I've just completed the first draft of my devised harmonic system. The system is based on a scale; the scales and intervallic relationships create chords; observations are made about the chords, their inversions, and other resulting properties. Although I have used my scales in a fairly primitive form in several previous pieces, I'm now going to start a set of orchestral studies to thoroughly test-drive the new system. I view it a bit like an artist having a palette of colours to choose from when starting a new painting.

A busy few weeks have resulted in several works being completed: a setting from The Tempest for soprano and clarinet (the first time I have written for this combination), two Scottish folksong settings for choir, a TV pilot, and three "Harmony Studies" for piano. The Harmony Studies chart a segment of my journey towards the devising of my new harmonic system.

More soon!

I'm going to start a blog on my compositional activities and observations. Check back soon to see if I've remembered to update it. The only thing about blogs and things is that it shows that you probably aren't getting enough writing done if you're blogging and tweeting all day, so I will try to strike a balance which combines a positive hive of activity with carefully-timed, witty and succinct commentary.