SKU: KN.10031S
UPC: 822795100310.
The music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart continues to be well-loved by musicians the world over. The Gloria from the Mass in C Minor is jubilant and majestic in character, making it the perfect program opener or closer. This grade 3+ arrangement in the original key of C major closely follows the original vocal and instrumental lines. Imitative in nature, all parts have interesting melodic lines. Duration 2:10.
SKU: KN.09912S
UPC: 822795099126.
This adaptation of one of Johann Sebastian Bach's finest works is a guaranteed hit for grade 3 string orchestras. The original source material is entitled Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, but the fugue is not used in this arrangement. Duration 3:10. Available in SmartMusic.
SKU: KJ.SO166F
From the Concerto Grosso Op. 3, No. 5 in D Minor, this arrangement features the first two movements of Handel's Fifth Concerto Grosso. This arrangement also includes an optional harpsichord part.
SKU: CF.YAS13F
ISBN 9780825848339. UPC: 798408048334. 8.5 X 11 inches. Key: G major.
IApart from some of his Sonatinas, Opus 36, Clementi's life and music are hardly known to the piano teachers and students of today. For example, in addition to the above mentioned Sonatinas, Clementi wrote sixty sonatas for the piano, many of them unjustly neglected, although his friend Beethoven regarded some of them very highly. Clementi also wrote symphonies (some of which he arranged as piano sonatas), a substantial number of waltzes and other dances for the piano as well as sonatas and sonatinas for piano four-hands.In addition to composing, Clementi was a much sought after piano teacher, and included among his students John Field (Father of the 'Nocturne'), and Meyerbeer.In his later years, Clementi became a very successful music publisher, publishing among other works the first English edition of Beethoven's Violin Concerto, in the great composer's own arrangement for the piano, as well as some of his string quartets. Clementi was also one of the first English piano manufacturers to make pianos with a metal frame and string them with wire.The Sonatina in C, Opus 36, No. 1 was one of six such works Clementi wrote in 1797. He must have been partial to these little pieces (for which he also provided the fingerings), since they were reissued (without the fingering) by the composer shortly after 1801. About 1820, he issued ''the sixth edition, with considerable improvements by the author;· with fingerings added and several minor changes, among which were that many of them were written an octave higher.IIIt has often been said, generally by those unhampered by the facts, that composers of the past (and, dare we add, the present?), usually handled their financial affairs with their public and publishers with a poor sense of business acumen or common sense. As a result they frequently found themselves in financial straits.Contrary to popular opinion, this was the exception rather than the rule. With the exception of Mozart and perhaps a few other composers, the majority of composers then, as now, were quite successful in their dealings with the public and their publishers, as the following examples will show.It was not unusual for 18th- and 19th-century composers to arrange some of their more popular compositions for different combinations of instruments in order to increase their availability to a larger music-playing public. Telemann, in the introduction to his seventy-two cantatas for solo voice and one melody instrument (flute, oboe or violin, with the usual continua) Der Harmonische Gottesdienst, tor example, suggests that if a singer is not available to perform a cantata the voice part could be played by another instrument. And in the introduction to his Six Concertos and Six Suites for flute, violin and continua, he named four different instrumental combinations that could perform these pieces, and actually wrote out the notes for the different possibilities. Bach arranged his violin concertos for keyboard, and Beethoven not only arranged his Piano Sonata in E Major, Opus 14, No. 1 for string quartet, he also transposed it to the key of F. Brahm's well-known Quintet in F Minor for piano and strings was his own arrangement of his earlier sonata for two pianos, also in F Minor.IIIWe come now to Clementi. It is well known that some of his sixty piano sonatas were his own arrangements of some of his lost symphonies, and that some of his rondos for piano four-hands were originally the last movements of his solo sonatas or piano trios.In order to make the first movement of his delightful Sonatina in C, Opus 36, No. 1 accessible to young string players, I have followed the example established by the composer himself by arranging and transposing one of his piano compositions from one medium (the piano) to another. (string instruments). In order to simplify the work for young string players, in the process of adapting it to the new medium it was necessary to transpose it from the original key of C to G, thereby doing away with some of the difficulties they would have encountered in the original key. The first violin and cello parts are similar to the right- and left-hand parts of the original piano version. The few changes I have made in these parts have been for the convenience of the string players, but in no way do they change the nature of the music.Since the original implied a harmonic framework in many places, I have added a second violin and viola part in such a way that they not only have interesting music to play, but also fill in some of the implied harmony without in any way detracting from the composition's musical value. Occasionally, it has been necessary to raise or lower a few passages an octave or to modify others slightly to make them more accessible for young players.It is hoped that the musical value of the composition has not been too compromised, and that students and teachers will come to enjoy this little piece in its new setting as much as pianists have in the original one. This arrangement may also be performed by a solo string quartet. When performed by a string orchestra, the double bass part may be omitted.- Douglas TownsendString editing by Amy Rosen.
