Abigmoron

You inspired me to try and learn this song. So far, I've got the first 4 measures. So, almost there!

Oh, I agree with the tympani roll suggestion a lot. At the quiet piano section at 2:15ish, in between the trumpets interjecting, I think some dramatic tympani work there could be very appropriate and help carry the tension back to the the initial climax. But really, this is a wonderful piece of work. Excellent, excellent job. Edit: I guess that part also happens around 40 seconds. Would work there too.

I agree. The only constructive criticism I can make is "I want more!", so I think you did a pretty good job. I really like the way you move between moods, from optimistic, to sad-ish, to suspicious, and do it flawlessly.

I've never heard this, but my experience is pretty limited. How so?

I think that if you hear a wonderful improvisation performed live, it can have as much or more impact than a beautiful composition. Hearing a recording of an improv makes it lose some of it's impact. So I guess an improv's charm lies somewhat in something besides it's musical qualities. Any ideas for where they lie? Is it watching the performance itself? Being part of crowd? being there in the moment? Admiration for the improvisational talent? It probably differs from person to person, but those are the things I could think of.

I also think Christophe's theme is really upbeat for a drunkard. I was expecting it to have an upbeat feel, but a darker side as well. As it is now, it sounds like a guy who's just generally happy, not someone with an alcohol addiction.

As long you play with just an F drone or an F chord as harmony, then your melody should sound lydian-y. If you wanna use progressions, try this: http://www.youngcomposers.com/forum/modal-harmony-12607.html Theres a thread I stumbled across a little bit ago. The third post down in particular is really helpful if you want progressions.

Have you ever heard the "Ice Cavern" song in Ocarina of Time? That song is as simple as hell, just a few chords over and over, but it works. This isn't what I'd want to listen to just for music, but I think if it played in a level of a game I'd find it really enjoyable in the right kind of level.

I agree that it can drag a little bit. I think adding another instrument to at least one of the sections (maybe something like a vibraphone or a bell?) could add some variety. Of course, in a game, sometimes all you need is something ethereal like that. I'd put it in the game and see how people like it when they play.