PLPauloski

The Hindemith books were written in the 1940's. It is just a really good group of books. The Theory book starts off with talking about tuning and weather we should use the Well-tempered tuning or pure Pythagorean tuning. Its really interesting. Then his comp books (book 2 and 3) are all about harmonies.

I play cello, pipe organ, a little guitar, and sing at the moment. I want to learn viola, horn and bassoon.

I think you should take a look at Paul Hindemith's theory and comp books. It includes some stuff about interesting progressions like this- and also some other really cool things.

I am able to do all three of the options. Most of the time, though, I do hear the entire orchestra and know the instrumentation. Honestly, I don't know if it can be learned. I have always listened to music- jazz, classical, country, metal at every waking moment of my day and even when I sleep. Good luck though.

I really like your orchestration. I think it would sound really good if you had your cellos double the V1 part when the V1 has the melody. It will create a richer sound. If you are worried about the cello part, just make it a divisi. I really like it though! Patrick