I don't understand how a change in instrumentation can make the same sequence of notes feel different if nothing else is changed about the piece.
I mean for example if I listen to Symphony no 5 by Beethoven in full orchestration I hear it being very dark and minor in the 1st movement, a lot of fluctuation in the 2nd and 3rd movements, and very happy and major in the 4th movement.
On the piano I hear those same feelings. And it isn't any less dramatic then it is with a full orchestra.