Piano and orchestra

SKU: FG.55011-372-5

Composed by Matthew Whittall. Study score. Fennica Gehrman #55011-372-5. Published by Fennica Gehrman (FG.55011-372-5).

ISBN 9790550113725.

Images of the sea figure prominently throughout my life and memories: from holidays on the Atlantic coast during my Canadian childhood to my current Baltic home, and the imagined, only later experienced Mediterranean of my ancestral heritage. As an immigrant (son of an immigrant) bound to two northern countries, the sea is emblematic of my twin homelands, from the expanses of water surrounding them to those separating them. A Mari usque ad Mare. The sea is also an enduring image of the unknown, of expanses unexplored, of the raw power of nature and, for too many currently, of terror holding a hope of refuge - or the pain of loss.
Such disparate ideas were captured for me in the seascapes of the New York painter MaryBeth Thielhelm, whom I met in 2008 during a residency on the Gulf of Mexico. Her vast, abstract, nearly monochromatic depictions of imaginary seas in wildly varying moods were the catalyst for a concerto where the piano is frequently far from a hero battling a collective, but rather acts as a channel for elemental forces surging up from the orchestra, floating - sometimes barely so - on its constantly shifting surface. There are few themes to speak of, beyond a handful of iconic ideas that periodically cycle upward. Rather, the piano's material is largely an ornamentation of the more primal rhythmic and harmonic impulses from the orchestra below - a poetic interpretation, if you will, of the more immediate experience of facing the vastness of some unknown body of water.
The title Nameless Seas is borrowed from one of Thielhelm's exhibitions, as are those of the four movements, which are bridged together into two halves of roughly equal weight - one rhapsodic and free, the other more single-minded and direct, separated only by a short breath. The opening movement, Nocturne, is predominantly calm, if brooding, darkness and light alternating throughout. Lyrical arabesques sparkle over gently lapping cross-currents in the strings and mirrored timpani, the piano's full power only rarely deployed. The waves gradually build, drawing in the full orchestra for a meeting of forces in Land and Sea, a brighter, more warmly lyrical scene that unfolds in series of dreamlike, sometimes even nostalgic visions, which for me carry strong memories of sitting on rocks above surging Atlantic waves. The third movement, Wake, is a fast, perpetual-motion texture of glinting, darting rhythms and sudden shafts of light, with a prominent part for the steel drums, limning the piano's quicksilver figurations. An ecstatic climax crashes into a solo cadenza that grows progressively calmer and more introspective rather than virtuosic. Much of the tension finally releases into Unclaimed Waters, a drifting, meditative seascape in which the piano is progressively engulfed by a series of ever-taller waves, ultimately dissolving into a tolling, rippling continuum of sound.
It has been a great privilege to realize such a long-held dream as this piece, and to write it for not one, but two great pianists. Risto-Matti Marin and Angela Hewitt, both of whose friendship and support have been unfailing and humbling, share the dedication. Nameless Seas was commissioned by the PianoEspoo festival and Canada's National Arts Centre, with the premieres in Ottawa and Helsinki led by Hannu Lintu and Olari Elts. Thanks are due also to the Jenny and Antti Wihuri fund, whose generous grant provided me with much-needed time, and Escape to Create in Seaside, Florida, the source to which I returned to do a large part of the work.

Orchestra Cello, Contrabass, Piano, Viola, Violin 1, Violin 2, Violin 3 - Grade 1.5

SKU: CF.FAS100

Composed by 17th Century English Lullaby. Arranged by Carl Strommen. SWS FS. First-Plus String Orchestra (FAS). Set of Score and Parts. With Standard notation. 5+8+8+2+5+5+2+8 pages. Duration 2 minutes, 48 seconds. Carl Fischer Music #FAS100. Published by Carl Fischer Music (CF.FAS100).

ISBN 9781491146415. UPC: 680160903917. 9 x 12 inches. Key: G major.

Golden Slumbers is based on the poem Cradle Song from the Thomas Decker 1603 comedy Patient Gissel. The poem was set to music by Peter Warlock in 1918 as a lullaby. Carl Strommen pushes the beauty and lyrical nature of the song in his arrangement. There are interesting changes in color and texture with good use of solo instruments to contrast the full ensemble statements. A perfect vehicle to teach phrasing and musicianship to developing musicians.
Golden Slumbers is based on the poem Cradle Song from a Thomas Decker 1603 comedy Patient Gissel. The poem was then set to music by Peter Warlock in 1918. Golden Slumbers should be treated as a lullaby with the following lyric as a guide:Golden Slumbers, Kiss your eyes, smiles awake you when you rise, Sleep pretty maiden, do not cry. and I will sing a lullaby.

