SKU: PR.16400222S

UPC: 680160037841.

This work follows my Quartet No. 1 by five years. In terms of style and aesthetic aim, however, it seems light years away. Where the first work, a 28-minute, four-movement piece, took aim at cosmic conflicts and heroic resolutions, the present work is intended as a kind of divertissment. Harbor Music lasts a mere eleven minutes, is cast in a single movement with six sections, and should leave both performers and listeners with a feeling of good humor and affection.   The title comes from my experience as a guest in the magnificent city of Sydney, Australia. One of its most attractive features is its unique system of ferry boats: the city is laid out around a large, multi-channeled harbor, with destinations more easily approached by water than by land. Consequently, inhabitants of Sydney get around on small, people-friendly boats that come and go from the central docks at Circular Quay. During a week's visit in 1991, I must have boarded these boats at least a dozen times, always bound for a new location - the resort town of Manley, or the Zoo at Taronga Park, or the shopping district at Darling Harbour.   In casting about for a form for my second string quartet, a kind of loose rondo came to mind. Each new destination would be approached from the same starting-out point (although there are subtle variations in the repeating theme; it's always in a new key, and the texture is never the same). The result, I hope, is a sense of constant new information presented with introductory frames of a more familiar nature.   The embarkation theme, which begins the piece, is a sort of bi-tonal fanfare in which the violins are in G major and the viola and cello are in B-flat major. It is bold, eager, and forward-looking. The first voyage maintains this bi-tonality, beginning as a 9/8 due for second violin and viola in a kind of rocking motion -much as a boat produces when reaching the deeper water in the harbor. A sweet, nostalgic theme emerges over this rocking accompaniment. This music is developed somewhat, then transforms quickly into a much faster and lighter episode, filled with rising and falling scales (again, in differing keys). A scherzando interlude in short notes and changing meters provides contrast, and the episode ends with a reprise of the scales.   The second embarkation follows, this time in A major/C major. It leads quickly into a very warm and slow theme, in wide-leaping intervals for the viola. This section is interrupted twice by solo cadenzas for the cello, suggesting distant boat-horns in major thirds. The end of the episode becomes a transition, with boat-horns leading into the final appearance of the embarkation music, this time in trills and tremolos instead of sharply accented chords. The nostalgic theme of the first episode makes a final appearance, serving now as a coda. The rocking motion continues, in a lullaby fashion, leaving us drowsy and satisfied on our homeward journey.   Harbor Music was written for the Cavani Quartet, and is dedicated to Richard J. Bogomolny. Commissioned by his employees at First National Supermarkets as a gift, it represents a thank you from many of the people (including this composer) who have benefitted from his vision and generosity. An ardent advocate of chamber music (and a cellist himself), Mr. Bogomolny has for many years been Chairman of the Board of Chamber Music America. -- Dan Welcher.

SKU: AP.41257

UPC: 038081480633. English.

In this sunny, playful piece, the notes and rhythms are basic, but there are great counting challenges and a minor key middle section that offers a nice contrast. Young players will find this accessible and look forward to playing the joyful melodies and sparkling accompaniments again and again. (2:00) This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.

SKU: CF.YPS265F

ISBN 9781491164051. UPC: 680160922840.

The Rocky Road to Dublin is a song written by Irish poet D. K. Gavan in the mid-nineteenth century for English music-hall performer Harry Clifton and tells the story of an Irish man leaving his hometown of Tuam in the county of Galway in Ireland to go to Dublin to make money. Because of the Great Potato Famine at that time, large groups of Irish folks left their hometowns looking for food and work. Thousands ended up in America, in particular, Philadelphia, where many made their way south through the Appalachian mountains, settling in southwest Virginia, western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee. As the Irish began their new lives here in America, they would often sing these songs, which would bring back fond memories of their homeland. Many old-time fiddle tunes can be traced to Irish music, including this song. However, their music changed as the songs were passed around through other cultures in the mountains, with new verses about their new lives. Often the tunes and lyrics made their way back overseas where they would change yet again, so there are many versions of these songs found in both Ireland and America. This setting is close to the original and can be found in both places. It gets to the heart of having to leave one’s home to seek a better life.This tune is a fun one and should be played with a lilt until m. 43. At this point, the original material is more legato, but returns at m. 59 in the alto saxophone. Let the percussion play on their solis, especially at the end where some of them answer the band motifs. The straight eighth notes (as at m. 29) will perhaps look difficult to younger players, but once they understand the concept, it will be a favorite part. Have fun!

SKU: HL.14034336

ISBN 9780711992399. UPC: 884088442125. 9.0x12.0x0.083 inches.

In this booklet you will find the sight-singing tests from the full edition of Aural Time! Grade 6, so that you can have your own copy when practising with your teacher, or when working by yourself. There are also notes on features which you will hear in music examninations, and about historical periods in music.

SKU: CF.BPS7F

ISBN 9780825837364. UPC: 798408037369. 9 X 12 inches.

Using only six notes (Bb, C, D, Eb, F and G), Larry Clark has fashioned a powerful concert opener ideal for the beginning band. Though there is limited rhythmic difficulty, the piece does employ some syncopation, along with contemporary harmonies that will appeal to young students and colorful, active percussion writing. Duration: 2'.

SKU: AP.41257S

UPC: 038081480640. English.

In this sunny, playful piece, the notes and rhythms are basic, but there are great counting challenges and a minor key middle section that offers a nice contrast. Young players will find this accessible and look forward to playing the joyful melodies and sparkling accompaniments again and again. (2:00) This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.