Forum Replies Created
-
Posts
-
Tacye, can you tell me more about what’s wrong with Schoenberg’s writing in P&M? In the first few pages can see quite a few contrary motion five note arpeggio figures which are presumably not fun, and a few 11 note chords, which are outright impossible. How do you deal with those?
But otherwise it looks relatively idiomatic – glissandos, arpeggios, etc… What is it that makes this bad harp writing?
Thanks for the book titles Andy, will have a look in the uni library. No UK shops seem to stock them.
Carl, you’re being a little bit trollish… I’m here to talk to and work with performers. I’m a woodwind player and pianist, so I’ve come here looking for help on the harp. Admittedly, I’m writing music that is esoteric and probably wouldn’t be most people’s cup of tea, but then neither is Wagner. I’m only a student. I don’t expect this work to get a huge amount of air time, but I have to start somewhere, and a handful of performances would be an amazing thing.
By the by, I’ve got a harp lesson booked for later in the week. Can’t say I’m not trying!
Thanks again for all the words of encouragement everyone.
Thanks so much guys, some really helpful suggestions. I particularly like the grid idea Tacye – will give that a go straight away.
In the long run, I’d love to get a lesson or two on harp (and all the dozens of other instruments I don’t play), but I’ve got a deadline looming, so there’s some pressure (plus a 3 month old baby, so it’s crazy days!). I live a long way from uni, and it’s the summer break, otherwise I’d definitely look there for a collaborator.
A kindly student harpist has replied in a pm, and already offering some great suggestions, so I’ve got someone to work with. If I get something I’m happy to have publicly scrutinized at the end of it, I’ll be sure to post it here!
Thanks again guys, and any more practical hints like the grid idea would be gratefully received!