Chamber Music String Quartet

SKU: PR.14440455S

Composed by Sydney F. Hodkinson. Large Score. With Standard notation. 53 pages. Duration 22 minutes. Theodore Presser Company #144-40455S. Published by Theodore Presser Company (PR.14440455S).

UPC: 680160030873.

After finishing a serious woodwind quintet in the fall of 2001 [Tela Lacerata], I found, in the ensuing months, that its cinders/ashes were still impregnating my eardrums. Therefore, when I set out to write the present string piece, I realized that the musical veins of the quartet, like related cousins, were sharing the same blood as the earlier wind composition. The resultant Fifth Quartet evolved into two large, extended movements, each one containing seven parts that are played without pause. As the list of the various sub-sections clearly indicates, the formal structure of the movements appear to be identical: each with three main parts enveloped by interludes, plus an introduction and coda. However, the principal segments of the first (slow) movement gradually decrease in length, while those of the second (fast) movement increase. In addition, there is a goodly amount of sonic material stolen from the first movement which reappears -- stitched together in a new guise -- into the world of the second. for example, the bulk of Parts B and C of Movement II are lifted bodily, although elaborately modified, from their first appearances in the Introduction and Part A of the fist movement. This offers, I suppose at least a hint of a traditional recapitulation. As was true in the earlier woodwind piece -- both harmonically and melodically -- the embryonic growth of the musical fabric (primarily the tritone and perfect fifth) is omnipresent, almost obsessively, throughout the course of the whole work. These two intervals, not unlike plasticine, habitually transform themselves into the scales, chords, and melodic lines that pervade the texture of the quartet. Owing to the largely unrelieved dramatic flow, the shifting speed, and the often fervent intensity, the quartet places considerable demands on the dexterity, virtuosity, and stamina of the four performers. String Quartet No. 5 is approximately 22 minutes in duration and affectionately dedicated to my violinist wife Elizabeth, as a gift for our 47 years together. It was commissioned by the Corigliano String Quartet, New York, NY. -- Sydney Hodkinson.

Orchestra Coro SATB, 2 Fl, 2 Ob, 2 Clt, 2 Fg, 4 Cor, 2 Tr, Timp, 2 Vl, Va, Vc, Cb

SKU: CA.1039503

Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven. Edited by Sven Hiemke. Secular choral music. Vocal score. Op. 112. 20 pages. Duration 8 minutes. Carus Verlag #CV 10.395/03. Published by Carus Verlag (CA.1039503).

ISBN 9790007188122. Language: German.

Beethoven's Meeres Stille und Gluckliche Fahrt (Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage) op. 112 for four-part mixed chorus and symphony orchestra - his setting of a pair of poems by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe - defies straightforward categorization, but can best be described as a choral ode. Beethoven in fact never voyaged by sea, but his composition, premiered in 1815, continues to surprise even today. He depicted in music the smooth surface of the motionless water and the oppressive calm, which meant nothing other than being becalmed, a delayed voyage, and short rations in the era of sailing, with the same intensity as a freshening increasing wind, with which Aeolus, the God of the winds, ultimately enabled the longed-for prosperous voyage to take place. The composed calmness of the motionless sea is conveyed in the low register used throughout, in which the chorus sings the first poem accompanied by washes of pianissimo sounds on the strings. There is a surprising moment with the musical portrayal of the ungeheuere Weite (immense breadth), at which the vocal-instrumental writing suddenly crescendos to forte and unfolds into a texture of over five octaves. By contrast Gluckliche Fahrt is written in restlessly-compiled meters, whose musical setting in flowing movement with diatonic scale passages evokes happy excitement and confidence. The work was dedicated to Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, whom Beethoven greatly admired throughout his life. The work has now been published in a new critical edition based on the first printed edition and the performance score which Beethoven himself checked and corrected. Score available separately - see item CA.1039500.

Orchestra Coro SATB, 2 Fl, 2 Ob, 2 Clt, 2 Fg, 4 Cor, 2 Tr, Timp, 2 Vl, Va, Vc, Cb

SKU: CA.1039509

Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven. Edited by Sven Hiemke. 1x 10.395/21 flute 1, 1x 10.395/22 flute 2, 1x 10.395/23 oboe 1, 1x 10.395/24 oboe 2, 1x 10.395/25 clarinet 1, 1x 10.395/26 clarinet 2, 1x 10.395/27 bassoon 1, 1x 10.395/28 bassoon 2, 1x 10.395/31 horn 1, 1x 10.395/32 horn 2, 1x 10.395/33 horn 3, 1x 10.39. Harmony parts. Secular choral music. Set of Orchestra Parts. Op. 112. Duration 8 minutes. Carus Verlag #CV 10.395/09. Published by Carus Verlag (CA.1039509).

