Nightscape - Dementia Study

[Nightscape]

This is an improvisation that depicts a descent into dementia.  It begins with a cloying theme and ends with meandering ramblings in the bass.

[ted]

Very good ! I found it enjoyable - and very clearly recorded too. My only caution is that a programme is as limiting for the listener as it is liberating or explanatory. While from your point of view thinking about dementia may well have given rise to the piece, I preferred to forget the programme and make my own abstract associations, which act I do with all music these days anyhow. The underlying theme, that is to say a form which gradually changes from one state to another continuously, rather than by discrete jumps, is a good idea and I shall try it myself.

[Derek]

This is really cool. I'm listening to it now. The main theme is lovely.
Hey, thats a digital piano you're playing on isn't it? How do you like digital pianos? I don't much like playing on them, but I suppose if I were living on my own in an apartment or dorm it would be neccessary. My piano teacher however feels very strongly I should never practice on a digital piano because of issues with the action being completely different from grand pianos and so forth.

Something just occurred to me. You know I think one can hear sincerity in music? This may sound silly, but I believe I can tell whether someone has a genuine, internal drive to create their own music, just by listening to their music.

[Nightscape]

Alright Ted, you've convinced me!  Next time I put up an improv, I won't give any programme..... the listener shall decide!

Derek, yes, it is in fact a digital piano.  I've found I can record better quality recordings using my digital than my grand, although one does pay a price in terms of piano tone color.  But for improvisations, its a good deal.  The action on my digital is actually very similar feeling to a grand, not quite the same, but the keys are certainly wieghted.  However, I really only use it for composition work and to practice late at night when my parents are asleep.

Thanks for the great comments!

[chopinisque]

That's hardly a programme.  I would call it a short description.  It's really good though... sounds really hard as well...