Very easy trios for violins using childrens' nursery rhymes and traditional tunes.Grade: 2 - 4

This work is made up of three interlinked movements played without a break and includes references to two traditional Adirondack songs.

Concerto for String Orchestra - the magnum opus of Grayna Bacewicz (1909-1969) the outstanding composer and violinist - was composed in 1948 and at once became one of the most frequently performed works of this Polish artist. This masterpieceof neoclassicism fascinates as much by its invention and virtuosic briliance as its harmonious combination of formal elements of a traditional nature with new tonal ideas. The form of the three-movement Concerto oscillates between that of the baroqueconcerto grosso and the early classical sonata cycle. The neoclassical tendency is evident above all in the articulation of the musical structure in keeping with the rigours of periodicity and the manner of developing thematic threads derived fromthem while the concertato character of particular movements and the generally linear texture indicate baroque connections. The first movement (Allegro) - in the form of an early classical sonata allegro - begins with a subject with energeticfigurations emblematic for the whole piece and based on a constant pendulum-like semiquaver movement anchored securely on D. It is precisely because of the nature of this subject that Bacewiczs work has been compared to the Brandenburg Concertosby Jan Sebastian Bach The second movement (Andante) while retaining its concertato charakter is at the same time an example of the composers ability to create emotionally serene lyrical moods and her sense of cantilena derived from the spiritof romantic song (a motto-subject presented at the beginning by cello solo). In this movement it is both the process of evolution and the instrumental colouring which constitute the constructional agents forming here a self-containedvalue. In thethird movement (Vivo) the composer returns to her favourite type of music understood as an expression of pure motion in the form of figural motives with infinite transformational possibilities. The spontaneity of the music the constant mutabilityof the tonal situations and the sophisticated acerbic harmonies - as Witold Lutosawski described them - form a colourful mosaic built in the structural skeleton of a sonata rondo. Concerto for String Orchestra is not only proof of thestylizing tendency of the composer but also of an unerring intuition concerning the technical and expressive possibilities inherent in a string instruments ensemble. [Magorzata Gsiorowska translated by Ewa Cholewka]

Bring the excitement of traditional Latin dance to the string orchestra with this collection. Explore the 'clave,' or rhythmic groove styles, such as the Merengue, Tango, Mambo, and others in a flexible format. All instruments have the melody, a harmony part, and an accompaniment/bass line. Easy hand percussion parts are included for the string players to perform or the optional drumset part can be used. The use of piano and guitar is recommended for authenticity but not necessary. All text appears in both English and Spanish. / Orchestre A Cordes

This fun-to-play dance music is based on a Scottish jig and reel. The two traditional Scottish melodies Highlander’s Jig and Dumfries Place are combined in an intriguing arrangement by Robert D. McCashin. An occasional drone is heard among the rhythmic drive of the supporting instruments giving everyone an exciting role in this tribute to some of the most popular types of Scottish music!

This original piece is in a style reminiscent of the music of the rich cultural heritage of the Appalachian Mountain area. Music is an important part of the Appalachian way of life. In fact, Appalachian music is one of the best-known manifestations of the culture. Traditional Appalachian music is derived primarily from the English and Scottish ballad tradition and Irish and Scottish fiddle music. African-American blues musicians played a significant role in developing the instrumental aspects of Appalachian music as well. (2:15) / Orchestre A Cordes