![]() A second iteration of it can be seen starting an octave higher in m. The melody of life first appears in measures 3-11, shown here along with the principal harmonies. In retrospect, however, the structure of the melody that came out of that process can be readily described in theoretical terms. But on a conscious level, I was no longer thinking about theoretical rules, but instead searching for the melody notes and harmonies that would express the intended feeling. Of course, my subconscious was influenced by almost sixty years of music studies, including intensive training in theory. So I was not thinking consciously about music theory as I composed the melody, but was mostly guided by my subconscious. ![]() ![]() I thought of it as the melody of life, and in fact I would later subtitle the completed work “Passionate Melody of Life.” After a couple of days I began to translate that emotion into a melody, beginning with a phrase or two in my head, which I then sat down at the keyboard to develop into a whole. So the piece began with my feeling about life, a feeling of solemn awe and wonder. 2 for Piano, and I wanted it to capture the infinite beauty of life, in the hope that this music might help to inspire in its two honorees the passionate commitment to life that their battle required. (The story behind this work is recounted in detail in a two-part series beginning here.) That piece would become my Nocturne No. In May 2017 I was commissioned to write a piano piece to honor two ladies who were struggling against cancer. Melody is central to my music, and typically I begin a new composition by defining its principal melody. My composing involves a blend of musical intuition and analytical judgment.
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