About Carl Fischer Young String Orchestra Series
This series of Grade 2/Grade 2.5 pieces is designed for second and third year ensembles. The pieces in this series are characterized by:--Occasionally extending to third position--Keys carefully considered for appropriate difficulty--Addition of separate 2nd violin and viola parts--Viola T.C. part included--Increase in independence of parts over beginning levels
SKU: CF.CAS37
ISBN 9780825863660. UPC: 798408063665. 8.5 X 11 inches. Key: C major.
A salute to the famous sailboat race, this rollicking piece in A minor introduces compound time with an opening (and closing) section in 12/8. The fast flowing music of the opening, vividly suggestive of a ship slicing through the waves, returns in a higher key (B minor) after a warmly scored, sweepingly melodic middle section. This is a piece whose sophistication is an excellent showcase for a more advanced performing group.Written in 12/8 in A minor, America’s Cup evokes the intensity and momentum of a wild sea with driving triplets, sweeping melodies, and accented downbeats. The A-material from the opening measure is played aggressively but lightly enough to keep the feeling of forward motion. Strong accents and rhythmically precise playing in the cello and bass provide solid support for the fast moving violin and viola passages. Measure 67 begins the slow, pastoral setting of the B-material. A gentle, lyrical violin motive in A major grows into a high, sweeping melody over sustained harmonies. This provides a brief repose before returning to the fastoriginal tempo and minor key as the recapitulation begins at m. 90. A modulation to B minor (m. 94) lifts the energy of the piece and gives young players the challenge of playing the running lines in another key. Measure 118 builds to the end, keeping the intensity a soft dynamic and growing into the final syncopated tutti unison figure in mm. 122–123.
About Carl Fischer Concert String Orchestra Series
This series of pieces (Grade 3 and higher) is designed for advancing ensembles. The pieces in this series are characterized by:
SKU: CF.CAS44
ISBN 9780825867118. UPC: 798408067113. 8.5 X 11 inches. Key: G minor.
This is a tour-de-force for the advancing string orchestra. Beautiful, dramatic, and flowing, Waterloo Station is very fresh and contemporary. Students will love it for the lush harmonic textures and rhythmic drive that this composer is so noted for.Composed as a characterization of the fast-paced atmosphere of London’s Waterloo Train Station, this fast-slow-fast piece combines technical excitement with heartfelt simplicity.The fast section in G minor consists of two main parts: the intense, emotional A section at m. 21 and the legato, sweeping B section at m. 59. The syncopated tutti figures in the high strings coupled with the fiery cello and bass lines propel the fast sections. The phrase in mm. 1–8 recurs throughout. Making four- to eight-measure exercises of this section below tempo in the violins and viola, focusing on rhythmic clarity, will help to lock in the syncopation. Similarly, the cello and bass should rehearse this slowly as well as mm. 9–16 to gain fluidity and insure a solid foundation.The cellos carry the tune at m. 71, and the ensemble builds from mm. 79–86 to the transition at m. 87. An abrupt change to half tempo here slows the momentum and transitions to a quiet, melancholy tone in m. 91. The middle section (ABA) begins in G minor with a somber quality, highlighted by the Violin I solo. It gradually builds to a beautiful, uplifting setting as it moves to G major in m. 100. Returning back to the hushed G minor tonality, it then speeds up again and transitions back to Tempo I for a brief recapitulation of the fast section. Measure 117 marks the return to vigorous playing, beginning softly and building to a thrilling ride to the end.
