SKU: CF.YAS15F

ISBN 9780825852008. UPC: 798408052003. 8.5 X 11 inches. Key: Bb major.

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.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: CF.YAS33

ISBN 9780825858468. UPC: 798408058463. 8.5 X 11 inches. Key: G major.

A walk through the park or a morning stroll through the forest is what this piece best calls to mind. With its pastoral setting and lush melodies, Velvet Morning will truly showcase your group's mastery of legato playing.
Velvet Morning is a warm and colorful work for string orchestra. Please play con sordino if available. The music is a reflection of my love for the orchestral music of Barber, Ravel, Debussy and Satie. It should have the same sense of passion and intensity that those masters employ in their music.The opening tempo is marked rubato, and should speed up then slow down based on the phrases. The main melody appears at m. 11 in the first violins and should have a flowing quality. The harmony does utilize some slight dissonances from time to time which should be emphasized. The violas and cellos take over the melody at m.19 with a counter line in the violins. The melody returns to the violin at m. 27 with a pianistic cello line punctuated by pizzicato in the bass. Some transitional material follows that builds up to a full presentation at m. 47. Let the ensemble open up here with an intense, full sound. This winds down to a return of the introduction at m. 60. The ending should be tender and deliberate all the way to the last plush chord.

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.YAS52

ISBN 9780825863608. UPC: 798408063603. 8.5 X 11 inches. Key: D major.

This is a striking and original piece that builds interest and momentum using a four note cello and bass ostinato. Arco and pizzicato contrasts of texture and off-beat accents and rhythms sustain interest in this unusual selection, which puts minimal musical resources to maximum use.
A Road Less Traveled is a musical journey based on four notes. The cellos and basses provide these notes in mm. 2 and 3. The piece explores some new compositional techniques for me, and in some sections can be considered minimalist. However, I constructed the piece in a very accessible manner. The individual rhythms create new composite rhythms when played together. It has a unique clockwork quality to it. The music morphs from arco to pizzicato at m. 49. The odd accents bring out some of the quirky quality to the music. A return to arco playing at m. 94 provides a recapitulation of the opening section. Upon return, some of the punchy music now becomes sustained for a dramatic climax. This piece was a real joy to work on, and illustrates “a road less traveled” in my compositional career.

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: XC.HSO1903

UPC: 812598030457. 9 x 12 inches.

Passacaglia Variants is inspired by J.S. Bach’s iconic Passacaglia and Fugue in C minor, BWV 582. Composer Sean O’Loughlin brings a wealth of experience to the table. Young musicians will love the fresh take on an older style, and directors will love how much there is to teach in this piece.