24 Preludes for Piano

[tyler_johnson]

I'm working on a project of 24 Improvised Preludes for Piano as an homage to Johann Sebastian Bach and his Well Tempered Klavier book.  I'll be recording one in every key (major/minor).

I've recorded about 9 in the past 24 hours, they're coming along well for the most part, but I'd like to see what you guys think of these two to start.

I am trying to keep them in the 3 minute range, and all in a similar style. George Winston'esque.

Anyway, I look forward to hearing some opinions! 

I haven't posted here in years,but I'll try to be more active now, as I have a more stable life at the moment.

-Tyler

[Derek]

Welcome back tyler! I liked these a lot. Interestingly a lot of my own music of late has been roughly in this style. Great job on these.

[pankrpec]

These two are great, be sure to post the rest when they are finished.

[ted]

I too enjoyed these and look forward to the next twenty-two. You have set yourself a hard task. Achieving twenty-four items of individual character within overall similarity of form doesn't strike me as particularly easy in improvisation. It will be interesting to see which elements form the basis of similarity and which you choose to vary. I am unfamiliar with George Winston but I can hear that the degree of syncopation and general asynchronicity (as contrasted with notational rhythm) adds a dimension not at Bach's disposal, and may make the delineation of individual character somewhat easier.

Keeping in roughly one key for three minutes would be difficult for me so I certainly shan't attempt a set, not one based on key anyway. The only thing I'd be capable of is just taking an arbitrary cell, letting it run in quasi-periodic fashion for three minutes, then stopping and calling it a piece. Derek's probably the man to help you with comments here.

[tyler_johnson]

Thanks for your comments you guys.

Here are A Major and F major.

I have recorded 14 so far, with another 12 in the works  

Ted, I think these are more simpler than they may sound at first listen.

If one were to analyze these and for instance, apply roman numeral analysis, they wouldn't see much more than I, VI, V, I. III, ii, V, I, or in minor; i, VI, iv, V, i, bIIN6, V, i  

It's all formulas, and ingredients to pull from, that's all it is

The hardest part is remembering what I started the piece with rhythmically and melodically, and carrying that out throughout the piece.

In A Major, that rhythm is almost an ostinato, and will for sure annoy the heck out of some people who listen to it I sure drill it in there, but it was only so that I was sure to maintain consistency throughout.

-Tyler

[Derek]

What a refreshing voice to have here at the pianostreet improv forum. While I enjoy the diversity present here, I am a sucker for straightforward things in music---things based on melody and harmony that fill the soul with feelings of flight. Call me a simpleton but that's what I like. I grew up hearing ostinato based music in the form of my dad playing Boogie Woogie, so I didn't find the A major prelude annoying at all. George Winstonesque, maybe, but I find your music far more interesting.

Anyway, I'm really enjoying listening to these, looking forward to the remaining 20.

[tyler_johnson]

Thanks for the critique, Derek. I've got two more here, putting the total number up to 21, with 3 more to go.

I believe I have E minor, Gb major, and B major left to record.

F# Minor was recorded today, and E Major yesterday.

I think F# Minor is the most melodic of the Preludes so far, and may have the best replay value. I don't know, that's how I feel about it anyway...

I hope you guys are enjoying these, I've enjoyed creating these things! 

-Tyler

[Derek]

You really seem to have this awesome sense of majesty and heroism in your music. Something I strongly resonate with. Kudos on that. I love these. I see you've composed for a bunch of video games...I actually have a published game out there, and working on a new one. Want to contribute? Send me a pm..  

The ending to the E major one was surprising and very special, btw.

[evitaevita]

Really liked your work! One of the most beautiful recent posts in this board!

One thing that I realised and appreciated was the fact that in your improvisations you followed a specific style (maybe your personal style).

The melody that I liked most was the one of F sharp Minor Prelude. It was catchy!

Keep on improvising! Upload the other preludes! Wanna listen to more from you!
Even a composition (I mean: not an improvisation).