Poem for Orchestra

Hi everyone,

I recently completed a draft of a short symphonic poem, after a long period of writer's block and not writing anything. I haven't put all the finishing touches on my scores (divisi, part divisions, crescendos are all lowk messed up etc.), but I would really appreciate feedback/suggestions relating to development and harmony. I'd also appreciate knowing what images, if any, it conjures up for you as you listen to it (I'd like to figure out a more evocative title).

Thank you for your time :D!

Poem for Orchestra.pdf

Hi, A Ko, listening to it, I felt it sounded a lot like a movie soundtrack.
It’s a piece with a strong sense of storytelling. I can’t express it very well, but I imagined a medieval warrior returning home from war. It might be cliché, though.
Up until 3:30, they are taking a detour, passing through peaceful meadows and areas with somewhat mysterious trees.
Around 2:45, there’s a sign that they are getting closer to home.
Then at 3:10, their hometown finally comes into view from an open landscape, and shortly after, they return to the brick-paved streets of the medieval town with their comrades.
At 3:32, the local townsfolk are incredibly overjoyed.
At 3:52, the warrior spots their children and family among the crowd, and after that, the credits roll.
I'm starting to confuse myself with what I'm saying...
This kind of thing is difficult for me since I don't have synesthesia, so please just take it with a grain of salt as one person's perspective.

On the other hand, I feel like a title with more movement would suit this piece better rather than just "Poem for orchestra", though words related to a "journey" might be a bit too boring.
Overall, I think this piece is going to turn out wonderful. Good luck with your piece!

Best,

Lithl.

Edited Saturday at 11:26 PM1 day by Lithl

27 minutes ago, Lithl said:

Hi, A Ko, listening to it, I felt it sounded a lot like a movie soundtrack.
It’s a piece with a strong sense of storytelling. I can’t express it very well, but I imagined a medieval warrior returning home from war. It might be cliché, though.
Up until 3:30, they are taking a detour, passing through peaceful meadows and areas with somewhat mysterious trees.
Around 2:45, there’s a sign that they are getting closer to home.
Then at 3:10, their hometown finally comes into view from an open landscape, and shortly after, they return to the brick-paved streets of the medieval town with their comrades.
At 3:32, the local townsfolk are incredibly overjoyed.
At 3:52, the warrior spots their children and family among the crowd, and after that, the credits roll.
I'm starting to confuse myself with what I'm saying...
This kind of thing is difficult for me since I don't have synesthesia, so please just take it with a grain of salt as one person's perspective.

On the other hand, I feel like a title with more movement would suit this piece better rather than just "Poem for orchestra", though words related to a "journey" might be a bit too boring.
Overall, I think this piece is going to turn out wonderful. Good luck with your piece!

Best,

Lithl.

Hi @Lithl ,

Thank you for your comment and the kind words! I agree that the piece does sound kinda cinematic and I love your story - I think you expressed it very well :D. I like the idea of a "journey" of sorts and I'll keep brainstorming for a better title.

Hello! Over the last few days, I’ve listened and looked at the score quite a lot. I felt it within my interest to analyze the score. The attached PDF is culmination of my annotations and comments. If you have any questions, I’ll do my best to answer!

Good work!

A. Ko - Poem for Orchestra [ANNOTATED].pdf

14 minutes ago, MK_Piano said:

Hello! Over the last few days, I’ve listened and looked at the score quite a lot. I felt it within my interest to analyze the score. The attached PDF is culmination of my annotations and comments. If you have any questions, I’ll do my best to answer!

Good work!

Hello @MK_Piano ,

It's an honor to get such extensive feedback, and I'm especially thankful for your notes on engraving in particular. As a string player, I know how much notation matters for performers, and I'll be sure to make those changes as I revise (though I don't anticipate this piece seeing a live orchestra any time soon, especially as an amateur composer). I fully agree that this piece is pretty texturally monotonous, and think that I'll need to continue studying scores to gain a better grasp on orchestration, texture, thematic development, and the likes. Thank you again for your time, knowledge, and the depth of commentary you've provided!

I was wondering if you had any particular suggestions for creating more motion throughout the piece, and if you know of any particular scores/treatises that I might be able to study and make my piece more effective (I'll do lots of listening/studying on my own as well) -- I would definitely like to develop more robust parts for the brass and other areas that I haven't quite done justice.

Of course, it was a treat! In my opinion, I think in terms of creating motion, it makes more sense to try simple things. Pulsing eighth notes or quarter notes. In terms of orchestration, creating effects of sustain or replicating the piano sustain pedal is a good goal to try. I don't have source material now off the top of my head, however, I may reply back tomorrow (for me) with some sources.

Using French horn or trombone to hold sustain notes around Middle C and another instrument to pulse the same pitches on any note duration is a simple way to create the illusion. If not the brass, doing so in the strings is another way.

Lastly, to not over complicate my words, keep it simple. If you have the melody sustaining, have the accompaniment move. If the melody is moving, pull the accompaniment back.