a little orchestral piece

[KLS]

Hi all,

I've been working on this little theme which I think might work as a main theme to a lighthearted adventure. It's not quite done yet, and I'm not sure about the part after the 1:20 mark, but I'd like to hear thoughts so far.

https://app.box.com/s/5zvrqjdykm6lhk52imyk

[Viking]

Wow, sounds great overall!  I think it works quite well, although it seems more serious than light-hearted.  As always, I'm horrible at mixes and what have you, and I tend to pay more attention to harmony, orchestration and form.  Here are a few thoughts.

• I like the beginning -- it grabs your attention!
• The accompaniment from 0:06-0:22 (and maybe until 0:30) is too light for the multiple horns that are playing the theme.  Maybe try some sixteenth note arpeggios in triads in the strings or something.  Or, if you are aiming for something lighter (which would surprise me after the dramatic beginning), you could put the theme in the cellos or something.
• I would ditch the cymbal at 0:11 -- it seems a bit random.
• 0:30-1:06 is very effective.  It is sometimes a little bit ambiguous regarding tonality and rhythm (e.g. 0:52-0:56), but I think that's intentional, and I like it.
• 1:06-1:20 is effective, but the long horn notes can't really sustain themselves.  You need some additional percussion or something to break up those silences in the accompaniment -- for example, a tenor drum and snare playing two sixteenths and then two eighths in the middle of each silence, to somewhat echo what the rest of the accompaniment is playing.
• I like the bit from 1:20 onwards.  Of course it's very different from the rest, but it's nicely orchestrated, and if that's the mood you're going for there, then I think it works nicely.  Of course, you can't leave it where you left it, but you did say it wasn't finished.

Great work, I'd love to hear more!

[KLS]

thanks for listening:)

the part from 0:06 to 0:22 is supposed to be very light, and you're right, the horns might be too much. I like your idea about the cellos playing the theme instead, I think I'll try that.
I'll see what I can up with for the accompaniment fo the 1:06-1:20 part. I might just do exactly what you suggested:P
If I keep the part from 1:20 I think I need to add a little bit more to it. Other than the woodwinds it's only two notes held by the violins during the whole part. I think I'll try and add something for the harp.