Symphony No. 1: Allegro non troppo, ma misterioso

The first movement of my first symphony. I released this a long time ago under a different account. The work was created using GarageBand (I know, it stinks ) and I am hard at work on a handwritten score. This was written in early 2007. At QcCowboy's request, I have renamed it "Allegro non troppo, ma misterioso." Please let me know what you think.

Symphony No. 1: Allegro non troppo, ma misterioso

"fast, not a lot mysterious"?

sorry, the tempo indicator is a tad... confused.

Originally Posted by QcCowboy

"fast, not a lot mysterious"?

sorry, the tempo indicator is a tad... confused.

Ah, ok. Thank you very much for pointing that out! Could you propose another suitable title?

well, if you mean "not too fast but mysterious" you could try "Allegro non troppo, ma misterioso" or "...e misterioso" for "...AND mysterious"

it depends what exactly it is you want to say with your tempo indicator.

Originally Posted by QcCowboy

well, if you mean "not too fast but mysterious" you could try "Allegro non troppo, ma misterioso" or "...e misterioso" for "...AND mysterious"

it depends what exactly it is you want to say with your tempo indicator.

Ah, thank you very much!

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.

Hmmm, good suggestions. I will consider them.

I LOVE your instrumentation. But... as Maelstromtempest has already mentioned, the movement lacks a well established theme(s). Work on developing strong themes, and this will truly be impressive! Keep it up!

I really liked the beginning it sounded very mysterious to me. Though like someone had mentioned before, where are the woodwinds? I hear the brass and strings but woodwinds are scarce. I think the music could maybe swell or have a stronger high point.

Why don't you write tempo indications in English? You speak english, right?