four improvisations by Chris Opperman
Improvising has always been an important part of my compositional process since the majority of my pieces begin their life in that way. To me, one of the most interesting and exciting moments when creating a piece of music is that nebulous space where the piece can be anything and it slowly takes a form and shape of its own and the possibilities narrow down from nearly infinite to something definite. It is a story told a thousand different ways until the words (or notes in this case) generally agree (often not without compromise) that they have been chosen correctly and have been assembled in the proper order.
One of the most fun challenges is attempting to create an entire piece of music in one go. No obsessing over note choices, rhythms, dynamics, articulations, phrasing, transitions, etc. in your music notation program of choice. You just have to be fully present and spontaneously create and execute the best ideas you are capable of in that moment.
Presented here are the best ideas I had on August 12th, 2021. I hope you enjoy them.
Tracklist
| 1. | For Alice | 2:42 |
| 2. | Crystalline Tears | 2:33 |
| 3. | Ursula & Dale | 1:48 |
| 4. | An American Tradition | 4:00 |
Credits
All tracks produced, composed, and performed by Chris Opperman
All tracks recorded and mixed by David Kerzner at William Paterson University Studios in Wayne, New Jersey
All tracks mastered by Kurt Morgan at Frogbird Studios in Los Angeles, California
Photography by Gerhard
Graphic design/layout by Louis Lagonik and Chris Opperman
Liner notes written by Chris Opperman
All compositions by Chris Opperman are published worldwide by Phantom Moo Music (ASCAP). Sound recordings © 2021 Purple Cow Records. All rights reserved. Please do not sample this music without permission.
Chris Opperman would like to especially thank his wife and children for inspiring him to play well that day as well as everyone who worked on
this project: David, Gerhard, Kurt, and Lou. Special shout-outs also to Neil Citron, Eric Roth, Phillip Schroeder, and Mike Keneally for their advice. Finally, Chris would also like to thank everyone who contributed to the Still Waters Kickstarter and made this bonus project possible!
License
All rights reserved.Tags
Chris wields a special array of expertise. He's a composer of wildly original music, a top orchestrator/arranger, a visionary educator, and a trusted music industry advisor.
With Arnie & Eric Roth of AWR Music, Chris has worked on several international tours including Distant Worlds: music from FINAL FANTASY.
His arrangements have been performed at premiere venues including Carnegie Hall.