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Hi.
I've only listened as far as the Nocturne so far. It would be good to look at the score of course - my criticisms will probably sound a little vague, but here goes:
Above all, I think it's the unvaried rhythmic approach that lets it down. I know there are moments where you seem to spice it up a bit, with tuplets etc. but compared to say even Bartok's Microkosmos , (which was written many years ago now...) it's just a bit backward I find. I think the clarinet part could also benefit from a little more space - both in between phrases and within the phrases so to speak.
Though this is something that obviously causes debate all the time, I do personally find the emphasis on diatonic/tonal material, and in particular the almost unrelenting use of polychords and fourth chords (on the vertical level as well as horizontal) just kind of difficult to stomach. Fourth chords in particular have a really static quality to them, and when combined with the tendency to remain within a small range of dissonance-levels things start to roll into a continuous, flat harmonic plane.
Anyway - I know I'm new, and I also realise that you're a far more established and experienced composer than I am! - So I hope you don't think I'm being rude, that's not my intention in the least. I'll finish listening later of course!
Matt
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