Maelstrom

Okay,
I like your use of strings and thematic material in the beginning. Your harmonies are very well chosen and seem to fit the melody. Around about 1/5, I was losing a little interest because of the lack of an emphatic thematic statement. Around about 1/3, the mix of major, minor, and chromaticism did not sit well with me. You really should add an emphatic statement of the theme in the beginning. It helps to solidify the whole piece. The brass writing is very nice, but it isn't very melodical... it seems to be used mainly for background. I am hearing some high points in the music, but they don't seem to relate to any specific theme. The percussion writing is very expansive (compared to most classical symphonies... which is what I'm used to), but I think that in orchestral works, the winds and strings are supposed to be the focus due to the fact that they are the ones that create melody.

Overall, there is some nice writing for each instrumental group except for woodwinds. There was not a real point where the woodwinds were showcased. Also, a major issue with many pieces, I could not grasp onto any solid theme. Since symphonies (sonata form for the first movement usually) are about development of a theme, the listener needs a strong theme to grasp onto.

If you could make these changes, the movement would improve greatly.