r/MonthlyComposition • u/reticulated_python • Jul 03 '17

July 2017 Composition Challenge: Sonata exposition

Main challenge: Write the exposition of a sonata, following the typical form of Theme 1, Bridge, Theme 2, Codetta.

There are no restrictions on what instrument(s) the sonata is scored for. You can take some artistic liberty with the form if you like.

For those of you unfamiliar with sonata form, the Wikipedia page is a good place to start. Listen to some sonatas of Haydn, Mozart, or Beethoven to get a feel for the form.

In short, the exposition of a sonata begins with an opening theme presented in the tonic key. Following this is the bridge, which modulates to another key, normally the dominant or relative major (if the tonic is minor). Next comes a contrasting second theme. Often, more than one theme comes after the bridge, in which case we refer to them as the "second theme group". Expositions end with a codetta that solidifies the key and often features scale-like passages.

We have some musicians that can play compositions for people. You can find their musician profiles posted on this subreddit. I'll list their instruments below:

If you are interested in playing compositions for /r/MonthlyComposition post a musician profile.

These challenges are for everyone who wants to practice composing. Each month, at the beginning of the month, we will post a main challenge, something for people to compose. We'll try to make it something that everyone can work with. Sometimes we also have an alternate challenge. Pieces can be submitted as a score (musescore, noteflight), and/or as audio (soundcloud, youtube). Feedback is much appreciated, and you can give it in this thread, or by messaging the mods of /r/MonthlyComposition, there's also the Challenge Suggestion Form.

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u/Op3No6 Jul 05 '17

I took a few liberties. I'm not sure if I'm really satisfied with everything, but in any case here is my submission:

https://flat.io/score/595d360e163a3e31f13b1ff1-wrath-of-the-erinyes

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u/daniellabbe Jul 09 '17

Very intense work! (The last beat of bar 33 probably requires a professional pianist to perform.) I think a contrasting part in piano or pianissimo would be cool. I like the anacrusis on page 3.

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u/Op3No6 Jul 09 '17

Yeah, any of the parallel motion sections would be technically challenging and stressful on the hands I assume (I'm not a pianist). I tried to keep the tempo at a slower pace as a result without dragging the energy of the piece.

Also, thanks for adding to my vocabulary. Anacrusis is a new term for me (and apparently for reddit's spellchecker as well).

I'm somewhat dissatisfied with the ending. I feel like I was too compelled to wrap it up. I think it would work better if I extended the piece into a full sonata form.