WIP Terra's theme

[Audiomancer]

This is my first shot using orchestral stuff. It's a wip, so it's not polished. It needs volume adjustments at the very least, and also this first section doesn't have much interpretation,  but I would like feedback on other aspects. Thanks!

 

Edited July 14, 2021 by Audiomancer

[Sil]

It's a very good start. I can give feedback based on my experience with music theory and orchestration:

0:22 not sure about the gong here, maybe some softer suspended cymbals (very soft) with bell tree might suit this part better

0:34 the timpani is also out of place for this texture. from 0:00 to 0:34 you should use soft pizzicato basses to help the bass line, and you can even do pizz bass + legato cellos/basses together from 0:34 to 0:50. just some single plucks on the root of each harmony at the beginning of each chord change is enough.

0:50 the melody was established by oboe earlier, so this is a good opportunity to add a counter theme (using counterpoint, or call-and-response)

1:20 i'm hearing some harmonic motion but the chord voices are not correct according to 4 part harmony. it would be good to write out the 4 part chorale using piano first then orchestrate it for organ/strings/trumpet. the piano helps you to hear the voicing better, and makes sure you are following the rules (no parallel unisons, 5ths, or octaves, no doubling leading tone, using cadential chords, etc.)

For the overall instrumentation, strings can be doubled by soft horns/winds, harp arpeggios are always nice, and cellos/basses should always play in octaves unless you have a good reason for them not to.

[Audiomancer]

Thank you very much for the feedback, it's very detailed and greatly appreciated. I shall incorporate your suggestions when I get the chance:)

 

[Audiomancer]

On 7/20/2021 at 6:04 PM, Sil said:

It's a very good start. I can give feedback based on my experience with music theory and orchestration:

0:22 not sure about the gong here, maybe some softer suspended cymbals (very soft) with bell tree might suit this part better

0:34 the timpani is also out of place for this texture. from 0:00 to 0:34 you should use soft pizzicato basses to help the bass line, and you can even do pizz bass + legato cellos/basses together from 0:34 to 0:50. just some single plucks on the root of each harmony at the beginning of each chord change is enough.

0:50 the melody was established by oboe earlier, so this is a good opportunity to add a counter theme (using counterpoint, or call-and-response)

1:20 i'm hearing some harmonic motion but the chord voices are not correct according to 4 part harmony. it would be good to write out the 4 part chorale using piano first then orchestrate it for organ/strings/trumpet. the piano helps you to hear the voicing better, and makes sure you are following the rules (no parallel unisons, 5ths, or octaves, no doubling leading tone, using cadential chords, etc.)

For the overall instrumentation, strings can be doubled by soft horns/winds, harp arpeggios are always nice, and cellos/basses should always play in octaves unless you have a good reason for them not to.

Thanks for the detailed feedback, I shall apply it when I get a chance:)

[Allukos]

Is there an update to this? One of may favourite arrangements.

[Audiomancer]

I might get to work more with this soon. I have had long hours at work, received a promotion, and have moved. I miss working on this sort of thing, I hope to get back into it:)