Ascension

[iNCLUDES MP3 AND SCORE (Finale PrintMusic)]

Introduction:

"Ascension," written for Orchestra, is a piece I wrote to illustrate the Ascension of Christ. It can be viewed non-religiously as well. Musically, the song introduces the melody in the beginning, then ascends to a climax of joy, and then has a conclusion.

About:

"Ascension", written in early 2007, is my fourth piece made with Finale PrintMusic. The sole purpose of writing this piece was to listen to its playback. That will explain the unecessary use of some instruments and as well as over/under-powering use of dynamics. Because I'm very busy with school and work, this piece took about 3 months to complete. One of the greatest difficulties was finding the correct key. I felt that higher keys would work better because it symbolizes happiness in comparison to dark lower keys. But, because of the key change, I resulted to a lower key with a popular style key change at the end, resulting to a satisfying climax.

Instrumentation:

Although this is in the Orchestral and Large Ensemble category, I like to classify it as "Other" because it doesn't quite include all the components of an orchestra. I just added the typical string section and french horn of course. I also added in an oboe, flute, harp, piano, and choir. Because I'm a Euphoniumist, I also added a Euphonium and Tuba (even though Euphoniums are rarely used in Orchestral arrangements).

LISTEN/SCORE:

http://www2.hawaii.edu/~kkching/Ascension.mp3

http://www2.hawaii.edu/~kkching/Ascension.MUS

I would much appreciate everyone's help in giving their very honest opinion, or participate in the poll above.

Mahalo

damn , have you played the game "port royal"?

this music is GOOD! ,, reminds me much of that game

I really liked the way you brought the music out, but I think you could have maybe created a better climax...but it depends on YOUR feelings of the piece, not mine. Overall, it was very beautiful music.

Nice Job:)

Truly remarkable.

Yeah, it does sound a bit like something from a game...or maybe even a movie. I can't come close to thinking of whose music it sounds like...I guess that's a good thing for you. :-)

Wonderful work Kevin. You have a good sense of drama and a perfect balance of moods within melodies and harmonizations. Your patience and gradual building of instrumental layers is very impressive and very effective in capturing your thematic focus. A great tribute and job well done.

Michael

thank you everyone for your feedback. it truly keeps me motivated to strive for more :)

Aloha Kevin

Very well done. In no time you will be the Grand Kahuna.

This piece is lani.

Aloha

Ron

Hi!

This melody is indeed very well made, and extremely satisfying to the listener. The key change(s) towards the end, add to the mix, and there is enough counterpoint to keep the interest flowing.

That said I'd like to know what you strive to do with this piece, by posting here? In all areas, there are rather "vital errors", but it does stand on it's own as is.

I mean, the score is really a mess. Honestly it is. But if you wrote the score only to listen to it, there's no reason in me analysing those things. Just one thing, which I can't held back. The sequence of the instruments in the scores is not how you put it. I kept getting lost again and again. It goes: woods-brass-percussion-harp-piano-solo-choirs-strings. The strings always go last. By having this unnamed staff at the bottom I couldn't exactly follow.

The recording again has some weird things, mainly in the mixing, but if you do not wish to take it further, I do not wish to trouble you at all.

In all this is a very enjoyable melody, and well done for that. I do want to listen to more stuff coming from you mate:) Bring them on!

Hi!

This melody is indeed very well made, and extremely satisfying to the listener. The key change(s) towards the end, add to the mix, and there is enough counterpoint to keep the interest flowing.

That said I'd like to know what you strive to do with this piece, by posting here? In all areas, there are rather "vital errors", but it does stand on it's own as is.

I mean, the score is really a mess. Honestly it is. But if you wrote the score only to listen to it, there's no reason in me analysing those things. Just one thing, which I can't held back. The sequence of the instruments in the scores is not how you put it. I kept getting lost again and again. It goes: woods-brass-percussion-harp-piano-solo-choirs-strings. The strings always go last. By having this unnamed staff at the bottom I couldn't exactly follow.

The recording again has some weird things, mainly in the mixing, but if you do not wish to take it further, I do not wish to trouble you at all.

In all this is a very enjoyable melody, and well done for that. I do want to listen to more stuff coming from you mate:) Bring them on!

Thank you Nikolas for your comment. Music is not my current major, but instead, a hobby. I just make songs based on melodies that pop into my head. I didn't take any music theory classes, but just band classes. So, that's why I just make music to listen; not to have it published. But I signed up so that I could get people's opinions both on the score and songs I make and use that to help me improve in the future. Indeed I'll have a look on my instrumentation for future songs and try to make it have more musical sense. ;)