Absence of Light

I dunno..  I think it's OK just the way it is.   Especially as part of a larger concept.
 
The only thing I didn't care for on this one was the tone of the piano - it seemed to be not quite "bright" but not quite "woody" either, and there was a certain resonance to some of the repeated notes that felt odd.   Otherwise the composition and overall mix worked well for me.
 

No problem!   I think it's definitely worth trying with a straight piano, perhaps with a little additional ambiance for good measure.   

"Straight piano?" I say don't ask don't tell, and let's maintain good military discipline. I thought the piano was pretty cool, and the other orchestral samples as well. The performance doesn't leave me "questioning?" Not that there's anything wrong with that. Before you seek to pursue any surgery on this piece (pre-op) I recommend more input. I like it the way God made it. 

I'm with Steve? I mean, you listen to classic pieces, I mean like "The Wall?" There are segments which convey a message, but are basically transitional? I see no problem with the length (words I have heard so many times, "so many times...") 

I think the piece stands very nicely on it's own, but also sounds as if it might serve as like a preamble for some larger work or collection of pieces.

philz
I think the piece stands very nicely on it's own, but also sounds as if it might serve as like a preamble for some larger work or collection of pieces.

 Phil. It's good to know that it work both ways. Thanks for lending me your ears.

This sounds like a really good to me. I haven't heard the rest of the collection, but on its own, the spikiness of the piano (love it when you can hear the hammer strikes) on top of the other music, sounds like an amazing film cue, for something like a dark thriller. I can see ice, snow and a lone man in that context. I wouldn't change the length, it resolves perfectly and gets the message across regardless of how you intended it. Enjoyed it immensley, wouldnt change a thing.
 
Bibs

Beautiful composition and arrangement .. I like  the sounds and ambiance

I do prefer the newer mix it feels more integrated.  The piano, for me, now sits over the backing without dominating.  
 
Furry thumbs up from me on the second mix

This is a really interesting piece.  Initially it is very relaxing but the accent sounds that use add an edge to it and really keep one's interest.
Nice one!

Rimshot
I like the first mix with the bigger piano the best.  I don't mind the tone of the piano at all.  It works.  Nice touch by the way.  The mood is good and so is the mix.
 
 

I liked them both, but have gone for the quieter piano. I feel everything under the piano sounds better for it. Thanks for your views. :)