts off really thin with one line of the piano playing
simple motifs. Then after each bar another motif is added creating a
gradually increasingly denser texture until every motif of the 7
instruments used is being played creating an extremely thick,
flowing texture. The texture then diminishes in size as the motifs
from the different instruments drop out one by one leaving the
singular piano motif once again.

Dynamics/expressive devices
The piece starts off as piano as the one motif plays. As each of the
motifs increase, the dynamics gradually crescendo creating a climax
where all 7 instruments are played. The dynamics then decrease as
the instruments stop playing their motifs one by one until the piano
reaches the minimum point of the dynamics.

Code
I used the French system to create my name in the piece. I used the
notes F, A, G, E, F to represent MONEI. I augmented
some motifs, adding ornaments to others and diminished others. I
created interest by imitating the motifs with different instruments
such as between the piano, the orchestra and the brass.