How Composers Begin Their Creative Journey: Exploring Initial Thoughts and Processes

The creative journey of a composer is as unique as each individual composer themselves. Whether it's through improvisation, structured planning, or a blend of both, starting a new musical piece can be an enchanting and challenging enterprise. This article explores the diverse approaches composers take in the initial stages of their work, drawing from personal experiences and insights from renowned composers.

Varied Approaches to Composing

Composers often adhere to different workflows when starting a new piece of music. Some composers begin by sketching fresh ideas, typically focusing on melodies, while others may visualize the overall structure of the piece in their mind before delving into the specifics. Some prefer to start by jotting down notes, and larger reviews or revisions might follow. Interestingly, some composers immediately sit at the piano, playing and writing down their ideas, while others meticulously outline harmonic content using SATB (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass) notation in advance.

Some composers look for an initial motif to serve as the foundation for their work. Take, for example, the renowned composer who starts with one melody on the keyboard, followed by another, continuously modifying and harmonizing them. This process also involves experimenting with rhythms. The composer expresses, “There is no initial thought; I compose through intuition. While notes do come from an intensely mysterious place, inspiration plays a significantly larger role than technique.” This particular composer emphasizes that the initial drive often stems from a need to transcribe inspiration into tangible music. While not every composition is a masterpiece, the act of creating itself is valuable. As an analogy, he cites Picasso's prolific output, producing over 22,000 works, and suggests that a few must have turned out well.

Unconscious Inspiration and Influence

Several composers believe that a significant portion of their initial thoughts are unconscious. A famous quote by Igor Stravinsky supports this notion, where he mentions feeling like a conduit for the music that emerges. In expressing this, Stravinsky hints at a spontaneous and natural process rather than a pre-conceived plan. Similarly, the author reflects on their own experiential journey as a conduit for various musical ideas and compositions.

This unconscious process is not unique to Stravinsky or the author. Many composers explore their cultural background as a source of inspiration. The act of absorbing and interpreting cultural elements without overt planning can lead to profound and innovative musical creations.

Experimentation and Building

Another common approach among composers is experimentation and building from initial ideas. The composer, Tristan (likely referring to Tristan Murail), shares a method that resonates with many. Establishing the desired effect and then letting the music take shape through brute force and experimentation on the instrument is a prevalent technique. This can involve starting with a chord sequence, a riff, or a unique sound.

Composers often use musical theory as a framework. For example, to convey a sense of melancholy, they might choose a slow minor key or a fast major key with a slower tempo, experimenting with different modes and constraints. By setting these conditions, composers can deliberately break established norms and create something unique. This process isn't about learning how to compose in a general sense but rather adapting to the specific composition at hand.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the initial thoughts and processes of composers are as diverse as the music they create. Whether through spontaneous inspiration, structured planning, or a blend of both, each composition emerges from a unique creative journey. For composers, the act of composing is not only about creating music but also about uncovering and harnessing their inner inspiration and cultural influences. As demonstrated by the examples and insights shared by these composers, the initial stages of composition are often a fascinating blend of unconscious inspiration, experimentation, and creative building.