Hey everyone! Thanks for your comments; I will get right to work editing.
Romanticist, what did you mean when you said it sounded "empty?" Do you have any tips that might make it sound more full?
Giselle, good idea on the woodwinds. I should know about breathing (I'm a brass player), but I guess I really need to write more user-friendly parts
I like the idea of adding more stuff to the block chords section. It seems a little dry now that I think about it.
Oh, and yes, I am a music major.
Currently majoring in trumpet performance (because my university requires 4 semesters of music theory before you can enter the composition program), but will switch to composition as soon as I can!
Here is my plan for the completed work:
I. Sunrise Over the Mountains of Drinnyl (program notes in first post)
II. The Winged Creatures of the Cytillan Plain (need to finish editing)
This movement deals with emotion of fear. It begins somewhat mysteriously (as if you are viewing ominous creatures from a distance), but suddenly explodes in a frenzy and gives way to a "lighter" section. My goal with this section was to make the music "fly" and "dance" and the same time (imagine that, as the creatures fly overhead, one of them picks you up and begins to fly away as you ride on its back). At first, the music sounds somewhat uneasy, as if trying to "latch on" to something. After awhile, the first section of the piece ends just as mysteriously as it begins, giving way to a feeling that is far more serene (imagine small birds by a lake). Gradually, this section builds as a group of larger birds (eagle-like in appearance, but much bigger) soars high overhead in the clouds. The section finally reaches a climax as the "eagles" burst through the clouds and into the sunlight. Riding on one of their backs, your fear is gone. You have learned how to fly.
III. The Healing Lakes of Mohrbode (not even started)
I don't really have this movement in my head yet, other than a concept. Basically, it deals with bitterness. It begins in a serene manner, using "crystalline" effects (bowed vibe, bowed bells, bowed triangle, violin harmonics, etc.) to convey a sense of perfect peace. Over time, it becomes darker, not quite to the point of full-blown anger, but just on the edge; a seething evil beneath a placid surface. Just as it reaches this point, another theme is introduced, one of healing warmth: the power of forgiveness and "letting go." The movement ends as peacefully as it begins.
IV. The Kingdoms of the Realm (hadnwritten, but difficult to input into Finale because of the aleatoric and "free time" effects)
This movement is the longest of the four and depicts the emotion of anger. Like the other movements, it begins mysteriously, depicting an ancient kingdom deep in a forest. They are a deeply religious people with a very clear sense of duty and purpose, as well as a highly organized society. Although it appears ordered and civil on the surface, the music has a constant feeling of tension underneath.
The second section of this movement is the depiction of anger, represented by a savage battle between two feuding kingdoms. Multi-meter, polyrhythms, tone clusters, and aleatoric effects are coupled with a breakneck tempo to depict complete chaos and depravity. This section builds to a climax until it reaches a "boiling point," ending abruptly.
The third (and final) section of this movement depicts a noble kingdom, steadfast and peaceful. A celebration is taking place, and the music is joyous, bringing all of the themes from previous movements together in a climactic finale.