Opera 6

It is commendable that they composed multiple movements; it is not for everyone to start this way (even if it says Op. 6). For a child who has only been studying the piano for a short time (I presume it is the "second" instrument), the inclination toward composition should be encouraged; in this way, it will grow along with the understanding of technical gesture, and this can only do good. I prefer the second movement to the other two.

I agree with Piccinesco, your son would certainly start studying composition from excellent premises. What I think is missing in the piece is a stylistic unity among the three movements. They appear as 3 short, detached pieces with different grammars, but that's not a bad thing; it's just a matter of experience which, at 11 years old, obviously cannot be there, especially since he is probably not being followed by a composer since he studies piano and clarinet. In my opinion, he has a beautiful melodic vein that is audible especially in the first movement, which is probably the most inspired one.

Thanks to both of you!

I let my son read your comments and I saw a lot of emotion in his eyes because of your words, and this, I say as a father, gratifies me greatly.

It is an adventure that began three years ago, as I have already said, and which has surprised, moved, and even slightly overwhelmed me. First the clarinet, then the piano, and now, with the money earned playing in a band, he also wanted to buy a trumpet which he plays, for now, self-taught, following those few lessons he picked up in the band.

I started taking him with me to concerts, mostly chamber music ones that take place in Imola, where as you well know there is the famous Piano Academy and an excellent Music Circle supported by Piero Rattalino.

His teachers are not composers but, it has been quite evident since he started playing the piano, was his desire to compose something of his own. He wanted me to let him listen to the early piano music of Mozart and Beethoven because, evidently, he felt attracted to the thought that these composers had composed so early on.

Opus 6 is the title of these three short pieces that he wanted to define as movements but which, in effect, are substantially disconnected, because before this he had already composed 5 other small pieces. Surely this latest one marked a step forward compared to the previous ones.

His desire is to go to the music high school in Bologna and to the Conservatory. He is only 11 years old and therefore could change his mind many more times, but he seems very determined to me. For my part, if this is the path he wants to take, I can only be happy about it, knowing well that the career prospects are certainly not encouraging. But... who cares, a dream like this deserves all my support!

If I had had all this support, even if only moral, I wouldn't be ruminating on the past right now. Anyway, if there is all this passion around him, it will be difficult (though welcome) for him to pass on the momentum with which he started; at most, he will concentrate on more specific things. I didn't want to say it in yesterday's comment, but I had thought that the greatest influences in terms of listening could derive from compositions by Mozart and Beethoven.

The first movement is well-conceived, following a clear and defined listening itinerary; since he followed his instinct, he certainly has some qualities. In fact, there is nothing better than listening a lot, and it seems to me that this is work he is already doing.

In this movement, I would retouch at least the final closing, which could be improved.

The second movement works; given the nature of his listening, he felt the need to insert a short minuet, which probably justifies Cromatismo's comment, as it takes the listener a bit further back (in time) compared to the first movement. But it is good that fantasy remains free to explore whatever is deemed interesting and pleasant.

The last movement also has its merits. In this case too, the closing could be improved.

In general, the piece is well-proportioned, flowing, and pleasant. His ear is certainly doing its job and, in this regard Daniele, you have made me want to post a short piece written by my 5-year-old son. It is beautiful to observe how, in the age of Disney cartoons, the sought-after "atmospheres" are somewhat those... and above all very "variable". For example, in a "film," it is the images that guide the changes in atmosphere, and these aspects do not go unnoticed; despite the absence of images, in his single piece, the changes can be heard and are even sudden... confirming that listening is fundamental.

Thank you Frank. My son, especially, thanks you for the suggestions which he will follow regarding the two endings that he will try to improve.

He also told me - and I with him - to let us hear your son's piece, as he is very curious to listen to it.

danielescarpetti wrote:

He then told me - and I with him - to let us hear your son's piece, as he is very curious to listen to it.

One thing is certain, he had a lot of fun during that afternoon of "madness"

http://www.pianoconcerto.it/forum/index.php?/topic/4317-la-casa-dei-fantasmi/