DM60
Well-known member
I would like to learn what others know on this subject. But I was thinking about the process of composing when Mozart and others were composing and giging.
Need a sponsor.
You compose your music most likely on the piano, but when you write it, you have to rely often on your memory how it sounds.
Make hand copies for the musicians (hired out). I am sure that process was very involved.
My first thought was the orchestra. Local, sponsored by the local rich people, or king. That would be the band you hire when you come to town.
Told the head of the orchestra how many of each section you wanted. (This is pure speculation), they would give you the top chairs of that group (if you were important and they were available).
Rehearse the piece, making edits. Getting the band to understand what your trying to present.
Opening night, you present, if word of mouth is good, you have a good run. Maybe go to other cities.
I am just hitting the highlights.
I was thinking this as I was going through and starting to compose, spending hours on sound selection for each part (synth sounds). How tedious it is and then thought about the old masters and what they had to go through to get their music out there. Most of the time people only heard the piece once, rich people more often. But you had to hit your mark rather quickly, repeat a melody so they "knew" the song quickly (one couldn't be too abstract), build off of it and then expand.
I am using this as my inspiration for my next album. I am even going back and "borrowing" (not sure why people want to call it stealing today) ideas that have been used over the last 3-400 years. Lots of great ideas.
Ennio Morricone, as I posted in the other thread, really takes the idea to the next level. Like the theme from Once Upon a Time In The West. That simple harmonica tune, he abuses that little melody until you are forced to remember it. Pure gold. People who score for films in general have much to teach. How do I compose, can't steal the scene, I need to improve it and still be good, and if I can, be great.
Lots to ponder in my old age, even more to do. I just hope I can get it done before I am forced to check out
Need a sponsor.
You compose your music most likely on the piano, but when you write it, you have to rely often on your memory how it sounds.
Make hand copies for the musicians (hired out). I am sure that process was very involved.
My first thought was the orchestra. Local, sponsored by the local rich people, or king. That would be the band you hire when you come to town.
Told the head of the orchestra how many of each section you wanted. (This is pure speculation), they would give you the top chairs of that group (if you were important and they were available).
Rehearse the piece, making edits. Getting the band to understand what your trying to present.
Opening night, you present, if word of mouth is good, you have a good run. Maybe go to other cities.
I am just hitting the highlights.
I was thinking this as I was going through and starting to compose, spending hours on sound selection for each part (synth sounds). How tedious it is and then thought about the old masters and what they had to go through to get their music out there. Most of the time people only heard the piece once, rich people more often. But you had to hit your mark rather quickly, repeat a melody so they "knew" the song quickly (one couldn't be too abstract), build off of it and then expand.
I am using this as my inspiration for my next album. I am even going back and "borrowing" (not sure why people want to call it stealing today) ideas that have been used over the last 3-400 years. Lots of great ideas.
Ennio Morricone, as I posted in the other thread, really takes the idea to the next level. Like the theme from Once Upon a Time In The West. That simple harmonica tune, he abuses that little melody until you are forced to remember it. Pure gold. People who score for films in general have much to teach. How do I compose, can't steal the scene, I need to improve it and still be good, and if I can, be great.
Lots to ponder in my old age, even more to do. I just hope I can get it done before I am forced to check out