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Guidelines for composing
Form and planning models
Whether the composition is for Music 2 Extension, Music 2 Core, Music 2 Elective, or Music 1 Elective, it is important to create a clear, coherent sequence of events. This is achieved by having a clear form plan. A typical form is an adaptation of ternary form (A B A): Intro A B A1 Coda where A is established as the opening idea through elaboration and consolidation. This can be through the use of motivic development and reiteration of rhythmic cells to create a particular mood, or develop momentum. B represents a contrast achieved by a shift in motivic content, a contrast in mood, direction or register. The return of A1 is not a simple da capo return but is a reworking of the A idea whereby it has undergone some treatment in order to bring about a variant/transformation as part of the overall direction of the piece. This may also involve drawing aspects of both A and B together in a synthesis using either motivic or rhythmic elements or layering fragments of A and/or B.
Other form models include:
A B A/B Coda
The introduction of a third idea (C) to work with a symmetry of form -
A B C B A1
A B A1 A/B Coda
The Music 2 Core Composition has a time limit of two minutes so it is necessary to apportion durational spans within the form plan. This is shown in the following example. The durations of the subsections are suggestions only and may be treated flexibly.
Plan Intro A B A/B Coda
Time 10’’ 36’’ 24’’ 30’’ 10’’ = 116 seconds or 1minute and 56 seconds which is just under the 2 minute limit.
It is important not to exceed the two minute time limit to avoid being penalised.
For Music 1 Elective Composition there is a four minute time limit
For Music 2 Elective Composition the limit is three minutes.
Music Extension Composition has a requirement of two compositions totalling up to six minutes.
Task 10
Devise a form plan with approximate durations within the relevant time limit that will form the basis of your first draft. Try to relate this to your underlying compositional idea and to the materials you have been working with in Phase 1- Pre-composition.
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