Opposition of Mars

[James McFadyen]

Here's an mp3 recording of one of my Brass Band pieces.

I created the score by using woodwinds and Brass and percussion from Edirol Orchestral and Groove Agent.

It's a classical piece but has a groovy and at times cinematic vibe.

Enjoy!


http://www.myalias.pwp.blueyonder.co...0of%20Mars.mp3

[Iason]

I know you are a professional but I always wanted to review one of your type. Please don't be offended. It's a hobby of mine to be excited and discuss the ups and downs of major composers like Bach, Beethoven and Mozart.

take it with a grain of salt

Here it goes...

0:28 was a very interesting clash. I'd expect this with Mars though. Out of this world type music.

The flute kind of fits but is somewhat bright.

Reminds me of a soundtrack.

2:00 The instruments are way too bright and piercing.

A lot of the High notes are very bright and piercing. Same with the louder notes.

Ever thought of doing movie/Video game soundtracks. you'd be great.

The progressions and chords are so well used and modern. I'm very excited by all this. It 's very very very very very effective.

A lot of instruments working together yet separately. Very talented!~!!!

(of course I'm doing this as I listen)

The mellow point isn't enticing me to hear more ncesssarily it's actually boring me. Try spifing up a few parts with unique tones, volume, or tensity.

06:32 Here it does start to grab me and hold me very quickly.

An intenes climax better be coming.....

Will it resolve???????

7:20 Here it is only making more tensity but it better be a good resolution.

7:50 Here it is slow..... Noooo I wanted more excitement to resolve....

8:18 Here it is giving me that feeling but slowly.... Power I need more power....

8:55 sounds like gunshots. Not pleasant for an orchestrated piece.

Unfortunately it did not resolve to my liking.

The resolution will either make or brake the song. If you leave the concert unsatisfied, would you go back?


I'm not saying I have all the words of wisdom in music but here are some of my ideas to think about:

1. To make the symphony more effective all instruments must sound like they are equal and also equaly effected by each other. otherwise it's not that effective.

2. If you want to calm someone down during the piece, try not to bore them. They are already excited! let their tension and excitement build.

3. When you create such an intense build if you don't resolve it then they are all left in the dark wondering how it will end. Unless you plan to do a sequel it needs a more satisfying ending. Perhaps one with more power and comfort, OR one with total dispair and misery. It's all up to you how you want your fans to feel when they leave.

[Concertmate]

I'm by no means a orchestral composer - however I love the free flowing nature that the sort of instrumentation and melodies bring to orchestral music. I'm just gunna give you my impressions as an outsider. Seeing as this has been recorded using Edirol - I'll refrain from commenting on the mix/clarity etc. It's the composition I'm interested in.


* I really liked your opening melodies

* from 1:20 - 2:30 I felt changed in dynamics too much - too "up and down"

* love the change at 3:00

* I think it kind of sounds like there is almost too much going after 3:00. Has a very cut&paste feel. To many changes in a small timeframe. I feel kinda lost.

*Finally a return to that original opening melody around 5:30. Though I think you build this a lot more effectively - it sits on this melody for about a minute.

* 6:30 Hey now where talking - it is funky

* Overall I feel as there was too much happening to listen to in some places. The melodies you created were very good. I think you need to identify some themes a little better, take the listener on a journey - - this was more like a ride on the bus. Always stopping and starting - kinda frustrating.