The Quiescenza

By Ian Campbell

This week we are starting with the Quiescenza.

This is one of my favorite patterns, really I just love a good pedal point!

Try This! The Quiescenza

Play ① ① ① ① ① in lower register in B flat major.
Over top of the ①s, try this line: 8v, flat 7th, 6th, natural 7th, then the 8v.
Now try this line: a 5th, repeat the 5th, down to a 4th, up to a 5th, repeat the 5th.
One more: try a 3rd, repeat the 3rd, up to a 4th, repeat the 4th, and fall to a 3rd.

Are you up for a challenge?

Try combining any two of those voices.
Try all three voices
Try arpeggiating the harmonies in 3/4, or 6/8 or 4/4.
Try transposing to C major, D major, or E major

Next week we’ll look at some examples from the repertoire.

THE PARTIMENTI WORKSHOP

Unlock your creativity like the greatest composers

Let’s Talk! Newsletter Blog About Contact

The Partimenti Workshop is a safe place that welcomes people of all races, religions, gender identities and expressions, sexual orientations, and body types. We respect, celebrate, encourage, and nurture the unique musical and creative possibilities of each individual.

We acknowledge that we are gather, teach, make art and music on ancestral lands, on Treaty One Territory and that the land on which we gather is the traditional territory of Anishinaabeg, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, and Dene Peoples, and on the homeland of the Métis Nation and that our water is sourced from Shoal Lake 40 First Nation.