The effort truly shows.
Hmm, I can really FEEL the effort in this piece KoT.
The deep brass compliments the strings extremely well. You build up some intensity to a really high point, and then something grand happens, something alarmingly sad perhaps, and then it all ends.
The light stops shining, the dreams stop churning... the emotions and imagery I gained from this piece was something quite different.
The melody was also quite strange, and yet intoxicating, it had anger, confusion, frustration, and yet at the same time, gave me a feeling of clear precision. As if an angry ghost didn't know why they died, only what they must do now.
Enough with my reaction, some suggestions.
The music box sound served this piece to no ends! It was a great way to usher the song in, and though its difficult to hear later, its still there, and the strings end to this note, it gives the song a constant feel, a constant air and having the story end with what it started with gave it an atmosphere easy to understand and appreciate.
I am glad you chose not to put any snares in this piece, it would have ruined it in my opinion.
The timpini is kinda soft, I feel you should use it in more abundance and make it somewhat louder, especially in the ending. Have it rise to a booming voice, buh-buh-BUH-BUUH-BUUUUUH! and then have it end, perhaps a sound to a grand iron bell, to give it a truly divine and powerful ending.
I don't know why, but I keep hearing a duet with a single string, with the string sections, the single string, stressing important openings and endings of the song, maybe throwing in some extra flavour in the middle. This single violin/viola would be quiet, as not to disturb the other strings, but enough to make a stand. I hope you consider adding something of that nature or consider using that technique in future creations.
Though the song doesn't really need it, have you considered putting a delay effect on this piece? I find a delay effect greatly improves the songs power, especially for a melody that gives the images this song incorporates.
*By the way, sorry about my review on Mysterious, for some reason half of it got cut off, if you want email me at full_metal_slashemist@hotmail.com, and I will send you my thoughts.*
5/5 from me KoT, keep them coming.