Für Elise

Für Elise is written in A minor and is in a 3/8 time signature. Although the piece has been named a Bagatelle, it is, in fact, in the form of a Rondo due to its A-B-A-C-A-B-A structure. Episodes A and B are both played with arpeggios in the left hand alternating between A minor, E major, C major, and G major. It is then followed by the note of E over five octaves before returning back to the beginning of episode A. The piece then evolves into episode C which is in D minor and is played with diminished chords in the right hand. Episode C is in two sections, each with a crescendo lasting throughout the entire episode. After section C is finished, the piece then goes back into episodes A and B before repeating A again with the last phrase being played with the use of ritardando and an octave on the last A note played to add more depth to the note. Another A octave can be played after that an octave lower to make then ending definite. The composition makes use of the sustain pedal on each bar of episodes A and B. It is also possible to play section C with the use of the sustain pedal too, however, it is the choice of the performer as to whether he/she wishes to use it.

Scales

Over the past two weeks, I have been practicing the Blues Scale and the Minor Pentatonic Scale on Guitar with which I have improved greatly on accuracy and speed from since I first learned how to play the two. I have also been practicing major and minor scales on the Piano to try to gain a better understanding on how songs are pieced together and how the foundations of songs are formed from twelve simple notes.

Introduction

This is a blog for my BTEC Music Performance. This is going to be used as a diary of some of my three performances, two of which have already been decided. I have decided upon performing two Piano pieces and either one Guitar or Drum piece (I am currently undecided on a third song). The first Piano pieces I am performing is Bagatelle No.25 in A Minor (more commonly known as Für Elise). One of Ludwig van Beethoven's most popular compositions. The second, is the Piano instrumental from Clubbed to Death, composed by Rob Dougan. I have known how to play these two pieces for quite some time, however I have practiced these for hours upon hours in an attempt to perfect them. There's always room for improvement when it comes to performing and I hope this blog acts as proof of my improvements and abilities over the next few weeks up until Assignment 2: The Solo Performance.