Score available on www.topherallanmusic.com

Black Swan

Reading Written Thoughts
performed by Leah DeRoin & Chris Jones
Dec 13, 2011 Columbia Music Center
Congos, Snare, 20" Ride Cymbal, Triangle


The concept in alchemical symbolism the circle is a center point of focus. Circles are a prolific feature in esoteric alchemical art and are an emphasis on the featured work within its contoured border. Since the motive is the main feature of Reading Written Thoughts, a “circle” around it will illuminate the focus of it.

Single musical events such as the motive and the focus of the composition, leads with an accented down beat of 1, while slaps, marcatos and rim hits intensify the up beat (and of 1 & 2’s). Other single musical events such as rolls and hits on the cymbal and trills and hits on the triangle were used to create atmosphere within a section. This was done by alternating the measure count between 3 & 4 for each roll or hit (only hits on triangle) and using the cymbal to expand the rhythmic idea further by scrapes and bell hits. The triangle was used to make section separation clear as well.

There are 3 sub phrases 4 bars long that use repetition and contrast of the motive and a cadence to create 8 bar phrases.
A) 2+2, Half Cadence
A1) 2+1+1, PAC
A2) 2+2, Half Cadence

The piece is of Sonata form and is built directly from the motives/sub phrases that are combined and worked out in different ways, presenting a symmetrical or arch-like underpinning and a progressive development from beginning to end. The three sub phrases undergo augmentation, diminution and truncation throughout each section

Exposition -> Transition -> Development -> Re-transition -> Recapitalization

The are 7 sections marked as A-B-C-D-E-F-A1
A - is the exposition of the rhythmic concept with the bongos & snare
B - the first phrase augmentation (by twice the note value) to alter perceived tempo
C - the snare is introduced using the same motives and phraseology, diminution by 2/3-note value shared for both snare and bongos but not at the same time to affect perceived tempo
D - performer jumps from cymbal scrapes, triangle, bongos and snare during this section
E - this is a short section that initiates the re-transition with only snare and bongos
F - clarifies the re-transition utilizing diminution that allows for smooth transition to next section
A1 - the recapitulation of A, this is very apparent to the listener due to the fact that it is nearly identical.


Artwork by Valerie Umeko Covert

Reading Written Thoughts - Percussion ensemble for 2

Thematic piece that uses traditional and electronic instrumentation. I chose to keep chordal progressions as simplistic as possible and focus on the reorganization of phraseology and arrangement. The complex melodies combined with intricate harmonies add dissonance to the minor key but still engaging to the listener. You will find it keeps true to the same "feel" through the entirety of the composition but never truly achieves replication.

Hope you enjoy it!

Artwork by Valerie Umeko Covert

Glass houses with too many blinds

Orchestral instrumentation of strings, wind, brass and percussion as well as the glockenspiel and harp, are used as solo and sectional voicing throughout the piece.
This highly thematic and dreamy composition is composed in the key of G harmonic minor. 
Overall the song is based on the ternary format of "A-B-A*(AB-A1)" with subdivisions of 3 within the 3 sections. It begins with a introduction that builds tension into "A". Section "A" is divided into 3 phrases that expand the melody and harmonic progression of "Gm-D-Gm-D-Gm" employing controlled loudness and syncopation. In the 1st phrase of section "A", the melodic line (that is the main focus) of section "AB" is introduced only once and is used to underscore the main focus of section "A".
Section "B" is calm and quite that builds suspension and resolves the tension with grand gestures. and each of the 3 phrases within "B" build off one another, resolution comes at the end of section "B" and smoothly transitions to Section "AB".
Section "AB" harnesses the power of phraseology and the melody can be found in every instrument. The transition between "AB" and "A1" phases out the melodic line of "AB" and the syncopated melodic line of section "A" fades in and concludes with a big syncopated finish.


Finish to the End

Theme and variations presented in solo violin, viola, and cello

Have you heard?

This song is based on a pitch class and within this song you can find rhythmic serialization, pitch inversion, augmentation, truncation, and textural development. This is of toccata form. The exposition at the beginning (first 2 measures), development including the introduction of a new melodic line (measure 13) and finally an augmented recapitulation beginning at measure 23.

Score Wars: Return of the Jegli (Piano Solo)

Nice

This song is "Based on a true story" of sorts. The original song was created by the band Chiodos called {The words "Best Friends" Become Redefined}. Inspired by rock, passionate about classical traditions. I transcribed the entire piece by ear, and turned the vocal melody into a virtuosic piano performance, which is sometimes shared by the strings.
The guitar work is mostly interpreted by the Violins, Viola, and sometimes the Cello. The contrabass interprets the the electric bass. The congas interpret the rock drum kit, also, the piano embellishes the original piano line.

The level of piano is meant to challenge the greatest pianists this world has ever seen and is composed in a way that can be understood easily.

There are six instruments that are heard; (1)Piano, (6)Violin, (4)Viola, (4)Cello, (2)Contrabass, and the Congas.

The Words "Best Friends" Were Redefined, Again

Title-"If it is not normal, it's special."


Shanna (flute) and Doyle (viola) are two expressive personalities coexisting in the environment created by Janelle (harp).

Listen to how they build off of each other in the beginning, like a new friendship, it is natural and effortless with great potential. Janelle, like an overseer, creates the environment  for Shanna and Doyle. As the story develops the subtleties of the two different personalities become more pronounced, making it difficult for the two to work together. This leads to a dizzy and nauseated feeling for Janelle to be around, which overwhelms her. We follow Janelle to her retreat and silent place to escape the two stressful personalities to clear her mind. Soon, she hears the call of duty and gradually reintegrates herself into the position as overseer. Armed with a clear head and experience, the potential for chaos is managed which leads to a peaceful resolution.

Recording from Dec 12, 2012 @ Sherwood Music Center recital hall


If it is not normal, it's special-LIVE (lo-fi)

Words blend together, as one musical idea blends into another. Similar to how our thoughts and feelings can blend one into another. This is especially true when something (or someone) troubles us, searching our minds for answers to reveal some truth that we had not yet seen before. Take a single idea, toss it around, turn it upside down, all to get a better perspective of what we already know. Sometimes, the answer continues to elude our minds and often times, we can be caught in a state of melancholy until we find a simple truth that can ease our worries. The perspectives offered in this music came from a single melody or "idea" that is introduced in the very beginning, hopefully you enjoy yourself.

Violin 1
Violin 2
Cello

Tõpher Allan

Popular tracks