In Service of the Piece
Writing brass arrangements might be one of my favorite things. There is so much power behind every single note. The tuba, trombone, French horn, trumpets — ah, I love it! Maybe it’s because I myself played trumpet (and, in fact, majored in it) throughout my schooling, or maybe, it’s because I’ve been a lifelong fan of John Williams and his affection of the French horn has rubbed off on me.
Regardless, for this upcoming piece, brass is making an appearance. I’m doing a standard brass section, with melody in the trumpet, but with moving counterpart beneath. The wrench, and difficulty, that I’m having is that my phrases are in 11/8. The holds over measure lines are getting condensed and I’m sacrificing a little bit of my desire in service of the piece.
And that’s a good thing.
If I pivoted too far in service of the brass, the heart of the piece would be sacrificed. The upbeat, always guessing, lively and inspirational hook would lose its dazzling and energetic effect. So, I’m tinkering… and I’m learning, in service of the piece.
Honestly not sure where this will end up, but that’s the joy of the composition phase, and I’m here for the journey.
Pat
Member discussion