This post is quoted from the formal project specification document „Max – Music Specification“ in its version dating 23.12.24.
Different Types of Compositions
Max contains three different kinds of compositions. The difference lies in what the
composer specifices vs. what is left to the interpretation of the performers.
A Classique
(or “notated”). In those, the composition specifies the structure completely and its actual
content (“actual notes”) completely or to a large degree.
A Classique compositions may contain improvised or freely specified portions, such as:
- chordal playing (“top continuo part”) specified by top voice or rhythm markings
and chord symbols, - free interpretation of notated passage, specified by use of grace notes,
- improvised sections, specified by “improvisazione super (rehersal marking
reference for theme to potentially use as inspiration source) and rhythm markings
to delineate start and end of improvised section.
A Classique compositions have a rather precise duration, implied by sensible use of
provided tempo markings.
A Jazz
(or “lead sheet”). Those may contain as little as a melody plus chord progression, or a
melody plus bass line. There can be as little or as much as in your typical fake book (e.g.
Real Book).
Additional content may be:
- sketched out prelude and/or coda,
- scales for improvised sections,
- form and structure guidance.
Autre Chose
This is a catchall for everything that is neither A Classique nor A Jazz.
This may include:
- Fully graphical notation,
- Message Sequence Charts,
- Game Pieces.
These compositions may or may not provide detailed text description (“how to read it”).
Within those compositions, you may find pieces of traditional notation. Unless specifically
told to play them “as is”, interpret them as you like. If there’s a melody, maybe play it
backwards. Or turn it into a chord progression and play the roots. Or convert pitches into
a sequence of integers and use them to somehow create a rhythm. You get the idea.
Overview Pieces vs. Types
Commented Examples
A Classique
Improvised section referencing a rehearsal marking.
Rehearsal marking (“I”), tempo marking (“allegro”) and loudness specification (“fortissimo
possible”, i.e. really loud).
A Jazz
Head with classical tempo markings, melody, chord symbols and bass voice.
Specifications and suggestions on form in text on lead sheed (sic!).
Example of an “A Jazz” composition with substantial amount of supportive text
information.
Autre Chose
This is it. No further explanation is given.
In this case, individual sections with both traditional notation and text description.