Schnittke Concerto Grosso no 1
Modern composers such as Alfred Schnittke and Sasha Siem often find new ways to use the instruments of the orchestra to create completely new and unique sounds.
1. Listen to the opening of Schnittke’s Concerto Grosso no 1 (above at 0’30). It begins with solo piano but the piano sounds a bit different to usual. Schnittke has asked the player to place things on the strings inside to create his new and unique sound. He continues to use special techniques throughout his piece.
2. Your task is to find new and unique sounds in your home. Look around for ways to make musical sounds. Perhaps explore the kitchen or the bathroom. Do you have a forgotten musical instrument perhaps broken in a cupboard? Can you make it sound again? Or if you already play an instrument, can you make music with it in a new way?
3. When you have found your sound, create a short piece using it. Here are a few starting points –
Luxuriate in the sound. Your music doesn’t have to be complicated, just enjoy making your sound slowly and softly over and over.
Describe something. (The 2nd movement of Schnittke’s piece sounds like insects scurrying around for example)
Create a short rhythmic pattern by fitting words to a beat
Remember there is no wrong answer!
4. Finally come up with a good title for your piece and make a recording of it. Does it work well as a piece to listen to as well as to play?
For more inspiration check out Sasha Siem’s piece ‘Ojos del Cielo’ or ‘Sky Eyes’ (below). She creates some amazing and totally unique sounds using the whole orchestra.