"A World Divided"

A while ago, I played through Reives' game, Quintessence, and it inspired me to write the main theme for a project of mine. This one's intended to be the main theme for an RPG I'm developing called "A Tale of Xandopheii".

Anyway, I'd like some feedback on this other than "I have no criticism"... Since that's what I got last time I posted something here. Unless, that is, there really is nothing to critique, but I doubt that.

Anyway:
A World Divided

Hey,

Here are just some of my thoughts thrown together. It's kinda early for me, so hopefully this will make some kind of sense!

First off, I like the mood you've built here. Nicely done. One thing that jumped out at me was the fact that your oboe horn line seems to go on without any lifts or breaks for a tad too long. I think this piece would flow a little better if the oboe would break just a tad. This could even be an opportunity to allow the full ensemble to retard a bit into the cadence and then resume the original pace into the next phrase. Don't forget about tempo and how it can be a great performance tools, especially when trying to make computer-based compositions sound more realistic.

I also like how the melody line is traded off with oboes then flutes (and mirrored in the harp). Nice to hear a piece in 5/4 as well!

The piece is just a sample or fragment of what could be a fully fleshed out piece. I think you're on to something here and would love to listen to some later drafts where you've taken your ideas and stretched, turned and mixed them up.

Another idea is that you've made the orchestration the source of development in this piece. The same basic melody and harmony are presented three times, with a slight change before the final statement of the original idea in the flute and harps. I don't necessarily see this as a bad thing, but know that you if want to lengthen this piece you'll need to make new material.

Overall, nicely done. I enjoyed it.