Here is my work for Steinway Model D piano and small orchestra, "Summit".

http://www.alexandermusic.com/resources/SummitSteinwayD.mp3

Regards,
Larry G. Alexander
http://www.alexandermusic.com

Hi Larry,

Some nice work in this piece.

Before listening to your piece, the title suggested "landscape" to me, but the music actually spoke more about "intrigue". Of course, at that point I realized there are a couple meanings of the word "summit" that are like that!

Overall, what struck me the most was your use of rhythm, starting with the main theme. It works especially well when you set it to imitation, e.g., the three part stretto at 0:27.

The rhythmic "surprise motif" at the tail of the main theme (first heard at 0:21, just before cadencing) was very effective, but most of all when the piano is playing alone (e.g., 2:13) and there is a brief pause in the rhythmic drive.

At 0:51 I was guessing the piano would enter there, but instead the ensemble continued with new material. Just thought it was a bit odd that a piece featuring piano doesn't actually employ the instrument for the first 45% of its duration! (I am probably missing some context, maybe this is actually just one of several movements? When the piano does finally enter, it is a big contrast, big relief, so maybe the wait was actually a good decision.)

The unprepared modulations at 2:51 and 3:42 worked well for me, giving a dramatic change of character that re-energized the piece at the right times.

At 3:03 (start of duet with flute), it's a nice cheery tune, but I wondered if this might be a good place to try a change of tempo (or maybe dynamics) that exploits or exaggerates the simple texture and then drives forward to the return to minor at 3:42.

The coda (4:07) works well, again because your sense of rhythm sits well with me.

Thanks for your detailed reply. I appreciate it.

I apologize for the lateness of my reply to you. I have been attempting to recover for a very bad case of influenza.

Regards,

I enjoyed this. I'm probably not as qualified as Eric to comment so specifically, but I do think the dynamics comment deserves repeating--unless your dynamic issues were because of the electronic playback, and not human playback.

I'm pleased that you like it. Thanks for listening.

Regards,