Composition Project #2

Composition project 2:

Due before class on March 8. Presentations on the project will take place on March 8 and March 10.

Although this is a "free topic" project, i.e. you get to choose your genre, use of musical language (abstract to traditional) or musical function (concert piece, dance piece, film music, ...) and etc., here are some guidelines and ideas for you to proceed. 

Please note that the project needs to have a substantial mixing and editing element to it, so mashup can be a natural choice. Try to take the assignments one step further beyond soundscape, medley or controllerism automation and show a fluent use of techniques taught in class.  

For sources you can use pre-recorded materials like sounds from freesound.org or ccmixter.

Criteria for evaluation of the musical composition are:
1. Complexity of the project (technical execution)
2. Originality (musical idea)
3. Production Quality: do not forget about things like stereo, frequency range, changes in dynamics, continuity in ambience / reverb, phrasing and even silences, ....
4. Sizzle -  reactions you will get from peers in class!

You need to submit a detailed documentation that consist of the following elements:

1. project description that defines the choice of genre, style, function, .... Also provide some motivation or inspirational blurb
2.  a list of materials (types of sounds, instrumentation, use of voice, lyrics, ... if applicable)
3. Technical notes:  your DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) choice and setup. 
4. Compositional notes: Describe the musical form, instrumentation, use of effects and automation.
5. Short (approx. 150 words) program notes that give the title and a general public description of the musical idea (could be derived from project description)
6. Short bio

Final grade will take into consideration both the composition and documentation. 


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Here is are some ideas from previous projects, as a possible inspiration:

A mashup of classical / movie like motives, from Strauss' Zarathustra to opening of Terminator and alike. The idea is to create a dramatic atmosphere of a futuristic story through (re)use of dramatic theme, war-like drumming, fanfares and etc.

Oriental fusion piece - combine authentic oriental music with rock or hip-hop to create a mix of exotic and sensual with more progressive western harmony or rhythm like qualities. (Tribal Techno...)

Music of combat: mashup of combat or shooter game music with more familiar combat songs. See http://www.battlenotes.com/Music_of_Combat.html for a list.

Requiem / Lamentation: create a mashup of different requiems to create a mix of lamenting expression, sorrow, eternity and etc. Check out works such as Mozart Requiem Lacrymosa, Barber Agnus Dei, ... to Britten's War requiem to "Requiem for a Dream" film music. (See for examples Evanecense Lacrymosa).

Love song - a mashup of famous love songs. Such as 
http://www.alwaysmylove.com/lovesongs/index.html

good source for free classical downloads is 
http://www.classicalarchives.com