Where’s the hope?

Intention

I set out to create the journey of looking for hope. I chose the piano with an andante tempo in the key of C major as it was the key I was most comfortable in. I also chose compound time to mimic the lilting and comforting feeling lullabies have. 

Process:

Before I started the improvisation, I experimented with different melodies until the three note melodic motif evolved as a theme. My plan for the improvisation itself was to apply what I had learnt from music analysis (MLI, set works, Section B) in order to develop themes and create contrast. 

Once I pressed record, I was super nervous to begin with but in the end, I was proud for using a number of musical devices, such as timbral variation, (different octave registers), using sustained (tranquil) and later, broken arpeggiac chords (forward momentum) on C,Am,F and G. I developed the harmonies by adding major 7ths to all the chords to increase sense of doubt. I also used a ritardando and a fermata for dramatic pause (and to give myself time to think about the next section!). 

I decided to create negative mood contrast by modulating to Aminor and inverting the theme. It starts off in a somber tone in piano, which crescendos to forte to express built up anger and hatred. Emotionally, I then returned to the opening in Cmajor with extended melodic phrasing and melodic augmentation, which then had a tonic, happy ending.

Outcome:

I learned the importance of working with what you have in the current situation, and not striving to achieve perfection. I learned that it was easy to improvise if you use the tools available to you for musical development. I am extremely surprised by the process.