Rogerjhenry

Symphony 5 Update

This post provides an update on the composition process for Roger J. Henry’s fifth symphony.

Movement One Complete – two Underway

First, I know I’m kinda plugging you in during a process that’s already started and it might be a little confusing. Sorry. I have to take this as it comes. Anyway, tldr – movement 1 of Symphony 5 is done. I’ve started movement 2. I’ve shifted my approach to the structure of the symphony fromContinue reading “Movement One Complete – two Underway”

The New World – Symphonies

The premiere of Antonín Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9 in E Minor, Op. 95 From the New World is one of the landmark moments in classical music history. The piece debuted on December 16, 1893 at Carnegie Hall with Anton Seidl conducting the New York Philharmonic Society. Critics at the time lauded the work’s blend ofContinue reading “The New World – Symphonies”

Claiming A Trinidadian Sound-World

Making music is about making deliberate choices about how to organize sound. Most often, you take these things, pitches, and you organize a bunch of them until you have a thing that you can hum along to or vocalize. A melody. If you want to get fancy, you can use rhythm. Rhythm is the relationshipsContinue reading “Claiming A Trinidadian Sound-World”

Meanwhile

I’m just sitting here, relaxing next to the Caribbean Sea.

The Genesis of New Music (Part 1, I Guess)

This is the second entry in my ongoing series on creating my next symphony, whose working title is “Symphony 5.” So, last time, I waxed poetic on my hopes and dreams for the work. Today, I’m bringing you up to date on my progress so far. This will be a short post. I’m in theContinue reading “The Genesis of New Music (Part 1, I Guess)”

Starting Symphony 5

Writing a symphony begins with the decision to write it. Aside from the questions – can I, should I – the decision itself – I will – is the beginning. I’m gonna compose this work; it will be my fifth symphony. I’ve decided that it will be a symphonic work for only steelpans, and thisContinue reading “Starting Symphony 5”