December 4, 2006, Improvisation "Pastorale"

[Derek]

Here's an improv I recorded almost a month ago. Enjoy!

The improv is divided into two sections: The first section features heavy use of the una corda pedal giving it a very soft color. I use a lot of pentatonics and Ravel like harmonies also.  The second half is very creepy and modern. I think perhaps several of my friends might find that second half interesting!

[skyhawk]

Nice runs at the first, they really go well into the more structured sections afterward. The stuff around between 1:30 and 3:00 remind me of Debussy. Even so after that with the left hand runs with the right hand melody.

Nice atmosphere around 5:00.

Interesting change of mood around 5:58. More subtle and reflecting in form. It sounds like it's always trying to build up to something but then pulls back to make people guess. Also, the mysterious atmosphere around 7:45... really good sense of questioning.

8:40: Cool build up over and over until 9:03's accel, where it sounds more and more like Debussy, lovely.



The more atmospheric section has great runs with interesting chord usage. Almost reminds me of Griffes at some times... though this is more darker and surreal. (Dream like)


13:20: Real good aggression here. The low notes added on to the sinking feeling. Around 14:00, it had a surprising jazz like feel. !4:45, it's more Chopin. Surprising resolution at 16:30.  It's more of a sad kind of theme than mysterious at 17:00.
Interesting atmosphere around 19:00, it gave off this almost Russian winter like feeling. Also, the ending sound like Debussy again to me. (Not a bad thing.)





Good stuff, lots of different things here and there. (Everywhere.) Can't wait for more. 

[pianowolfi]

Thank you for sharing this. I am actually a fan of the una corda pedal and yours seem to have a very unique color even. Okay for some of the structures in the first part the piece would benefit from a little bit more spare use of the right pedal I noticed this in some of my pieces too btw Yeah it has obviously an impressionistic character. And many different elements. Though i admit that to me it is too long and therefore these many different elements are a bit drowning in the whole thing. They might be brought to bear better if it was shorter I think.

The second part is very comprehensive. Good job! You seem to have a broad repertoire of patterns and formulas which you can access. Nice waltz elements!

[Derek]

Hey thanks for the comments, friends!  Yeah, I'm aware I am a bit heavy on the sustain pedal. I think in that one I kinda wanted it to seem washed out, kinda like Monet only with music. haha.  As for too long...I'm trying to work on the ability to do shorter pieces, but my most "me" style seems to come out best when I kinda lose myself in a really long "adventurous" session of improv.  I guess it might be easier for others to listen to my stuff if it consisted mainly of shorter pieces...I'll keep that in mind!

[pianowolfi]

Well principally I think you can make up long pieces. It depends a bit of how you develop the material. And how you set contrasts. So the beautiful main themes don't disappear between loads of other things that compete with them.

[Derek]

Good food for thought, Pianowolfi!  I can see what you mean...I should take some of these themes that occur to me and spin them out longer than I usually do.  Maybe I'll try that. Thanks!