And I really miss that period of time. I guess the main reason I don't compose much anymore is because I don't have quiet alone time as much anymore. Plus, I guess it just hasn't been much of a priority in my mind. I'm too busy doing things like recording or research for work purposes. Or I'm practicing. Or, of course, being a dad.
But my outlook on composing is going to change. In fact, it changed a couple days ago, when I began work on my very first Horn Concerto. In case you haven't heard, the Saratoga Orchestra of Whidbey Island wants to feature me next season and have me write the feature piece. I view this as the biggest opportunity thus far in my career. So I want to make this concerto really, really good. I want other horn players to hear this piece and fall in love with it, and hope to play it themselves. I want to basically get famous with this piece!
Hehe, of course, I can't expect that stuff. I'm sort of just dreaming, y'know? Realistically, getting famous with a horn concerto isn't really something to get one's hopes up with, especially if they are a world-known reputable composer. No, my plan for this piece is quite simple: to write something that my audience will really enjoy. I want to create an experience that really moves the audience. And I want this music to really move me. I want to think carefully about every note I write. In the past, I feel like most of my works have been "rushed" and forced, with some passages in my works being a little questionable to me. I mean, all of my published works I still like I lot and I will stand by them. But still, I simply want to start composing more patiently and...better.
And I'm glad I got started now. The piece needs to be finished by mid-August, and I was planning on starting composition this summer because of all the other stuff I have going on. But ideas were coming to be earlier than expected, so I just had to get started.
And speaking of those ideas: So far, the plan is to write a 3-movement horn concerto, probably between 15-18 minutes long. The only real definite plan I have now for anything is the 2nd movement, which is where I have begun composition. I also have a good idea of how I want to end the 1st movement, surprisingly...but I have no idea how to begin it or what will encompass the body of it...haha. The third movement is going to be faster and probably in 6/8. But this 2nd movement, oh man...it's a very lush slow movement that is coming along very nicely. I can't want to get it completed! I think it will be the best of the 3.
So don't worry, I'll keep you updated on this piece. I'll be too excited not to as I compose it more.
Take care and value music.