SKU: CF.CAS34F

ISBN 9780825861062. UPC: 798408061067. 8.5 X 11 inches. Key: E minor.

Cliffhanger is a programmatic work for string orchestra that harkens back to the days of silent film. One of the lasting images of that time period is the Saturday afternoon matinee, where each episode ended on a cliffhanger until it could be continued next week. This piece tells the familiar story of the damsel in distress who is tied up to the train tracks as a train is approaching. Nicely done!.
Cliffhanger is a programmatic work for string orchestra that harkens back to the days of silent film. One of the lasting images of that time period is the Saturday- afternoon matinee, where each episode ended on a cliffhanger until it could be continued next week. This piece tells the familiar story of the damsel in distress who is tied up to the train tracks as a train is approaching.The opening of the piece sets the scene with danger and desperation. By m. 6, our hero is making his way on horseback to rescue the fair maiden. This main melody is developed and passed around the ensemble until m. 36, at which point despair sets in. The music is rich with romantic harmonies and inner lines. Be sure to bring out these inner lines to add to the passion and drama of the moment. It continues to build until a thunderous arrival at m. 49. From there we return to our hero, who is now getting close to the train tracks to save the fair maiden. The tension becomes the highest at m. 61, when we are still not sure if our hero will make it in time. But alas, at m. 68 he swoops in to save the day and rescue the fair maiden. Of course, they live happily ever after.My hope is that your ensemble will have some fun with this style of music. It was adapted from an arrangement I wrote for the new pipe organ at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. They wanted some scary train music to show children how the organ was used back before movies had sound. Strings provide a heightened sense of drama with this genre of music.

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:

• Expanded use of rhythms, ranges and keys but technical demands are still carefully considered
• More comprehensive bowing techniques
• Viola T.C. included
• Careful selection of keys and degree of difficulty for advancing musicians

SKU: FJ.ST6423

UPC: 241444375396. English.

Students confidently tell their story as though from the mountaintops in this African American Spiritual. With straightforward rhythms and pitches, the right arm and bow hand can be the focus to achieve a convincing proclamation tone, as well as a lush but gentle sound in the subdued moments. A wonderful change of pace that is still at a moderate tempo.

About FJH Beginning Strings

Appropriate for first year string students. All instruments stay in first position, and optional third violin (viola) parts and piano are included to aid in rehearsal and performance situations. Grade 1 - 1.5

SKU: SU.29120050

Chamber Suite, for string orchestra, is an adaptation of Mason’s 2nd String Quartet. The addition of the double bass adds more harmonic richness in all the movements and is particularly apparent in the lush 2nd movement. Chamber Suite offers string orchestras rhythmic and technical challenges but with a very accessible language. This is music that appeals to wide range of audiences with its energy and unique, coherent musical language of its own. It keeps the listener’s interest right to the end. The 1st movement engages from the opening bar with fast paced, off kilter 7/8 tutti rhythms and sharp-edged harmonies. This is a kind of musical caffeine living between tonal and polytonalism with rich, sliding chords and a haunting middle section reminiscent of Armenian folks tunes. The 2nd movement offers emotional storytelling with clear tonality but with moments of more complex stacked harmonies and tension. The 3rd movement is lively with raw energy. Voices are rapidly interchanged in a dance of weaving motivic development until the satisfying rush of notes to the end.string orchestra Duration: 15' Composed: 2020 Published by: Todd Mason Performance materials available on rental:.

SKU: KJ.SO363C

UPC: 084027044155.

A programmatic-type piece, the music tells a story of bravery and heroism during challenging situations, no matter what they might be. A beautiful middle section played by divisi violas and cellos gives respite before returning to the dynamic original theme.

Duration: 4:15.