SKU: CF.YAS9
ISBN 9780825844867. UPC: 798408044862. 8.5 X 11 inches. Key: A minor.
Firewalk is a piece for young string orchestra designed to teach pizzicato playing to the developing string player. All too often, pizzicato is treated simply as an effect or percussive accent to a passage. With this piece, pizzicato becomes the melody, harmony and rhythm. It calls for the player to use dynamics and phrasing while playing pizzicato. This work is adapted from incidental music I composed for a production of The Birth of Merlin, a play by William Shakespeare. The piece is dedicated to Helen Borgers, who directed this production by the Bard in the Yard Shakespeare Company in Long Beach, CA. The material for Firewalk comes from a section in the play where the characters are dancing a devilish tango with ethereal spirits. The music features jaunty rhythms, dynamic contrasts, and a dramatic climax. Firewalk is a diverse addition to any concert program.Firewalk is a piece for young string orchestra designed to teach pizzicato playing to the developing string player. All too often, pizzicato is treated simply as an effect or percussive accent to a passage. With this piece, pizzicato becomes the melody, harmony and rhythm. It calls for the player to use dynamics and phrasing while playing pizzicato. This work is adapted from incidental music I composed for a production ofA The Birth of Merlin, a play by William Shakespeare. The piece is dedicated to Helen Borgers, who directed this production by the Bard in the Yard Shakespeare Company in Long Beach, CA. The material forA Firewalk comes from a section in the play where the characters are dancing a devilish tango with ethereal spirits. The music features jaunty rhythms, dynamic contrasts, and a dramatic climax.A Firewalk is a diverse addition to any concert program.Firewalk is a piece for young string orchestra designed to teach pizzicato playing to the developing string player. All too often, pizzicato is treated simply as an effect or percussive accent to a passage. With this piece, pizzicato becomes the melody, harmony and rhythm. It calls for the player to use dynamics and phrasing while playing pizzicato. This work is adapted from incidental music I composed for a production of The Birth of Merlin, a play by William Shakespeare. The piece is dedicated to Helen Borgers, who directed this production by the Bard in the Yard Shakespeare Company in Long Beach, CA. The material for Firewalk comes from a section in the play where the characters are dancing a devilish tango with ethereal spirits. The music features jaunty rhythms, dynamic contrasts, and a dramatic climax. Firewalk is a diverse addition to any concert program.Firewalk is a piece for young string orchestra designed to teach pizzicato playing to the developing string player. All too often, pizzicato is treated simply as an effect or percussive accent to a passage. With this piece, pizzicato becomes the melody, harmony and rhythm. It calls for the player to use dynamics and phrasing while playing pizzicato.This work is adapted from incidental music I composed for a production of The Birth of Merlin, a play by William Shakespeare. The piece is dedicated to Helen Borgers, who directed this production by the Bard in the Yard Shakespeare Company in Long Beach, CA. The material for Firewalk comes from a section in the play where the characters are dancing a devilish tango with ethereal spirits. The music features jaunty rhythms, dynamic contrasts, and a dramatic climax. Firewalk is a diverse addition to any concert program.
SKU: CF.YAS15
ISBN 9780825851995. UPC: 798408051990. 8.5 X 11 inches. Key: D minor.
