New Composition Assignment: Historical Composition

(for FIRST year students)

We're going to do some exploration of music history using the tools of composition. You're going to pick ONE of the three composition tasks below and complete it. Each type of composition has a list of criteria, and you should do some listening to some examples to help you inform your compositions.

Choice 1: Medieval Modal Chant (this option for new music students only - not if you've already taken guitar with Ms. Simmons)
First: visit the Introduction to Scales and Modes Website. Here you'll find info about the different modes/scales and how they related to the major scales we have studied. Listen to the modes and the example pieces and find one you like.

• Pick one of the Medieval Modes described above.
• Write your composition, with 3 layers of chant: main melody, drone and counter-melody.
• Should end and start on the same note, and should use a flowing rhythmic style.
• Use voices or organ in your orchestration.
• Total composition should be at least 16 bars long.

Choice 2: Renaissance Madrigal
First: read this brief article about Renaissance Madrigals (scroll down to the section on Madrigals). Visit Youtube and listen to a few examples.

• Pick a major key you'd like to work in.
• Write your composition, with at least 4 layers of melody.
• Should end and start on the same note, and should have a playful, dance-like musical style.
• Use woodwinds or simple strings in your orchestration.
• Total composition should be at least 16 bars long.

Choice 3: Baroque Fugue
First: watch this video on the construction of a Fugue. If you need more resources you can also read this article about Fugues.

• Pick a major or minor key.
• Write your composition, with 4 layers.
• Should end and start on the same note, and use some degree of imitation in the polyphony.
• Use voices, strings or organ in your orchestration.
• Total composition should be at least 16 bars long.

Your goal is not to create a piece that is theoretically accurate, but one that is musically accurate to the styles of each era.

No matter which option you pick, it should be ready to share with the class for Thursday, May 14.