Composition task

Choosing your own words, compose a song in lieder style combining the music and the words. Choose your words wisely. This type of composition is called an art song. Before you begin, make sure you have plenty of time to prepare thoroughly. Here are some points worth considering:

How many verses?
  • 3 verses would give you the opportunity to create an ABA structure, but it isn’t essential.
  • Make sure however that you are able to replay the Section A music for verse 3.
  • If you don’t feel that the words suit the music, how would you change the music slightly to amend? How would you do so in a minor key if the words end sadly?
Key Consider the meaning of the words in detail. Choose a suitable key – major or minor, diatonic or chromatic. What is the effect of the chromatic key? What impression is given the diatonic key? Why not try transposing in the middle section? Will your choice of key suit the voice range?
Rhythm / Tempo The rhythm and tempo are essential elements as regards creating the correct atmosphere. Notes jumping all over the place would certainly not suit a quiet poem and vice versa.
Style Creating some sort of motive is important for use as variations throughout the sections. Notice how Schumann manages to create unity by using one motif from bar 1 in the accompaniment. Notice how the swell in the motif coincides with the passion found in the words.
Back to C4