SKU: HL.370494

ISBN 9781705147009. UPC: 840126994025.

The First String Quartet in C major, Op. 37, was written in the autumn of 1917 and earned Szymanowski the first prize in a competition organized by the Ministry of Religious and in a competition organized by the Ministry of Religious and Educational Affairs in January 1922. The First String Quartet is notable for its clar and simple construction. The first movement is in the formof a sonata allegro; the Andantino semplice (in modo iuna canzone) in the middle is a cross between ternary and variation form. The final Scherzando alla burlesca also keeps to the form of a sonata allegro. The combinations and proportions of formal factors and the treatment of thematic material betray a fairly conventional adoption of classical models. Similarly, the expressive and structural use of melodic material shows a respect for traditional norms. Szymanowski created, in other works from the same period, his own individual type of melodic line, which was strongly expressive and achieved its effect chiefly by its tonal qualieties; nevertheless in this Quartet he returns to a fluid, cantilena-like, symmetrically shaped melodic line, which runs along in broad phrases of a concentrated, reflective character. Melody becomes the chief factor in the development of the form, both in thematic usage and in the application of a more polyphonic texture. Harmonic and tonal means are considerably simplified in the Quartet []. Most of the writing is linear, or horizontal, with individual treatment of each part, the parallel continuation of the four sound planes, almost a matter of principle. The functions of the particular instruments in realizing these planes are constantly changing,which accounts for the even greater variedy of tone-colour. The decision to forego experiment with forms and sonorities is reflectedin the overall approach to musical expression. The predominant atmosphere of restrained emotion, quiet lyricism and serenity is strongly suggestive of classical aestetic models. (Based on Zofia Helman Commentary on Szymanowski Complete Edition, Vol. B6) (II) The ''Second String Quartet'' represents an interesting attempt to revert to classical form coupled with the new harmonic and tonal vocabulary worked out previously in the ''Slopiewnie'', ''Stabat Mater'' and ''Mazurkas''. It was also the first time the composer had used folk elements in the framework of a major classical form. The ''Second String Quartet'' is in a special category among Szymanowski's works. Though it dates from the composer was still occupied with folk music, it nevertheless shows him returning to classical models, but at the same time using an aesthetic of subjective expression, which gives the work its own individual stamp. The ''Second String Quartet'' synthesis of the various directions in which Szymanowski was attempting to develop. The sonority and texture used in the first.

SKU: SU.29110021

At the Octoroon Balls for string quartet is based on traditional Creole music that surrounded the composer while growing up in New Orleans. The octoroon balls were held for white Creole men to choose their Octoroon (one-eighth Black ancestry, with one Black great-grandparent) mistresses. Divided into seven movements, the piece includes fiddle reels, hoe downs, jug stomps, and marching bands – even a somber tone poem. Total performance time is about 45 minutes.Set of Parts. Also available: Score (Cat. #29110020)String Quartet Duration: 45' Composed: 1995 Published by: Wynton Marsalis (administered by Skayne's Music).

SKU: MB.31154

ISBN 9781513473888. 8.75X11.75 inches.

Practicing scales is essential to building and maintaining strength, technique, tone, and agility on the viola, but it is easy to slip into the habit of playing scales automatically, without paying attention to tonality or sound production. The 29 single-page studies in this book focus the attention of violists on the beauty of sound, with a particular concern for the way different keys resonate on the viola.The first 24 studies address all minor and relative major keys and proceed through the circle of fifths; the last 5 pieces are individually conceived, i.e., apart from the circle of fifths. No metronome indications are given, so the etudes can be played at individually comfortable tempos.The names of the etudes refer to various animals that have scales, including insects, fish, birds, reptiles, and a few species of mammals. The author hopes that in addition to experiencing more enjoyable scale practice, students will be inspired to learn more about these amazing creatures and write scale studies of their own.