Evaluative Commentary

Subsequent of the guidelines of MUS205, a piece of music had to be either composed or arranged and then performed. I composed an aria using Ophelia’s monologue from Shakespeare’s Hamlet- Act 3, scene 1, lines 159-70. To do this I used the software Sibelius and then performed it live to a backing track which I created.

My aim for my composition was to write an aria in an operatic format to suit the style of my voice, a dramatic soprano and explore Shakespeare’s work through song instead of a narrative traditional monologue. Creating the piece for myself was beneficial as I know what style of singing I am best at, and where my voice sits at its best when singing. Using legato lines in my upper register were elements which I wrote as I knew that is an aspect of my voice I produce well. Also adding long high notes to the most important aspects of the lyrics created an expressive intention which mirrors my dramatic voice and gave me elements to specifically express the emotion in my final performance. I believe it’s beneficial to compose a piece of music for yourself to perform because nobody knows your voice better than anyone but you. Even though you derive influences from other artists when performing a well-known piece, this completely allows you to be an individual and shows your unique style.

‘While one should always study the method of a great artist, one should never imitate his manner. The manner of an artist is essentially individual, the method of an artist is absolutely universal. The first is personality, which no one should copy; the second is perfection, which all should aim at’. (Tao (Oscar Wilde, A critic in Pall Mall, p. 195);N.A)

Before this assignment I was adamant that I was a performer and not a composer, so the idea of writing my own piece was a foreign prospect to me but decided to challenge myself anyway. Using the software Sibelius I wrote a score for a soprano voice and piano. An element which I was conscious of throughout the writing process was the idea of foreshadowing the characters fate. As Ophelia ends up going mad and then dies in the play, the use of dissonance in my piece creates an uneasy element this was used to show there is something negative awaiting her. ‘The musical score can only give the audience a sense that something will happen (good or bad) but cannot communicate what that will be, and this is a wonderful way to engage the audience’(Mayrand;2008)

If I were to perform this piece again, I would perform it with a pianist accompanying me instead of a backing track as it would sound better than the automated instruments which was used. I believe it would also be better for me as a composer as I could use more rubato and communicate verbally to the accompanist exactly what I want and my intentions of the piece. I would also like to arrange this piece for a full orchestra as I felt sometimes through the piece the voice sounded unsupported and bare with just the piano.

Bibliography

Alain Mayrand (2008). Getting the Score [online]. Available from: <http://gettingthescore.com/?p=78>. [Accessed 16/01/15].

Terrence Tao (Oscar Wilde, A critic in Pall Mall, p. 195) (N.A). Write in your own voice. N.A. wordpress [online]. [Accessed 16/01/15]. Available from: <https://terrytao.wordpress.com/advice-on-writing-papers/write-in-your-own-voice/>.