This category contains articles that analyse musical works, discussing what they can teach us as composers, orchestrators and arrangers.
O Little Town of Bethlehem looks simple on the page, but it isn’t simplistic.
In this analysis of the Forest Green version, I explore how Vaughan Williams creates shape, contrast, and finality using a remarkably restrained harmonic palette, showing how small details in form, cadence, and line carry real expressive weight.
O Little Town of Bethlehem: A Musical Analysis Read More »
Musical Moments is a new series where I focus on larger works—whether in orchestration, length, or complexity—and zoom in on small sections for detailed analysis. I will choose these pieces based on what grabs my attention while listening. Once I find an interesting moment, I isolate it and explore why it stands out to me,
Les Biches (RM25-6) – Francis Poulenc Read More »
Fourth Species Counterpoint is a type of music composition that focuses on creating counterpoint through suspension and syncopation, which means that notes are ideally held over from one beat to the next, creating a feeling of tension and release. Fourth species counterpoint is arguably the most complex species compared to the previous types of counterpoint
How to Write Fourth Species Counterpoint: A Comprehensive Guide Read More »
Continuing our study of species counterpoint from last week, where we looked at counterpoint in the first order / first species, this week we will look at second species counterpoint. Counterpoint is the art of combining distinct melodic lines in a harmonious manner, forming something of the backbone of Western classical music. Second Species Counterpoint,
How to Write Second Species Counterpoint: A Comprehensive Guide Read More »
A complete analysis of Nocturne No. 19, looking at form, structure, harmony and melody.
Nocturne No. 19 in E-Minor, Op. 72 No. 1 (Analysis) – Friederich Chopin Read More »
An impromptu analysis of the comedic melodies John Williams created to underscore the devious, Gilderoy Lockhart, in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
Gilderoy Lockhart – John Williams (Impromptu Melodic Analysis) Read More »
An analysis that looks at modality (modulation & interchange), pedal points and chord voicing in RVW’s The Lark Ascending.
An analysis of Debussy’s Arabesque No. 1, looking at structure, melody and harmonic language.
Arabesque No. 1 – Claude Debussy (Music Composition Analysis) Read More »
Unpicking the serenity of Pärt’s Spiegel I’m Spiegel: Tintinnabuli technique is recapped along with the identification of other creative constraints.
Spiegel im Spiegel – Arvo Pärt Read More »
An analysis of Elgar’s Romance for Violin and Piano: Salut D’amour. Harmony, melody and structure go under the microscope.
Salut D’amour – Edward Elgar (Music Composition Technique Analysis) Read More »