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The Ballade in E-flat minor was written in 2021. Though it is written for solo piano, I had intended to write it for piano and orchestra, and may make a version of it for this ensemble in the future. The piece is about 8 minutes long. I hope you all enjoy it 🙂

I am in love with 2:18 onward, 3:00 onward is also beautiful, I like that repeated motif (forgive me if I used that word incorrectly) from earlier on (m. 1-4, 36-39) that you repeated in measure 100. That contrasting rhythm between the bassoon and piano in some places is also quite nice. I also really enjoyed that timing switch there from 4/4 to 3/4, it gives the piece some variety, very nice to the ears. I am the last person you'd want to ask for music advice, but I hope that helps. I think you are a wonderful composer, I'd love to hear more of your work, keep it up!

I like the 2nd movement! It's quite effective as a slow movement and I don't usually like slow movements. Everything, including the piano accompaniment stays pretty simple for the most part. You attempt to introduce a more virtuosic variation of the material in the bassoon at meas. 54 which I feel could be brought out more and elaborated upon more. If it were my piece I would probably have subjected the material to a theme and variations treatment but that's just me. Your phrases are quite unusual in this and end up in unexpected places. Also it seems like the melody line should be more lyrical and song-like somehow. There certainly is plenty of tension and release in your phrases and dynamics that highlight that. Overall, an enjoyable if brooding piece! Thanks for sharing!