Symphony no. 1

Again I apologize for not including the score but I can't.

Hi there,

Nice work, obviously whatever I say will not be changed since this piece is done, but I was hoping for a more recognizable melodic fragment or harmonic sequence to keep in mind while the piece progresses, especially in the first movement. It seemed more motivic (that triplet figure in the first movement) and textural, but I dunno, I would have highlighted the main motives more to help guide the listener.

The harmony and orchestration, as expected, is very nice. The wind writing, in particular, is excellent. I thought the structure was easily recognizable and very strong. The structure matched the amorphousness of the melodic content, especially in movements 1 and 2.

Thank you for sharing.

Hi,
This is a wonderful piece. One of the better ones on the site. The wind writing, and harp writing is very good, I agree. Completely playable yet fun. Orchestration wise, it almost sounds in some spots like Daphnis and Chloe (Ravel), which I just so happened to love I think in one or two places the orchestrational texture got a bit over-done, or too much the same for a little too long. but overall, I think this is a great work. I would love to see a score, but if you can't, no worries. Alto flute, huh? AMAZING! I love it Is there a piano-celesta part in here? I heard a few things that suggested that, but not sure.
Again, great job!

Heckel

Pretty interesting that you pointed out the third movement as the main evidence of the conductor taking the piece too easy - since in fact it was my favorite movement from the symphony. I felt that it had the most recognizable melodic (and rythmic) material, providing a neat balance from the harmonic and texture-oriented first and second movements.

I must say, however, that I enjoyed the whole work, and that musically-wise I can't add virtually anything to what Heckel and Ananth have already stated. The wise, balanced orchestration, the outstanding woodwind writing and the textures all accounted for a very good composition - another reason to confirm the admiration that I already have for your works. Thanks for sharing!!

HeckelphoneNYC
There is no piano-celesta part, just glockenspiel combined with vibraphone. I admit I have "borrowed" this effect from Rautavaara's seventh symphony. Yes, there is an extensive part for alto flute, which serves as a bit of narrator throughout the symphony.

Again I am pissed when listening to third movement. Check the tempo difference from 11:40 to around 13:20. In score, there is no tempo change. And you can simply just follow "poco a poco meno mosso". As I have said, the conductor never really paid attention to my symphony. He actually wanted to avoid it (because he'd expect a shorter composition). Crap.

Which I would take to mean that this Symphony has far enough quality to stand out despite a less-than-perfect conducting. I hope you're able to re-stage it and have it performed as it deserves.

score please!

score please!

Sorry, I can't do it! It's published.