Previn: Diversions Exploring the Compositional Process
Where do we start?
Every creation has to start from something, but what? A single idea or inspiration can act like a seed which sprouts and grows into something larger and more complex. The question is where does that seed come from? Ask your students to think of some things in life that are inspiring. [role models, nature, an act of heroism, etc.] Once you’ve listed a few, ask your students to choose only two or three descriptive words that capture the essence of each inspiration. Now that their creative brains are “oiled” are your students finding it difficult to contain their descriptions to only a few words? The seed is growing!
Making it into music
Divide your students into small groups, assigning each an inspiration from the list. Ask each group to come up with musical choices which convey their ideas. What character or attitude will the music have? Is it necessary to have a soloist? What kind of melody or rhythms seem suitable? Ask your students to be as imaginative and detailed with their choices. Also, it’s important to try out some of these ideas as they come up. What if something seems like a good idea but doesn’t work so nicely in context? Back to the drawing board!
Developing a good idea
By now your students should have a strong concept of their inspiration piece. The trick is making it last a while. Ask your students to examine some of their ideas and come up with solutions for developing them into something longer or more complex. Remember the simple answers are often the most rewarding. For instance, repeat the melody! Try different combinations of instruments. Have fun with silence! There are infinite possibilities. Give your students a goal of doubling their previous material. If possible, have them perform these pieces followed by classroom discussion of each group’s solutions.
Listening:
Listen to the New York Philharmonic radio broadcast of Andre Previn’s Diversions. This piece is still somewhat “hot off the press” having had its American premier in April of 2000. Previn has been composing music for much of his life, but still goes through a process similar to that of your students’ each time. Ask your students to try focusing on thematic material in this piece and how it is developed. How did the compositional process activities enhance your students’ general listening experience?
