Prelude for Strings

This piece is based of series of themes that have been been "haunting" me for a few months, those being the two themes in the middle section. The descending syncopated theme in the intro and outro was actually written later.
It's my first attempt at writing for strings, and the first piece I've actually finished to my satisfaction. (even though it's a little short still...) I actually did most of the grunt work over the last 4 days or so.
Thanks in advance for the comments.
Rough midi mockup

Very haunting and beautiful... I'm not necessarily sure what purpose this piece was written for, but from the sound of it it invokes a sense of dolorousness. If this was your target, you have certainly done well, and this is a wonderful piece indeed!

Nevertheless, the piece is not bereft of qualms. My first qualm lies in measure 10, in the third beat, where the chord is a rather oddly structured major V chord. The held D in the bottom Viola divisi section clashes with the rest of the orchestra on that particular chord. If your intention is to hold the I note through that particular section, then I would suggest that you do the same for the lower instruments as well. If not, consider revising the chord.

The next qualm of mine: the fermata at 27. I am at disagreeance with this particular chord; why end on this? This is just a personal opinion (in no way do I mean to interfere with your composition), I think a Bb major seventh chord would create more tension and longing for the next note. Another suggest I might add would be a possible diminuendo toward this fermata, which may also assist with providing tension.

Now, on to what I like: the motifs which you mentioned earlier are fascinating... it is indeed good that you wrote them down. As Shostakovich once said, "Whatever you have in your head, write it down; the mind is a sensitive vessel." You intertwined the motifs quite well within the piece. The syncopated theme in the introduction and end also do well.

I have one more suggestion: tie the pedal notes. This one is the least important of the suggestions, though, but do consider this.

Once again, this is a beautiful and haunting piece, and I would love to hear it performed.

Thanks!

I think that viola note was just an oversight by myself. Thanks for noticing.

I might try that. Chord theory isn't my strong point yet.

I left the pedals untied so there was still a sense of where the beat is and the syncopated theme actually sounds syncopated. I might be re-orchestrating for full orchestra, so some light percussion could solve that problem.

Hey,

The introduction sounds very film-score-ish ... and it sounds very very ominous. Actually, it sounds like a prelude (which it happens to be), so good job on matching your title with your piece! The orchestration of the chords provides a lush sound, which is another good thing about this. I also like the fact that there is coherency in the piece, which is what so many pieces lack. I feel that you could have used more contrary motion and more independent lines, just to create interest. The ending was very befitting of the piece, imo ... I think that the last chord is quite acceptable, and a seventh chord would only be out of character.

good work! I enjoyed listening to it (A little more length would be great, but then again its a prelude, so you fit the bill)

The first two measures - To me, it sounds like I want to hear the second note re articulated, either softer or louder (my instincts say louder, perhaps followed by a diminuendo) rather than just sitting on the fifths.
Also, the 'drone' part is a little boring. Perhaps consider tying some or all notes, or maybe a combination, to where it's not just 'ever 4 beats everyone re-attacks' These suggestions don't have to be followed at all, these are just my thoughts. Often I just comment on what I would have done.

It sounds somewhat film score-esque, with the harmonic progression and the orchestration.

I find it odd that in meausre 23 you have Vln II higher than Vln I, but in no way does this really impact the piece.

I feel that the ending could have benefited from some pizzicato.

These are my subjective thoughts. Maybe they'll give you some ideas; maybe what you have is exactly what you want. Either way works for me. Also, I have not read previous comments, so my comments will not be influenced by them.