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Thoughts on a piano/strings piece?

It's very thoughtful. Do you think drums are a good idea? I would like to hear more attack and purpose to the strings. Very good.
 
Thanks for listening and the comments. I initially thought of using only staccato celli/bass as the rhythmic counterpart to that final section. The drums are a bit sudden and stand out too much. I was trying to offer some more movement/propulsion to that final part. I'll try it without the drums. On the attack on the strings, are there certain sections in particular? I was going for more swells during the buildups, but will try to see how a stronger attack on the front of the phrases sound.

I really appreciate you taking the time to listen and give me feedback.
 
I've redone the piece with a bit more purpose and attack on the strings. I've also brought out the drums and rhythmic counterweight to that final section. Although, I went in initially to take out the drums, I realized they actually needed more umph to place them squarely in the mix. I actually think this works better than before. What do you think?

[flash width=450 height=110 loop=false]https://player.soundcloud.com/player.swf?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F153243709&secret_url=false[/flash]

https://soundcloud.com/music-ams/cm-spiritoso-2
 
Nice. I wonder how it will sound with light staccatos on top though. I think it will add more rhythmic interest to the track as well.
 
This works much better than before and sounds better. Did you do any mastering on it?

The drums are not anywhere near so intrusive and the strings are a lot better at least to me.

One really small detail. It's over 6 minutes long and quite minimal in nature. Nothing wrong at all in that. But if it was me, I would would get to the ending point a lot quicker. More impact that way.

Very good.
 
Thanks for the feedback. It's been very helpful. I've posted another version with slightly more to the staccato celli/bass. In fact, I added some staccato brass to that final movement. I also shortened the piece too. I agree that it was a bit drawn out. I think this sounds tighter and more immediate. I actually have not mastered this at all. I'm a bit over my head when it comes to mastering orchestral arrangements. I've EQ'd here and there, but that's about it. I'll gladly incorporate any mastering tips to improve this.

https://soundcloud.com/music-ams/cm-spiritoso-3

[flash width=450 height=110 loop=false]https://player.soundcloud.com/player.swf?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F153811191&secret_url=false[/flash]
 
I only listened to your final version, and I it was very appealing, for a relatively long piece it didn't feel repetitive. I don't have any mastering tips for you - I am very confident at mastering rock music but I am a complete novice when it comes to delicate orchestral music!
 
Thanks! I'm glad you liked it! I'm with you. I have no problem mastering a rock song either, but when it comes to strings I feel like a little goes a long way! As a result I've mostly steered clear with pieces like this.
 
There is a lot of low-end information in various orchestral instruments that I find can really trip me up (literally - it triggers the compressors in a way that is not pleasing!) Whereas in rock I know where I stand, I've got my kick drum and bass guitar driving the compressors and their effect on pulling the whole mix together and triggering a gluing effect is tasty. Totally opposite with orchestral!
 
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