"My Lady Greensleeves", 1864 painting by Rossetti.
I love it when a piece is almost finished. Most of the “hard work” of creation is already done. Now, it’s just a matter of adding those little touches here and there to polish it up.
Each little final touch—even something as simple as a suspended cymbal roll in the appropriate spot—fills my heart with glee, and makes me think to myself, “Yes! Yes!!”
It’s better than sex.
(Well… sometimes.)
Right now, I’m finishing up an arrangement of Greensleeves. It’s a traditional arrangement (rather than a fantasy or derivative composition)… but it’s also fresh and interesting. I’m quite proud of it. I believe it will be a nice addition to a winter program.
It begins with a soft fanfare—as if in the distance—with the horns and muted trumpets. Then, the woodwinds pick up the melody in a thin, chamber-like texture. Gradually, as the piece develops, more and more parts are added… countermelodies are thrown in… key changes and various settings keep things fresh and interesting… and the opening fanfare becomes an important accompaniment part towards the end.
Finally, the piece ends with a big, rousing coda that Timpanists everywhere will thank me for. The last few bars are like a miniature Timpani Concerto!
Give me a few more days, and the score will be ready. I’ll post a demo soon.
