<Pony><Original><Orchestra> Danger in the Skies of Equestria

[LockeStockeAndBaryl]

This was my entry for Toast Beard ZIQ40. I thought I might as well post it here too.

I'd welcome any suggestions, as I'm still new to orchestration. I hope you like it.

[Dr_Dissonance]

REVERB! Many of the instruments have little or no reverb at all, so add it to them to give it a more roomy/realistic feel.

Your orchestration was good, but I think it relied too heavily on the strings. What I heard is that the strings are the driving force behind the piece, but don't give up that role ever. Good orchestration has roles shifting between parts regularly. Consider putting the brass in the back seat to provide the force for a bit maybe. Let the strings take the melody. Things like that.

Your use of woodwinds = GOOD!

Consider counterpoint. There were some points where I thought it was going to come, but never did...especially in the 'danger' section.

And it sounds too happy for danger when it does arrive, maybe anger it up a bit! =P

[LockeStockeAndBaryl]

Thanks for listening. I appreciate your comments.

What I heard is that the strings are the driving force behind the piece, but don't give up that role ever.

Good point. I guess my thought was "Ooh, those strings sound good like that. Let's have them keep doing that for THE WHOLE PIECE!" Also, I wanted the melody to go to the woodwinds at the beginning and the brass for the rest of the piece, and I was afraid to let the strings stop what they were doing or take the melody. But listening to it again, I can see that the strings do the same thing for too long. I probably should have taken more risks with them.

Consider counterpoint. There were some points where I thought it was going to come, but never did...especially in the 'danger' section.

I think I must have completely forgotten counterpoint after my one semester of music theory. I should go back and see if I can work that into the piece.

And it sounds too happy for danger when it does arrive, maybe anger it up a bit!

You would say that, wouldn't you? But again, good point. I'll see what I can do.

Thanks for the suggestions. I may try to improve this track, and perhaps release an edited version sometime. And I'll certainly keep those tips in mind next time I work on an orchestral track. I really like your music, by the way.