(Composed and performed by Reynold D. Philipsek- Zino-Rephi Music copyright/ All Rights Reserved)
The definition of a “Pavane” is a 16th or 17th-century stately dance in duple meter.
I am going through a sort of neo-classical period. Since I did not grow up with classical music (my mom loved Hank Williams and the Everly Brothers), I have come to that music on my own terms and gradually.
I first discovered classical music in a very backward fashion, in so much that I listened to 20th-century composers first. Stravinsky, Ravel, Prokofiev, and Bartok were my entry points.
I have been moving back in time ever since, i.e. Brahms, Chopin, Schumann, Liszt, etc.
I am only know getting “back to Bach.”
On this backward journey through history, it is only fitting that counterpoint has become more and more an essential ingredient for me. Contemporary pop music (even at its best) contains very little in that domain.
As a guitarist, counterpoint presents problems because of certain limitations of the instrument. This is especially true for the plectrum (pick) player like me.
I have tried to stay true to the Pavane form, using Faure as a good example.
My album “Picture This” afforded me a good opportunity to attempt a little foray into the counterpoint realm because the whole project was built on my overdubbing several guitar parts.
This is a very simplistic and brief example but simple and brief have become my guiding principles.