SKU: LM.C06605

ISBN 9790230366052.

SKU: CF.YAS223F

ISBN 9781491163054. UPC: 680160921805. Key: A minor.

The Valkyrja (Old Norse meaning “choosers of the slain”) were noble maidens that brought dead heroes to the afterlife. They were responsible for sending half of those who die in battle to Odin’s Valhalla where they would prepare for Ragnarök. In the beginning of this dramatic piece, the upper and lower strings duel for dominance, setting the scene of an epic battle. The middle section depicts the Valkyries (represented by a lyrical cello melody) descending from the heavens to take their chosen to Valhalla. The battle resumes, now with the Valkyries sifting through the corpses to find the fallen heroes that would continue to fight at Ragnarök.

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.CAS159F

ISBN 9781491165447. UPC: 680160924356. Key: D minor.

Charles Gounod (1818-1893) was a French composer who was well-known and well-regarded in his lifetime. His legacy included breaking from the grand opera tradition and influencing the next generation of Frenchcomposers. March of the Marionette was originally a piano solo titled Funeral March of a Marionette. Gounod wrote the piece to make fun of the music critic, Henry Chorley. The marionette dies in a duel, possibly a musical imitation of a public argument about the merits of Gounod’s compositions. The marionette’s friends have a funeral for him, creating a procession through the streets, with a brief stop for refreshments, illustrated in the D major section. This now-familiar theme has been used in frequently in advertisements, movies, and television shows. It was used as the theme music for Alfred Hitchcock Presents television show (1956-66) introducing dramas, mysteries, and thrillers.The prevailing bow strokes in this piece range from spiccato stroke to a light brush stroke for all eighth notes, regardless of articulation markings. Students should experiment with bow distribution to discover the appropriate placement for different dynamics. Students just learning the spiccato bow stroke will be more successful if they start this bow stroke close to their bow hand. Encourage students to discuss the character of the music and how to bring the storyline to life as an ensemble.

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: CL.RWS-2210-00

Prepare for musical combat! The competitors? Metal instruments vs. wooden instruments. Sounds of wooden swords battling metal and stone set the scene of an epic battle. The contrasting musical elements work together to create a musical melee that draws the audience into the fray. Call and response sections provide a fun and exciting method for reinforcing rhythmic accuracy and tempo discipline.