Theme & Counterpoint

The theme to a piece of music is its primary melody. Throughout that piece, the theme may be varied or altered but ultimately it’s those few bars that you can consistently hear and recognise. Counterpoint is a technique where two or more melodies are combined to form a harmonic relationship whilst retaining the individuality of each melody. I like to think of it as a conversation between melodies.

I find composing themes quite easy. I must admit my themes are usually quite simple and easy on the ear – quintessentially obvious and simple… but hey, they’re still my creations :) It’s the rest of the composition I struggle with.

Recently I’ve caught a couple of films – from Hollywood blockbusters to screenings at the French Film Festival – and I’ve found myself listening to the music that is played against the moving pictures. A guy running downstairs to a solo viola piece, the contrast of two protagonists depicted in the sounds of a cello against an electric guitar.

In the latest Pride and Prejudice film, Elizabeth’s theme is dignified but emotionally fragile. Mr Darcy’s theme is a bittersweet understatement.

This week I’ve tried to compose counterpoint myself – a melody of a piano interwoven with a melody of a violin. I don’t think it really worked so I’m going to have work on it some more.