Method of composition
Author: Agnese Laguzzi
There is an usual mode of creating any composition, it can be philosophical or fashionable, creation or copy. The creator should work in the combination of the variables that he/she considers important. A simple method can be applied and intended for common use, for the creation of reasonable and meaningful compositions of any kind.
It would be very interesting to understand the processes used by architects such as Rem Koolhaas, Jean Nouvel or Lebbeus Woods, or musicians like Thom Yorke, Bach and Angelo Badalamenti for example, normally justified by a specie of sublime intuition and work.
For the invention of works, projects, designs, or any kind of creation, a simple process can be used, lets use as example the architectural project and the musical composition:
-First of all it is important to understand the scale of the project, or extension of the musical piece, it is the first consideration as it will define the base for further steps. An extremely long song will not achieve the response desired.
-Second element would be the intention of the work, that means the impression or final effect desired. To impress, annoy or none of them.
-Once defined the intention, the next step is the selection of the tone, or atmosphere that will achieve it, in this case we can mention as example the Louvre of Abu Dhabi, Ronchamp or the Roman Coliseum. Darkness, humidity, open visuals, materials, speed, development and end of the experience.
-Definition of an element, tone, material to be used and repeated, it will be the main unit and all the rest will be developed avoiding any case of disruption.
-Character of this element, position in relation with the main structure and background.
-Division of the composition in stanzas, the chain of modules. Those will be selected in order to reinforce the main element, can be superimposed, cut, or mixed. Materials, spaces, openings, notes, rhythm, dynamics.
-Determination of rhythm, meter, length and general arrangements.
-Variation of application of ideas, materials, forms, tempo, timbres, harmony.
In the examples presented, the architectural model and the musical composition where created following the steps mentioned, sharing the same structure, rigidly applied. Of course, the end and beginning of the works of art are totally a process of endless human selection and re-elaboration.
