How my composition represents the Choro genre (Paulo Bellinati), extending beyond theme and variations of my 'baby steps'
Choro is an instrumental Brazilian popular music genre which originated in 19th century Rio de Janeiro. Choro music is known for it's use (at times) of syncopation (draft shown in other blog posts - syncopated block chords) and counterpoint (draft shown in other blog posts - counterpoint utilised in theme).
Another prominent and important feature of Brazilian Choro music is that it features improvisation and subtle modulations. As shown below, the music featured in boxes provides an opportunity to improvise as guitarists are able to repeat, transpose and use the boxes interchangeably, hence each time the piece is performed, a different performance outcome is achieved within this improvisation section, which is an integral aspect of Brazilian Choro music.
Subtle modulations are also an important aspect of the Choro genre and within my composition, I modulated from E major to the parallel minor, E minor. The modulation is subtle as it is short in length and doesn't require a change in key signature. Instead accidentals were used - C (instead of C#), D (instead of D#) and G (instead of G#) were the only notes that created a change in tonality from the major to the minor modulation. This subtle modulation in my composition represents one of the features of Choro composition.
Additionally, Choro compositions are known for featuring virtuosic passages within the piece. The semi demi quaver pattern that I have composed in variation 2 gives guitarists the opportunity to showcase a highly accomplished technical skill, as this passage is most logically played from 7th to 15th position on the guitar and requires a highly precise and steady alternation between the 'i' and 'm' fingers in the right hand.
Melodic notes from theme remain (green circle) while the harmonic notes (pink circle) also used from the theme.
So, in experimenting and extending myself beyond my initial baby steps, I am also trying to incorporate the features of Brazilian choro music within my composition, in addition the composing a theme with variations as outlined in my baby steps.