Last Tuesday afternoon I set down and jotted out a short melody in my music journal, and when I plugged it into Noteflight, I realized it would work well as a violin piece. I don’t often compose for strings, but something about the melody and the harmonic structure seemed suited to the distinct, bright tone of a violin.

I went through and added in some piano chords, then added a little quasi-trio B section that sort of shifts from the original key of Eb into Bb. I had a lot of fun with this section, as the piano gets a little more motion with some left-hand staccato octaves.

I decided not to go overboard with the effects in Audacity. I applied the usual “Large Room” reverb preset, just because it adds a nice roundness to the sound (and I’m a sucker for reverb). I then used a “Modern Contour” master effect to boost the overall sound a bit. I refrained from my ritual abuse of the chorus effects because I wanted the digital violin to sound less electronic and more authentic.

As I wrote the piece, I just knew it was an “Andante,” but as I listened to the unfolding melody and the underlying harmonies, I realized it had a wistful, enchanting quality, like watching fireflies on a warm evening in late summer. Thus, I landed on “Andante for a Late Summer’s Eve.” It might be one of my favorite pieces I’ve composed lately.

“Andante for a Late Summer’s Eve” is a violin solo with piano accompaniment. The piece has an easy, flowing feel, with mild rhythmic syncopation and lush melodic lines that suggest the warmth and enchantment of a summer night late in the season.

Here’s the original handwritten manuscript, which is just the barebones initial melody and some thoughts about the harmonies:

And here is the finished score:

Finally, here’s the cover art I created for the piece, using a cut-out of a moon from a larger drawing:

As noted, I am really pleased with how this piece came out after woodshedding it a bit. The harmonies are lush and warm, but don’t overpower the crystalline violin melody.

What do you think, readers? Would this piece work as incidental music for a cocktail hour in late summer? Would you like to hear a live recording (if I can procure a violinist, I’ll attempt to do it!)?

Regardless, happy listening!

—TPP