Opening movement of a set of orchestral variations

This is the opening movement of a set of orchestral variations I've been writing on the theme of the first movement of Tchaikovsky's first piano concerto (but with an added oboe and cor anglais as well as the piano). I wrote this 3 years ago, so I might not even remember why I have done certain things... nevertheless, I'm very eager for suggestions etc, particularly on how to begin the first variation. Beware, the final section of the tune is shortened from Tchaikovsky's version, as is the virtuosic passage for piano. The first half of this movement is my introduction, and the second half is obviously by Tchaikovsky (although my own arrangement of the tune).

I - Introduzione - Tema.sib

What do people think about using modes? Would it be too weird for a first variation?

Why not try modes? If the worst comes to the worst, you've at least closed a bling alley.

Woo, sorry, Can't listen cause it's Sibelius... if you have any MIDI, that would really help. thx

Here's a midi version. The rather pathetic sounding thuds in the solo section are meant to be gongs...

I - Introduzione - Tema.mid

SaepesGenistae many thanks. Oh, don't worry about the MIDI, I can go to Finale and open MIDI file so, it will sound much better as the original :P , Also, I will post you a comment later, after I do my English homework.

Ok, thanks.

Modes are really akward to put across with big sets of instruments, I can only ever try it with long pedal notes, and a few other instruments.

I'm not a piano player but that looks so difficult, good luck finding an octapus that plays the piano.

Yes, I'll probably only use modes with the trio solo (oboe, cor, piano).