Yup, you nailed it. The transition to the ghost ship was really subtle and tasteful. I honestly wouldn't have noticed it at first, especially with the variation of the Marbule theme over it (just changed key). Then you come back out with the swell at 1:40 with the grandiose and brass fanfare rendition. Hot stuff, baby!
I really like this, although I'll say the 1:40 to 1:50 mark is probably the first time I didn't think I was listening to a live orchestra. I'm not sure why, but something about this segment felt inorganic in the sound quality. Could be a mixing thing, since this is the pre-mix copy. Not a bad thing at all, just an observation. Once the brass kicks in at 1:51, though, it seems to be fine.
I love the slightly increased tempo and subtle horns at 2:18. And the plucked strings at 2:28 and beyond. Then the brass comes back in and the swell at 2:42 -- here is where you are really getting to shine! I love the deviation you do in the little bridge back into the final big fanfare.
That fanfare, by the way, totally reminds me of something big and grandiose that Joe Hisaishi would write. I dunno, maybe a big bathhouse song from Spirited Away or a royal fanfare from Howl's Moving Castle. If you aren't familiar with him, that's supposed to be a compliment. Oh, and if anything, you could loop this fanfare portion (from 2:51 to the end) -- it was really jiving and I was almost disappointed it dropped off and ended when it did. Seriously. You could run with that for another 20 or 30 seconds.
All in all, you nailed the piece. I really enjoyed and I think you managed to capture the plight of the people well. It was fun and airy and then dipped into the darkness for a moment. Good stuff.
If only you had Nikki trying to nail those notes and then start shredding it on the guitar. /s/
