A mild revisit after some time to clear the ears to A and B this week. As I mentioned a few days ago, still undecided. In a twisted way, B holds my interest because…well…its twisted. Doesn’t start that way, but the middle becomes so…which adds 1) something grossly unique 2) more [...]

Continue reading " Composing Status Update #30 "

The layers of sketching, a sudden thought.
Sketching should be focused on pitch and rhythmic elements, on spans of structure and the like. What to bring out of the matrix of materials. Its a more abstract process.
Composition should apply these findings and add in dynamics, orchestration, tempi and other surface elements that the listener [...]

Continue reading " Sketching the Surfaces "

A or B? Back to listening after a hiatus and putting some distance between writing and decision making.
A is more positional. The changes are more solidified and it sounds more complete and mature.
B is more dynamic. The changes are more apparent in your face, and it sounds more fragmented and distorted. [...]

Continue reading " A | B ? "

Time waits for no man and neither does march or april.
Working on my corporate taxes. Doesn’t take long to do. My little s-corp is dormant. I should really close it, but I need an ego boost once a year when I do it. NO LOSSES!
Personal taxes aren’t so easy. Just [...]

Continue reading " Taxman Commeth "

Yesterday, I acted as an impresario and financed a 5 minute round robin blitz quad chess tourney at the local coffee shop. So we had 4 takers, with one standby:
Winners:
1st Place – R, a gardener (4) $10
2nd Place – X, a subway train operator (3) $5
3rd Place – W, a retired lawyer (3) $3
4th [...]

Continue reading " ComposerBastard Tournament "

More indecision…more listening. A and B versions sound good in different ways. Both have potential splashes of harmonies that sound unique in the context of the counterpoint. Both have surprizes that are similar and also contrasting. So, its difficult to say which one is better suited for the needs of the [...]

Continue reading " Composing Status Update #29 "

Taking a break today by posting some links to chess related sites I visit regularly:
Whole Sale Chess – great place to purchase chess materials cheap
House of Staunton – great place to purchase chess sets of quality
Freechess.org – play online for free using web or interface
Internet Chess Club (ICC) – play online but it will cost [...]

Continue reading " Chess Sites "

Listening for the ideal…these two permutations. Still unsettled and undecided. The demand for energy is exhausting – 12 minutes each. The final movement will be a few minutes longer when I add in the caps. So, I can only do it for a short time in the evening…this evaluation. And [...]

Continue reading " Re-listen "