I need to get my Cantica arrangement done soon. I've had too many interruptions - mid-term exams, and other work. I have a set of parts to do before Wednesday, but then I'm going to knuckle down and do it, hopefully by the end of March.
I finally had some constructive thoughts about the concerto. I've been laying what I had down in Sibelius, just to do something productive, but I had some ideas while I was in the shower this morning. I haven't been happy with the beginnings of the piano interlude after the opening 3' section of the piece. It seemed too square. I need to loosen up the melody and make the accompaniment more like a murmur. That way it will flow better into the improvisatory section that follows and the subsequent aleatory music with - wait for it - a trombone solo.
I've also decided that the piece begins too abruptly. My original concerto sketches included a slow introduction, so I'm going to reinstate it, but within the new harmonic scheme.
Finally, the ending. The Parsifal-like theme needs to return, and I'm opting for a repetitive arpeggio accompaniment, sort of like Bruckner's Te Deum upside-down, but of course, using my harmonies. The orchestra will need something easy after the section they just played, so the ending doesn't end up a train-wreck.
Okay, now back to the arrangement.
