Crosscurrent has all the elements for success with younger players. Set in E minor with bold melody and lots of rhythmic drive it's a style that students love to play. A cutting edge number to add fun and balance to your string ensemble repertoire. Dur: 2:20

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]

A joyful departure from tradition, now set in 4/4 time by Jeffrey Turner, this fresh setting of the beloved carol is sure to add sparkle to any holiday celebration. Across the silent night, the blazing star of a solo cello beacons. A violinist follows, and the glory of a string orchestra suddenly bursts across the heavens. A twinkling piano announces that a child has been born unto the world - then, the high strings enter like angels singing from above. With its ending in 3/4, sure to put a smile on everyone's face, there's never been a happier birthday. (3:20) / Orchestre A Cordes

This 5-minute medley for band and choir will be a cross-generational salute to the Beatles with songs that are more popular than ever! Perfectly crafted for younger ensembles songs include: Hello Goodbye; Ticket to Ride;Penny Lane; Can't Buy Me Love. Available separately: 3-Part Mixed 2-Part Concert Band (Grade 3) String Pak ShowTrax CD. Duration: ca. 5:10.

The opening Adagio is excellent for working on a full-bodied sound while developing a moderate to weighty bow arm. The Allegro section can be performed either as a full tutti work or in a concerto grosso fashion giving you the flexibility of featuring your outstanding individual players while still programming the work with a younger ensemble. Outstanding!

from CALLIRHOE-Robert Longfield brings us this delightful dance movement set in 3/4 with ample amounts of teaching moments. Across-the-bar syncopation simple chromaticism and dynamic contrasts throughout make it ideal for introducingimportant musical concepts to developing players. Dur: 2:25

Teacher Resource Kit with Macintosh Disk-This is a complete package of lesson plans and cross-curricular activities to help plan and administer their program. The teacher Resource Kit covers both Book 1 & 2 and includes a floppy disk containing all lesson plans.

Concerto grosso F major-Mit über 1.200 Titeln aus Orchester- und Chorliteratur Kammermusik und Musiktheater ist die Edition Eulenburg die größte Partiturreihe der Welt. Sie deckt einen große Teil der Musikgeschichte vom Barock bis zur klassischen Moderne ab und blickt auf eine lange Tradition zurück.

Recorded by the Dropkick Murphys this Irish jig with a rock-and-roll edge has become a popular anthem for professional sports teams--not only in Boston but also in stadiums and arenas across the country. Traditional Irish musicwas never quite likethis!

Commissioned by the Scottish Ensemble first performed on 15th December 2008 at Queen’s Cross Church Aberdeen. Programme note   'This short work is about conflict – expressed here by the clash of opposing musical forces. One ‘force’ an ‘arioso’ is based around the harmonic field of E and is  melodic tonal straightforward and at times emotional. It is mainly led by the first  violin. The other ‘force’ led by the double bass is strongly discordant [at first a  single note F latergradually growing to a giant cluster]. It is essentially chordal  [non-melodic] static suffocating inexorable and impersonal. Its only contrast is  getting louder or getting softer getting denser or less dense. The interruption of the opening ‘arioso’ by a single note F on the double bass is at first not very threatening and the reaction to it is one of surprise. Later as the threat increases so the reaction becomes stronger; at first one of irritation then anger. A passionate outburst on the violins follows which falls on deaf ears. Then a solo violin solo viola and solo cello all appeal in turn: still no response. Finally only fragments of the original ‘arioso’ are heard before dying away. Whereas near the

In 3/4, this moving piece provides a great opportunity for the use of slow bow strokes and cross-curricular study. The victory over the British forces at Yorktown, Virginia by the American Continental Army in 1781 signaled the end of the Revolutionary War. This original work by Todd Parrish remembers the heroic efforts of General Washington and the brave soldiers he commanded to forge a new nation founded on freedom. (2:30) / Orchestre A Cordes