ISBN 9790007245320. Language: German.

Beethoven's Meeres Stille und Gluckliche Fahrt (Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage) op. 112 for four-part mixed chorus and symphony orchestra - his setting of a pair of poems by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe - defies straightforward categorization, but can best be described as a choral ode. Beethoven in fact never voyaged by sea, but his composition, premiered in 1815, continues to surprise even today. He depicted in music the smooth surface of the motionless water and the oppressive calm, which meant nothing other than being becalmed, a delayed voyage, and short rations in the era of sailing, with the same intensity as a freshening increasing wind, with which Aeolus, the God of the winds, ultimately enabled the longed-for prosperous voyage to take place. The composed calmness of the motionless sea is conveyed in the low register used throughout, in which the chorus sings the first poem accompanied by washes of pianissimo sounds on the strings. There is a surprising moment with the musical portrayal of the ungeheuere Weite (immense breadth), at which the vocal-instrumental writing suddenly crescendos to forte and unfolds into a texture of over five octaves. By contrast Gluckliche Fahrt is written in restlessly-compiled meters, whose musical setting in flowing movement with diatonic scale passages evokes happy excitement and confidence. The work was dedicated to Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, whom Beethoven greatly admired throughout his life. The work has now been published in a new critical edition based on the first printed edition and the performance score which Beethoven himself checked and corrected. Score and parts available separately - see item CA.1039500.

Orchestra Coro SATB, 2 Fl, 2 Ob, 2 Clt, 2 Fg, 4 Cor, 2 Tr, Timp, 2 Vl, Va, Vc, Cb

SKU: CA.1039511

Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven. Edited by Sven Hiemke. Violin 1. Secular choral music. Single Part, Violin 1. Op. 112. 4 pages. Duration 8 minutes. Carus Verlag #CV 10.395/11. Published by Carus Verlag (CA.1039511).

ISBN 9790007245337. Language: German.

Beethoven's Meeres Stille und Gluckliche Fahrt (Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage) op. 112 for four-part mixed chorus and symphony orchestra - his setting of a pair of poems by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe - defies straightforward categorization, but can best be described as a choral ode. Beethoven in fact never voyaged by sea, but his composition, premiered in 1815, continues to surprise even today. He depicted in music the smooth surface of the motionless water and the oppressive calm, which meant nothing other than being becalmed, a delayed voyage, and short rations in the era of sailing, with the same intensity as a freshening increasing wind, with which Aeolus, the God of the winds, ultimately enabled the longed-for prosperous voyage to take place. The composed calmness of the motionless sea is conveyed in the low register used throughout, in which the chorus sings the first poem accompanied by washes of pianissimo sounds on the strings. There is a surprising moment with the musical portrayal of the ungeheuere Weite (immense breadth), at which the vocal-instrumental writing suddenly crescendos to forte and unfolds into a texture of over five octaves. By contrast Gluckliche Fahrt is written in restlessly-compiled meters, whose musical setting in flowing movement with diatonic scale passages evokes happy excitement and confidence. The work was dedicated to Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, whom Beethoven greatly admired throughout his life. The work has now been published in a new critical edition based on the first printed edition and the performance score which Beethoven himself checked and corrected. Score and part available separately - see item CA.1039500.

Orchestra Coro SATB, 2 Fl, 2 Ob, 2 Clt, 2 Fg, 4 Cor, 2 Tr, Timp, 2 Vl, Va, Vc, Cb

SKU: CA.1039515

Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven. Edited by Sven Hiemke. Double bass. Secular choral music. Single Part, Double Bass. Op. 112. 4 pages. Duration 8 minutes. Carus Verlag #CV 10.395/15. Published by Carus Verlag (CA.1039515).

ISBN 9790007245375. Language: German.

Beethoven's Meeres Stille und Gluckliche Fahrt (Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage) op. 112 for four-part mixed chorus and symphony orchestra - his setting of a pair of poems by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe - defies straightforward categorization, but can best be described as a choral ode. Beethoven in fact never voyaged by sea, but his composition, premiered in 1815, continues to surprise even today. He depicted in music the smooth surface of the motionless water and the oppressive calm, which meant nothing other than being becalmed, a delayed voyage, and short rations in the era of sailing, with the same intensity as a freshening increasing wind, with which Aeolus, the God of the winds, ultimately enabled the longed-for prosperous voyage to take place. The composed calmness of the motionless sea is conveyed in the low register used throughout, in which the chorus sings the first poem accompanied by washes of pianissimo sounds on the strings. There is a surprising moment with the musical portrayal of the ungeheuere Weite (immense breadth), at which the vocal-instrumental writing suddenly crescendos to forte and unfolds into a texture of over five octaves. By contrast Gluckliche Fahrt is written in restlessly-compiled meters, whose musical setting in flowing movement with diatonic scale passages evokes happy excitement and confidence. The work was dedicated to Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, whom Beethoven greatly admired throughout his life. The work has now been published in a new critical edition based on the first printed edition and the performance score which Beethoven himself checked and corrected. Score and part available separately - see item CA.1039500.

