Symphony in C# Minor - UNFINISHED

Aigh so I've sketched out and developed ideas for the introduction and exposition of a sonata-form movement.

Overview of the current situation:

• I don't want to change too much about the introduction. However, it probably needs some minor tweaking and I'm not sure about the balancing of the instruments
• The transition between the tonic and dominant is clunky. It just has an ascending pattern in the bassi and has the previous theme end on the dominant. I'm not particularly happy with it
• The dominant section needs more fleshing out, however I was stuck for ideas

thanks in advance!

Hi @malumCompositor,

Finally you have the draft of the Symphony in C# minor! I remember you said that your work will probably bring shame to C# minor, but no! This one certainly has potential to be great!

4 hours ago, malumCompositor said:

I don't want to change too much about the introduction. However, it probably needs some minor tweaking and I'm not sure about the balancing of the instruments

For me I think the C# are too strong throughout the introduction. You are having the violins and violas all on in C# and sometimes instruments join too. I think you should mark divisi and having them play the whole C# minor chord.

I like how you feature cello and bass in b.19 and 35, but the rendition sounds weak.

Before entering the main section will it be better to bw on a half cadence featuring dominant pedal instead of persisting C#? That will make the transition smoother.

4 hours ago, malumCompositor said:

The transition between the tonic and dominant is clunky. It just has an ascending pattern in the bassi and has the previous theme end on the dominant. I'm not particularly happy with it

In classical sonata form normally there are several options: half cadence of V, half cadence of I, PAC of I. You are having PAC of i here, and I agree that you should have a new transitional theme for the sake of making ut smoother!

4 hours ago, malumCompositor said:

The dominant section needs more fleshing out, however I was stuck for ideas

First, keep that quaver accompaniment of cello and bass in b.88 main 2nd theme. That brings motion as well as smooth transtion. I think the ending section is good but the same as the 1st subject in mood. Probably you should have a lyrical 2nd subject first playwd by the woodwinda before entering the codetta you are having now.

Thanks for sharing!

Henry

8 hours ago, Henry Ng Tsz Kiu said:

I like how you feature cello and bass in b.19 and 35, but the rendition sounds weak.

What makes it sound weak?

1 hour ago, malumCompositor said:

What makes it sound weak?

I think it's the volume of the cello and bass since those C# are much louder than them.