So, here's the music I've been working on for the past several weeks.  I really have spent way too much time on it, but hopefully the results are enjoyable.  Whether or not this track belongs on the "Virtual CD" is anybody's guess.  It's just strictly an orchestral piece.    I think of it as the journey of a very simple melody across a variety of landscapes of key and rhythm. 

Click here to download "Hopeful Transitions."

As I mentioned in my last post, this was an exercise for me in using the whole orchestra rather than just an ensemble of solo strings.   To reflect this transition, the first two repetitions of the melody are with the solo strings, and then the whole string section comes in at the first big change.  I also used trumpet and horn, as well as flute and oboe.   Bassoonists and clarinetists will have to take the day off.  It was a huge amount of work to try keep each instrument sounding authentic, and to make the whole sound balanced.  That's where the majority of my time was spent with this.  

This piece started out as an attempt to expand "Wished Fulfilled," but it grew into something entirely different.  You may notice there are some similarities in a couple of places.  I have a tendency to go into a kind of march rhythm.  It's a tendency I'd like to get out of, and I try to avoid it, but I think it worked out well here. 

I think the modulations in this piece worked out really well.   It's basically going from a G minor key to B flat major and E flat major, and eventually to D major.    Hopefully you will notice that there's another chord that really belongs at the end but doesn't happen.  I originally did create a big G major chord at the end, but it sounded a bit cheap and obvious.   So you can either imagine the final chord yourself, or you can see it as an unfulfilled promise.  Your choice! 

Meanwhile, I did get a package from my rock-star buddy "Gus" yesterday!   Two CDs and a handwritten letter.  Very cool.  I am going to start working on his music today.   I can already hear how I can add to this music, and I think the end result will be awesome.  I'll post here about the process (but I will obviously not post any music).

Please let me know what you think of "Hopeful Transitions."  Does anybody like music like this?  Does it sound anything like what it's supposed to sound like?   Am I pompous, overbloated and crazy?  Let me know!