'Symmetry' is my attempt at interpreting the theme “What connects us” while also an opportunity for me to improve as as composer.
In the DP Music HL course I am completing we are required to submit 3 compositions. Whereas I feel that in my second composition was “uncommitted” and messy, this third composition focuses on two contrasting ideas and develops them with contrasting tones, ideas, and intended effects.
The tile of this song alludes to the chaos, the contrast of the two musical ideas and how they were able to achieve balance in the last section of the song. “What connects us” is a theme that is open to a lot of interpretation and this piece for me, symbolizes how contrasting or different ideas can connect and achieve symmetry.
My first intention with this piece was to create a “jazzy” instrumental incorporated with a more “punchy” tone the rock genre is known for, however this changed once I discovered the piece “This is America” by Childish Gambino who uses contrasting melodic ideas to create a binary like structure. I then proceeded to apply this technique into my piece and steer my ideas unto the “rap” genre, albeit with “jazzy” and “punchy” elements from my original idea.
In terms of technology, I have used Reason and Protools. Reason was used for the creative process of the song as the various range of instruments better helped create the sounds I was trying to achieve. Easy manipulation and a good interface are features of Reason I thoroughly enjoy. Once I finished the foundation of the track, I realized that “impact” was lacking and with this in mind, I attempted at using “found objects” to incorporate the level of impact I envisioned. I spent more time exploring Protools and its features and discovered various ways I could incorporate “found objects” and I decided to use the piece’s dark and gritty tone to feature an array of guns as my found object.
Listening to the track now, I can see how much I have developed as a composer and musician. This track seems to have a much focused and concise idea however it is quite simple and the piece lacked the complexity I originally strived for. Nonetheless I enjoyed the creating process and the result as a whole.