Lower strings be sure to maintain a steady pulse and dont rush the walking figure at the opening. When the melody is transferred to the lower strings (pick-up to m. 10 and m. 13), play with a full sound. Be careful of the balance and allow the soloist to dominate in mm. 121. If the soloist is comfortable using third position, play mm. 119 and the first half of m. 20 one octave higher. All parts should be in a solid marcato style in the fast section (m. 22 to the end). In m.50, Violin I should bring out the Hava Nagila quote equal to the volume of the rest of the orchestra. Be sure to observe all the soft dynamics to add interest to the performance. String editing by Amy Rosen.Lower strings be sure to maintain a steady pulse and donat rush the walking figure at the opening. When the melody is transferred to the lower strings (pick-up to m. 10 and m. 13), play with a full sound. Be careful of the balance and allow the soloist to dominate in mm. 1a21. If the soloist is comfortable using third position, play mm. 1a19 and the first half of m. 20 one octave higher. All parts should be in a solid marcato style in the fast section (m. 22 to the end). In m.50, Violin I should bring out the Hava Nagila quote equal to the volume of the rest of the orchestra. Be sure to observe all the soft dynamics to add interest to the performance. String editing by Amy Rosen.Lower strings be sure to maintain a steady pulse and don't rush the walking figure at the opening. When the melody is transferred to the lower strings (pick-up to m. 10 and m. 13), play with a full sound. Be careful of the balance and allow the soloist to dominate in mm. 1-21. If the soloist is comfortable using third position, play mm. 1-19 and the first half of m. 20 one octave higher. All parts should be in a solid marcato style in the fast section (m. 22 to the end). In m.50, Violin I should bring out the Hava Nagila quote equal to the volume of the rest of the orchestra. Be sure to observe all the soft dynamics to add interest to the performance. String editing by Amy Rosen.Lower strings be sure to maintain a steady pulse and don’t rush the walking figure at the opening. When the melody is transferred to the lower strings (pick-up to m. 10 and m. 13), play with a full sound. Be careful of the balance and allow the soloist to dominate in mm. 1–21. If the soloist is comfortable using third position, play mm. 1–19 and the first half of m. 20 one octave higher.All parts should be in a solid marcato style in the fast section (m. 22 to the end). In m.50, Violin I should bring out the Hava Nagila quote equal to the volume of the rest of the orchestra. Be sure to observe all the soft dynamics to add interest to the performance.String editing by Amy Rosen.
SKU: CF.FAS11
ISBN 9780825845048. UPC: 798408045043. 8.5 X 11 inches. Key: G major.
This outstanding original from Larry Clark can be played any time of year! A vigorous theme moves through all the sections and violas combine with second violins for prominent solo passages. A section in minor adds to the drama as strong rhythmic chords give way to a subdued tremolo in the first violins, reminiscent of Vivaldi's Winter This music reaches a level of intensity your players and audience will love.Out of the Winter is a musical depiction of the many moods of winter from its harsh storms to its simple beauty. The composition is based on a central main theme that is musically developed throughout the composition presented in and out of major and minor keys.The main theme begins right away without introduction and is set to depict the simple delicate beauty of a light falling snow. The theme is then developed in the minor key using simple contrapuntal techniques that give the composition a fresh sound for pieces at this grade level. The aggressive development of the piece is a musical description of a powerful winter storm. The tension of this section is built to a climax using simple divisi in the strongs and some poly-chordal harmonic techniques that give way to a final return of the main theme to complete the piece.Special care should be given to exaggerating the contrast between the two diverse sections of the piece. The main theme should be light and uplifting. The second section with the theme in minor should have an ominous presence, but still be reminiscent of the original light main theme. As with all of my compositions at this grade level, adjust the tempo to fit the ability level of your students. It is hope that this piece helps to reinforce the concepts of good musicianship which you are trying to instill in your students. Bowings should be used as a guide and should be adjusted to your needs.It has been my pleasure to have had the opportunity to write this piece. I hope that you and your students find it useful for your program.
