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Short and Simple Piano Sketch

Discussion in 'Critique & Feedback' started by Mark Wayne, Oct 7, 2020.

  1. #1 Mark Wayne, Oct 7, 2020
    Hi everyone!

    I wrote a very short and simple piece that should be playable on two-handed piano. I don't have an actual piano to work with, but I was able to play this entire thing on my MIDI controller, so I can at least say with confidence that this is a playable tune.

    In my past posts here I've focused too much on my own idiosyncratic video game synth-inspired sound palette rather than things like chord progressions and modulations. So for this post I've decided to keep it simple - just piano, nothing else. I do plan to add other accompaniments (including drums), but this is the "skeleton" of the piece.

    One thing that comes to mind is the part for the left hand - I wonder if it's too simple/boring. I'm open to varying it more, but it will need to be in a way that doesn't clash with the melody.

     
  2. #2 Cody Ortz, Oct 16, 2020
    Nice, man! Right off the top, it's a very nice AABA kind of tune. I think it would sound really nice on an 8-bit chipset--definitely sounds like some background for an RPG level on Nintendo.

    I think the left hand is alright how it is--maybe add a little variation, but just plodding along lets it drift into the background. And that is the overall effect of this piece to me: it just sort of drifts into the background. There's not really much there to hold my attention--which is great if that's what you want! If you want it to hold attention and come to the forefront (to be more of a main theme), I think there needs to be more variation of the parts, especially in the B section. This B section changes harmonically, and the contour of the melody moves in the opposite direction, but otherwise, it's basically the same as the A section.

    Again, if this is supposed to be some background tune that is just there to set a vibe, I think you did well on it. If you want it to be more substantial to stand on its own, I agree--I think you need more variation.
     
  3. #3 Mark Wayne, Oct 16, 2020
    Thank you for the feedback, Cody!

    Yeah, this is definitely more of a calm background tune that would be intended to set a vibe if it were implemented in a game. The way I see it, it's meant to evoke a feeling of being in your hometown before setting off on an adventure - basically a sense of optimism with a hint of uncertainty (reflected in the B section). I have other tunes that are meant to be more epic or foreboding, but you're right that this one is more of something to set a vibe that isn't too distracting.
     
  4. #4 Cody Ortz, Oct 16, 2020
    I think it hits that mark pretty well then!
     
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