Increasing Complexity in Piano Music: Tips and Techniques
Summary
In this article, we explore the challenge of increasing the complexity of music at the piano. We discuss the different levels of complexity in music composition, starting with adding to the melody and rearranging it, then manipulating the harmony, and finally abstracting the melody. We also cover tools and techniques such as changing the key, harmonic progression, and arrangement, as well as playing the melody backwards, flipping it, fragmenting it, and displacing it.
Table of Contents
- Adding to the Melody and Harmony
- Manipulating the Melody and Harmony
- Abstracting the Melody
- Tools and Techniques for Increasing Complexity
- The Final Level: Creative Alchemy
- Conclusion
Adding to the Melody and Harmony
Nari So, a pianist-composer, begins by explaining the challenge of increasing the complexity of music at the piano. She uses “Happy Birthday” as an example and starts by playing the melody with one finger. To create a simple bass line, she adds another finger. By adding a third finger, she creates a stronger sense of harmony. She explains that two fingers played together are called a drone and three fingers played together are called a chord. She breaks the chords up into an arpeggio or a broken chord and adds embellishments to the melody to create more complexity.
Manipulating the Melody and Harmony
Nari warns that complexity is not just about adding more notes but can be achieved in other ways. She then explores the idea of polyphony or multiple voices and changes the rhythm to make the melody less recognizable. The speaker discusses the different levels of complexity in music composition, starting with adding to the melody and rearranging it, then manipulating the harmony.
Abstracting the Melody
The final level of complexity involves abstracting the melody. This can be achieved through techniques such as playing the melody backwards, flipping it, fragmenting it, and displacing it. The purpose of music must always go beyond an intellectual exercise.
Tools and Techniques for Increasing Complexity
Tools such as changing the key, harmonic progression, and arrangement can also be used to increase complexity in music composition. These tools can be applied to different aspects of composition, and creative choices along the way affect the final product.
The Final Level: Creative Alchemy
The final level involves creative alchemy and combining all the different parts to reflect the artist’s expression in music. The speaker notes that complexity in music can be applied to different aspects of composition, and that creative choices along the way affect the final product.
Conclusion
In conclusion, increasing the complexity of piano music can be achieved through a variety of techniques and tools. It is important to remember that complexity should serve a purpose and go beyond an intellectual exercise. By experimenting with different levels of complexity and incorporating creative choices, pianists can create music that reflects their unique expression and style.
