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Discuss the following elements in relation to your composition and performance

Which two elements did you use? 

In my piece 

• I have used improvisation in terms of spoken words and melody 

• I used an unusual time signature 7/8, 8/8, irregular and molto rubato (free rhythm)

• I changed the time signature to 4/4 in the chorus

• I used my voice in an unusual way i.e spoken, head voice, chorus

Concept of your composition 

I wanted to create a piece with elements of musical theatre in it. It was story based, parts of it were spoken resembling that of a monologue. The tone of the piece was creepy, dark and ominous. In general it was a mild horror story. To convey this theme I tried to compose the piece in minor key and  diminished fifth sound. 

Structure of the piece 

This piece did not have a regular song structure. It’s a fantasy and is based on a theme and variation. With a hint of recurring chorus theme. It started of with a monologue followed by intro, verse , chorus , bridge , spoken and ending with chorus . 

Lyrics of the piece will be at the bottom of the page (Appendix 1). 

Rhythmic elements including tempo, time signature, rhythm pattern and any other rhythmic feature

This piece has free rhythm. The initial tempo is slow and it gets faster in the chorus. And in certain parts of the piece it’s moderate.

It has a strong rhythmic feature and each phrase starts up beat. 

The time signatures have been mentioned prior.

Pitch, including tonality, scales and modes used, harmonic progression, voicing and any other harmonic features
 

Minor key,  F minor natural, occasionally in Ab major, one modulation to Cm and back in Fm. 

No scale in spoken words (un pitched)

Timbre and specific aspects of using your voice / particular instrument 
 

Spoken, hushed, scared voice, falsetto (head voice), whispering, muted.

Dynamics, texture
 

Sudden changes (subito p, subito f), crescendo in choruses

It started quite soft, there is frustration in the voice in the chorus. 

Specific aspect voice. 

Describe and reflect on the creation and rehearsal process 

As a kid I enjoyed certain types of horror shows. I also liked dolls and doll houses. It’s a pretty common concept in horror films for children to befriend possessed dolls. So my idea was loosely based on that and metaphorically related to some personal experiences as my mother did not want me to be friends with a particular person who was actually good for me. Because of my mother that friendship had fallen apart. Even though I apologised and reconnected with her years later. I also met her this summer when I went back home. Even though we don’t have any hard feelings towards each other and only have love for one another. Time was lost and things can’t entirely be the same again. 

Also the vibe of the song was inspired by the song ‘Glitter Gutter’ by Switchblade Symphony. There are references to makeup like ‘smudged eyeshadow’ which also reflects my personality as I am a self taught makeup artist and also how in real life I had a fight with my mother and I had cried regarding picking up this friend from her house to go to a school event together. My eyeliner was ruined and I had to re do it.

So obviously this piece was written and rhymed by me. As I have done performing arts in the past, I felt comfortable adding in some monologue aspects to it.

Evaluation of your performance 

As a performer I feel like I am confident, initially I was a bit upset for not being able to practice it enough to my usual standard. But I later used that to my advantage as this piece required improvisation. So instead of having the melody entirely memorised ; I improvised in certain places and also attempted to elongate certain notes and try riffs and runs that was feeling right in the moment of the performance. In order to improve the performance, I would have critically analysed the piece. I would put more effort into the acting, adding levels and layers to it with my voice and expressions. I would try to be even more engaging. And not make it monotone. 

Over all I am quite content with my performance, I feel like I delivered it with enough clarity and my message did come across. I did enjoy the whole experience of performing and also seeing my peers perform.