millennium

thought i'd post in here. keys do not encapsulate my works; therefore no key or atonal. i like to develop and experiment with the organization of themes. hope you enjoy.

DOWNLOAD MILLENNIUM MP3
(right click - save as)


Instrumentation :
2 flute, 2 b-falt clarinet, 2 bassoon,
2 french horn in f, 2 trumpet, 2 trombone,
timpani, crash/suspended cymbals, vibraphone, triangle, deagan chimes,
2 violin, 2 viola, 2 cello, & bass
copyright © studio III 2005

MILLENNIUM :
Composed in 1996 and re-orchestrated in 2004 - 2005. Millennium is a single movement following an original format. Main themes may be repeated, varied, or neither. Transitional material may be extensively highlighted for a period of time. This work has a mind of its own. Unexpected modulations and course changes may occur. I avoid encapsulating the piece; leaving the listener to absorb and critique as desired. Personally, Millennium conveys a feeling of trail and rest.
Looking forward to your comments.
Thank you for your time.

What a wonderful opening. OK, you have my attention.

You are clearly a composer who knows his way around the orchestra, and you apparently have amassed some experience. Some very colourful orchestration here, without calling for too much superfluously. I like the use of percussion, and the very nice trumpet solos...too rare.

I have to say that this may not have a specific key, but it is hardly atonal, nor is it particularly experimental. I might suggest that it belongs in the Orchestral category...perhaps even Major Works. I would definitely agree that this piece has a mind of its own...it doesn't light on any one idea for very long, yet somehow that is a strength, rather than a weakness. Your shifts and contrasts between tonalities and colours are striking...sudden at times, but not jarring at all. The music sounds "filmy" (for lack of a better term) only here and there, certainly not enough to be obviously program music for film.

Wow...not the ending I was expecting at all, but very satisfying nonetheless. I'm sorry I can't be more specific in my commentary (I'm a form-junkie, and I'm a bit at a loss with something so free), but exceedingly well done and enjoyable. My sincere compliments!

What are your influences? I'm hearing nods in the direction of Gustav Holst and his English contemporaries like Finzi...but not Vaugan-Williams. Also, what's your background? How long have you been doing this?

I recommend this piece to anyone considering the mp3 download...it's worth it! Enjoy.

Hey.. I'm puzzled - a kaleidoscope
I've got the feeling I'm switching between univers(es) but staying in the same realm.
There is no firm hold on the flow of emotions except for the ending.
Don't get me wrong, I like the music.. I do!

In reply to Lee's comment: It's not working as a filmscore to me at all.
Much to demanding to the listener for that. (in a very good way)

I would love to see the score, there is a lot to learn here (for me at least )

(btw. where do the coughs and noises come from? for ambiance purposes?)

Thank you for your review of my work Millennium. Sorry about the atonal mistake. Sometimes I'm not sure how to categorize my work. Since your a Global Moderator of the forum I wanted to bring to your attention that I originally posted my work under the "Major Work" category. Unfortunately, it didn't do very well b/c I didn't post a score. Then they created a new "rule" for that topic area stating you have to post a midi file. So I moved it to "Orchestral" then to "Experimental" Just trying to get some feed back. Well, you are right about my influences: Holtz, Mahler, Elfman, etc.
As far as my background - I composed for years before attending college for theory. As soon as I learned theory the whole world of composition just opened up! I taught myself orchestration using the library samples. Again, thanks for the wonderful review and taking the time to download my work.
If you both have time could you listen to my other work "canopy".

Oh, yes, I remember now. Sorry about that...in the major works thread, we really do want either a MIDI or a score so we can evaluate better. I would really have enjoyed seeing a score for this. I'm not sure why you're reticent about that, but I respect your feelings.