Composition in music has its own foundations, theoretical aspects and technique. Theory is a tool for elegant and competent presentation of musical material. Technique is the ability to correctly express your ideas in musical notation.
Mandatory components
Composition in music presupposes the presence of the most important accompanying elements, without which the integrity of this system is impossible. This list includes:
- Author (composer) and his creative work.
- His work, living without dependence on himself.
- Implementing content in a specific sound scheme.
- The complex mechanism of technical devices combined by the theory of music.
Each type of art has a specific range of techniques. Their assimilation is a mandatory aspect for creative activity. Music is extremely labor intensive. For this reason, the composer needs technical equipment.
About the creative method
According to D. Kabalevsky, composer activity is more based on technology than on creativity. And the proportion of the first aspect here is 90%, of the second - 10%. That is, the composer must know the required techniques and skillfully implement them.
Each author has his own way of creating music. It is characterized by the concept of “creative method”.
Many classics who wrote works for orchestras had an outstanding internal timbre ear. They pre-imagined the real sound of their creation.
For example, V.A. Mozart perfected the score to such a level that it only remained to make musical notes.
Thus, composition in music is also a doctrine of the connection of expressive techniques in a compositional system. Here the organizing principle of the creative space is present - this is a form-scheme. It is a facet of musical unity associated with the order of the chronological development of the work.
The composer creates and improves his creation, using internal views on the true sound. He can make notes in a workbook or on a computer. Piano is usually used to select a melody.
Classical Stage
The initial stage is the creation of a general plan. It distinguishes the following algorithm:
- Solving the issue with the musical genre. Clarification of the plot.
- Creating a form chart.
- Choosing a creative technique.
At the third stage, a figurative melody is composed. This can occur on the basis of prefabricated or using smooth build-up. This image must match:
- harmony;
- texture;
- additional voices with polyphonic development.
A piece of music should be accessible to perception. When listening to it, a person focuses on key points and at the same time rests aesthetically.
Key Features
Composition in music is a unity characterized by stability. Here, constant temporary fluidity is overcome, the equally realized uniqueness of key musical components is formed: tempo, rhythm, pitch, etc.
Due to stability, musical sound is equally reproduced through any periods after its creation.
Also, the composition is always calculated on the level of performers.
Non-classical composition
To create compositions for music, you need certain abilities and musical literacy.
One way or another, you need to follow the principles of melody formation:
- Equilibrium. The line should not be overloaded. The rhythm and intonation system complement each other. And the use of jumps at large intervals, the waste of modulation and other similar factors only make the work very difficult to perceive. You can do a simpler rhythm with a sophisticated system and vice versa.
- Melodic wave. The principle is based on the fact that the movement goes up and down alternately.
- The unity of intonation. The music theme may have leading intervals. A vivid example is the second intonation in Mozart’s work “Requiem”.
Whatever type of composition is used in music, the work can be favorably diversified by finding the melody in different registers. For example, it can develop from bass lines, reach the second or third octave and again return to the bottom.
Criteria for creating an expressive melody
If you want to create a beautiful and memorable composition, follow these mandatory points:
- Representation of an artistic image for embodiment in a work. Proceed from your tasks. For example, your creation will be only instrumental or include a vocal line in it. Solve the issue with his character. Thanks to this, decide on the means of expression.
- Improvisation. It means as much play and listening as possible. This determines the optimal melodic line. Finding interesting options requires some patience.
- If item 2 is difficult to master, compose a melody that is similar in emotional terms. It can be recorded in a music notebook, on a computer or on a voice recorder.
- The change. Work with the specific theme of your creation. Change one or more notes, measure or key into it. Learn the pros and cons of the results.
- Analysis of other works. Listen to your favorite songs. Highlight used expressive techniques in them. Match them with your work. So you better understand your shortcomings (if any).
Historical reports
Since ancient eras, the idea of compositional integrity has been associated with a textual basis. The dance-metric system was considered another foundation.
As music evolved, composition theory varied too. In the 11th century, Givdo Aretinsky released his Microrologist. In it, under the term composition, he led the masterful creation of the chorale.
Two centuries later, another specialist, John de Groqueyo, in his work On Music, interpreted this definition as a complex composite work.
In the 15th century, John Tinktoris wrote The Book of the Art of Counterpoint. In it, he clearly distinguished between two foundations: notated and improvised.
In the period from the end of the 15th to the beginning of the 16th century, knowledge of counterpoint developed until the definition of "The Art of Composition."
In the 16th – 17th centuries, applied musical theory began to develop.
In the next two centuries, a unified theory of harmony, the use of instruments, musical form and the principles of polyphony was formed. Artistic autonomy developed. The basics of composition in music began to be recognized:
- Key.
- Modulations.
- Motives.
- Themes.
- Contrasts of song scheme and binding solutions.
At the same time, theorists focused mainly on the sonata cycle in the classical interpretation.
Due to the fact that during the Renaissance, the concept of personal freedom of a creative person was actively developing, the status of the composer also changed. In the XIV century, the norm was introduced - to indicate the authors of musical works.
Twentieth Century
He did not stand out with more than one unified doctrine of composition. And previous musical historical epochs were distinguished by its common basis. It met the main condition - the unity of the major-minor structure.
Due to its disintegration and global cataclysms of the past century, artistic perception has also changed significantly.
A single style has sunk into oblivion. The time has come for numerous styles. The compositional techniques in music were also individualized.
Formed her new variations:
- Dodecafonia. The basis of the work here is a combination of twelve heights that should not be repeated.
- Sonorica A complex of multiple sounds is used. Bright groups are built from it that control the action of musical tissue.
- Electroacoustics. To create this music uses special technology. Their complex application forms a mixed compositional technique.