Don Robertson's Documents

  • 18 p.

    Don Robertson - Ravel's Use of Motives and Form

    "Feria" is the forth movement of Ravel's "Rapsodie Espagnole." Maurice Ravel first wrote this 2-piano version, then he orchestrated it. In this piece, in ABA form, Ravel very cleverly uses motive-development for the A sections, while the B section, in three parts, contrasts with the A sections by its presentation of complete melodies backed with accompaniment. I have marked the score using color coding to present each of the motives that Ravel is developing. In the teaching of music composition to students, the best way to learn is to study the masters. Unlike other arts, the master composers have left us with scores that we can use to understand their techniques. By studying this 2-piano version of this 1907-08 orchestral masterwork, we can best concentrate on the music itself, as separate from the final orchestrated version. In my eyes, Ravel clearly wrote this music with the orchestra in mind from the beginning. There is a great difference between this orchestral blockbuster, and the introspective piano music that he was also writing during this time period.

    Category:(not categorized)Reads:952Uploaded:09 / 09 / 2009Add to collection
  • 37 p.

    Don Robertson's Musical Composition Studies: Introduction to the Sonata-Allegro Form

    Introduction to the Sonata-Allegro Form - One of the most important compositional forms in classical music, by Don Robertson: www.DonRobertsonMusic.com Hello, I am American composer Don Robertson and this is my introduction to the Sonata-Allegro Form. A very basic understanding of the principals of this form that has been used for centuries in classical music will help listeners better grasp the symphonies and chamber music of the great composers. Students of musical composition will benefit greatly by gaining a deeper understanding of musical form, and this understanding will help unfold the techniques that the great masters of musical composition have used in the creation of their music. The key to understanding this very important classical music form is to see and hear it in action using an annotated score. I have chosen the first movement of Prokofieff's Classical Symphony because it is short and unchallenging. When I analyse musical compositions, I use color coding and description applied directly to the score. Don Robertson, Nashville TN, May 22, 2009 - www.DonRobersonMusic.com

    Category:How-To Guides/ManualsReads:1,436Uploaded:05 / 22 / 2009Add to collection
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