The Seven Modes- Locrian v1- sheet music & live piano performance

[akamarutv]

Is this a toccata?

[nathanshirley]

@akamarutv Generally there are two types of toccatas- the baroque toccata (Bach and all), which was more of a free structure, fantasy type piece. Then there is the later toccata, Schumann, Prokofiev, etc. This type has a driving rhythm, fast pace, and is very demanding of the performer. I wouldn't really consider this piece to be a toccata in either case, though I like to play it fast and it does have a strong driving rhythm. Check out my actual 'toccata' and I think you'll get a better idea.

[akamarutv]

Have you had college music education? This seems to be composed classically and that is not something easy to do without copying other composers too much. I want to compose classical music but it's so hard to make it sound original in a classical style.

[nathanshirley]

@akamarutv Yes I've studied composition. My advice- write small pieces (like this) first. Find simple/short classical compositions like the one page 'piano' pieces by many baroque composers. Study them- how the bass line works with the melody, where the musical phrases repeat, where they don't, where they are changed a bit.

Write your own pieces using these as guides. Don't let yourself play the same left hand patterns over and over, change things. Use sequences. Later move on to longer works.

[akamarutv]

Nice! I like the classical feel alot.

[nathanshirley]

@akamarutv Glad to hear it, thanks for the comment.