Exploring Music in Context Section 2: AOI 3+1

 I decide to make ‘Jazz in Paris’ the main piece, while ‘Egmont was the side piece, which means I used more elements for Jazz than the Overture: 

• Key: I used the same key which was also used in Jazz in Paris, since it only had one key, whereas Beethoven's Egmont Overture is constantly switching Keys 
   
   

• I used a tempo of Quarternote=130, which was near the tempo of Jazz in Paris, simulating the ‘Swing Jazz’ theme that I used in my piece. 

• Although the second melody is inspired by my Egmont, the first is inspired by Jazz in Paris. 
   
  The piece begins with a 3 measures of grand piano chords, followed by one measure of rest for suspense and effect, which ends with a crescendo and then fortissimo.  
   
  This dramatic intro creates a feeling of surprise in the listener, leaving them with a moment of suspense, wondering what is to come next, edpecially with the measure rest after the whole note. 
   
   
   
  The song then continues at measure 5 with the Accordion taking the melody, and the grand piano being supported. This is here the piece begins to really kick off, and displays from the two pieces. I not only tried give each instrument their own unique part which was similar to their corresponding stimulus piece, but also add dynamics along the way to give the melody to whichever instrument had it in any specific section (which in this case was the Accordion, which the Grand piano playing as a support instrument in the background). The Accordion’s melody somewhat aligns with the first melody from ‘Jazz in Paris’, while the grand piano is similar to measure _ from ‘Egmont Overture’, but changed to the key from the first song as mentioned earlier. The melody repeats once, but is separated at measure 14 with 64th notes, going from piano to fortissimo to add an effect. 
   
   
  This effect really separates the two parts of the first melody, because although they are practically identical, this measure appears out of nowhere to produce variety. This is very pleasing to the listener’s ears, and it feels nice to hear something new in the middle of something which you are already familiar with.  
   
  The first melody continues until measure 15, where the instruments swap roles. A new melody, inspired by Egmont Overture by Beethoven (Grand piano) takes the stage, while another part, inspired by jazz in Paris, (Accordion) acts as a supporting part. Although both instruments take the melody, their dynamics show mezzo forte, making this section quieter. It is slightly more reflective, bringing out some of those dark elements found in the Egmont Overture by Beethoven. 
   
   
  Measure 23 is all about harmony, bringing both the Accordion and Grand Piano into the spotlight for an intense end. Although many popular pieces are known for being loud and expression but having a quiet ending, my external piece has an intense ending, inspired by both pieces, which also end very loud. 

 
 
In conclusion, my personal composition takes inspiration from both pieces (Jazz in Paris and Egmont Overture), by using elements in similar ways (Melody harmony, Tempo, rhythm, and texture, dynamics, expression, and medium) 
 
These elements can be experimented with better when composing, as I can view the different articulations and dynamics which I may use. Creating this composition has taught me not only how to take the desirable parts (subjective) from each song and make a totally new composition, but how to also add parts of my own, creating my own style. I shaped my phrases through dynamics, added articulations for each instrument, and introduced surprise sections like the 5 measures of piano at the beginning, or the 64th notes being played around measure 14.