In Bach’s pre-Enlightenment time, understanding how and why he composed his music might lead contemporary composers to new and exciting areas. Learn more.
Tag: composition
Improve your composition, arranging, and writing with this collection of Soundfly articles full of tips and resources on music composition. For more help, check out Soundfly’s course, Introduction to the Composer’s Craft.
What the “Tristan Chord” Is and How to Use It
An in-depth exploration of one of the most storied chords in opera, what makes it so influential, and how to use it yourself in your compositions.
“Woven” Medieval Welsh and Celtic Chord Patterns Look a Lot Like Binary Code!
These historic patterns made up the basis for medieval lyrical songform. How do these strange numeric codes work to convey harmonic information?
Why Are There No Saxophones in Orchestras?
A quick historical deep dive on the journey of the saxophone from French military pride to jazz band spotlight, but never the symphonic orchestra.
Talking Points: Igor Stravinsky on How New Problems Require New Approaches
In this edition of “Talking Points,” influencial composer Igor Stravinsky shares his thoughts on composition, creativity, craftsmanship, and other topics.
What We Learned from ‘Composers or Types of Pasta’
Thanks to a hilarious internet quiz, we’ve discovered works from 8 spectacular Italian composers that we definitely thought were types of pasta.
Reflections on Nico Muhly’s Composing Process
How does composer Nico Muhly stay organized while juggling travel, commission deadlines, meetings, collaborations, and his own creativity?
An Introduction to Zappa’s ‘Black Page #2’: Modality, Polyrhythms, and Intervals
We explore the fundamental rhythmic, harmonic, and melodic concepts at play in one of Frank Zappa’s most lauded compositions.
Why Do We Like Sad Music So Much? On ‘Life and Death’ From ‘Lost’
Let’s look at how music can make a song sound sad even when there are no lyrics — and why we like that so much.
Talking Points: Caterina Barbieri Explains Her Psychoacoustic Approach to Music
In this edition of “Talking Points,” Berlin-based electronic artist Caterina Barbieri explains her psychoacoustic approach to making machine music.