Symphonic Waltz

Here is my first attempt to write for an orchestra, and this is also the first time I wrote without a piano! Go easy on me, you hardcore orchestral writers!

1. Techniques used/Inspiration/Goal of composition Way different than writing for piano, I'll tell you that much. Goal was to gain experience with writing for orchestra. I also wanted to create something a piano can't create. I don't think there is much Chopin influence in this piece. I don't know what kind of influences are in this piece, you decide.

2. How long it took to compose the piece A month.

3. Structure of your piece A waltz. There is a small section with a 4/4 time signature.

4. Obstacles when composing When I started the piece, I had a hard time figuring out which instruments I wanted to use for which parts. With orchestral writing, you can do things you can't do with a piano, such as adding more repeats, better fugue writing, better counterpoint, etc. I struggled hard in the beginning, but I think I got the hang of it.

5. Summary of overall piece The piece is supposed to be a fun, humorous, and romantic piece to listen to. The style is modern romance, but I mix it up with some classical. I also practiced my fugue writing (first time I really did a fugue as well). I also try to portray childish behavior in this piece.

Symphonic_Waltz.MID

Undoubtedly a fine piece, but...heh, you need to post a score in order for this to remain eligible for the MW forum. ;)

Undoubtedly a fine piece, but...heh, you need to post a score in order for this to remain eligible for the MW forum. :(

Doesn't the MIDI count?

Was that smiley simply because he runs the website? ;)

Doesn't the MIDI count?

Was that smiley simply because he runs the website? :unsure:

And yes, the smiley was there for that reason.

I'm not sure I got the message of childish behavior, but I thought it was beautifully written. I liked your choice of instruments. It kept my interest well enough, especially in the beginning. I heard your dynamics but I thing it would have been interesting if you made your dynamics more dramatic (this might be my flaw, I'm a fan of huge dynamic contrasts). Like instead of going from mp to mf to mp, going from P to F to P (this is a made up example and does not describe any specific part of the piece but was used rather to help protray my point). Counterpoint and harmony and and all that stuff great. Sometimes it is hard to pick out a melody but most of the time it is fine. I think sometimes it has to do with the instruments being used to accompany the melody being stronger instruments then the ones playing the melody, like with a trumpet backing up a flute. Thats about it. Good job!

Hi I'm brand new to the forums

I am listening to the piece as I write this, and I must say I hear ALOT of Chopin influences in the way the music flows. I also hear your mentioned Romantic era influence as well

Anyway a fantastic piece

Encore! :P

Greetings, Chopin!

It is good to see you writing orchestral works. The only trouble I had with the MIDI is that all the tracks were labeled nonsense such as Track 1, etc... I really couldn't tell what each instrument was supposed to be.

That said, the music itself sounds very good. You definitely know how to write a good Waltz. Anybody can write a Waltz (my own attempt in the genre should be shown to everyone so that folks can see what not to do) but not anybody can write one that lasts nine minutes and remains interesting and enjoyable throughout.

I am still learning how to better orchestrate, so I won't comment in that regard, but what I heard sounded good. So I think what you have is an enjoyable tableaux of the fun and spirit that a Waltz can offer. I most especially enjoyed the last four minutes of the work. Right around the 6 minute mark you had a gorgeous theme that came to a close. That was simply a scrumptious bit of music!

I did sense a feeling of immaturity from a young child running amok on a playground

Nice composition!