Short, but hard hitting
I think that there's a well designed piece of music in here, but it's not quite where it needs to be. Perhaps a little more length and even a smidgeon more flutes, where you can use them to be the lighter side better - they quickly get drowned out by the entire percussion section of the orchestra, so the balance is ever so slightly off.
On that front, with the percussion, the kettle drums being rolled would be a nice addition, to compliment the strings and bring it all together nicely.
If I were to interpret the piece, I'd say it sounds like preparations for a battle, but from the point of view of a massively outnumbered force - rebels or the remnants of a previously defeated force, wanting so much to live through the conflict that is to come, so that they may get the chance to visit loved ones, that have been left behind at home, many miles from there.
[Review Request Club]