Orchestra Coro SATB, 2 Fl, 2 Ob, 2 Clt, 2 Fg, 4 Cor, 2 Tr, Timp, 2 Vl, Va, Vc, Cb

SKU: CA.1039513

Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven. Edited by Sven Hiemke. Viola. Secular choral music. Single Part, Viola. Op. 112. 4 pages. Duration 8 minutes. Carus Verlag #CV 10.395/13. Published by Carus Verlag (CA.1039513).

ISBN 9790007245351. Language: German.

Beethoven's Meeres Stille und Gluckliche Fahrt (Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage) op. 112 for four-part mixed chorus and symphony orchestra - his setting of a pair of poems by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe - defies straightforward categorization, but can best be described as a choral ode. Beethoven in fact never voyaged by sea, but his composition, premiered in 1815, continues to surprise even today. He depicted in music the smooth surface of the motionless water and the oppressive calm, which meant nothing other than being becalmed, a delayed voyage, and short rations in the era of sailing, with the same intensity as a freshening increasing wind, with which Aeolus, the God of the winds, ultimately enabled the longed-for prosperous voyage to take place. The composed calmness of the motionless sea is conveyed in the low register used throughout, in which the chorus sings the first poem accompanied by washes of pianissimo sounds on the strings. There is a surprising moment with the musical portrayal of the ungeheuere Weite (immense breadth), at which the vocal-instrumental writing suddenly crescendos to forte and unfolds into a texture of over five octaves. By contrast Gluckliche Fahrt is written in restlessly-compiled meters, whose musical setting in flowing movement with diatonic scale passages evokes happy excitement and confidence. The work was dedicated to Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, whom Beethoven greatly admired throughout his life. The work has now been published in a new critical edition based on the first printed edition and the performance score which Beethoven himself checked and corrected. Score and part available separately - see item CA.1039500.

Brass quintet (2tpt. Hn. Tbn. tba) - Intermediate-Advanced

SKU: FT.FM481

Composed by Roma Cafolla. Brass Quintet. Score and parts. Forton Music #FM481. Published by Forton Music (FT.FM481).

ISBN 9790570483808.

Brass 4 All This piece was inspired by the brass section of the WNO, the importance of 'Music For All', and the need to make it accessible to children. A stately introduction opens the piece, with all the instruments passing the theme between them. This leads into a the main body of the piece, a bold, driving tune that contrasts with a more lyrical middle section before bursting out into fanfares of repeated notes to bring the music to a thrilling finish. Brass Neck The tuba is featured prominently in ths piece. The repeated motif drives the rhythm forward: 'Cry the tears for the freezing years. Just walk away' ... as the other players finally do. Marked Andantino and in Bb major the central section changes to Bb minor, where the horn and trombone carry the melody. This is then taken up be the second trumpet and the players stand as the music modulates back to Bb major. As each player finishes they sit down until the tuba is left to finish alone. Autumn Breeze A sultry September evening and a gentle breeze fans the last of the fading flowers. The family are gathered informally, and the music begins.... Marked Andante and with flowing descending quavers, the opening has interest for every player. The horn and then the trombone pick up the central theme, and this is then embellished by the trumpets. A gentle phrase marks the ending. Bankers Notes A letter drops on the mat. A final demand and the thought of the 'green paper rotting in their clutch' assails my mind. I write notes of a differnt kind! The opening is marked Vivace and is rather punchy, but soon settles into the main theme with driving rhythms throughout. The extended ending climaxes in rising staccato semiquavers for all.

Jazz Ensemble Jazz Band - Grade 2.5

SKU: FJ.HX9016

Composed by Traditional. Arranged by Ryan Fraley. Jazz Ensemble; Performance Music Ensemble; Single Titles. HXmusic. Christmas; Holiday Pops. Score and Part(s). The FJH Music Company Inc #98-HX9016. Published by The FJH Music Company Inc (FJ.HX9016).

English.

Understated, straight-ahead swing à la Dave Brubeck meets a traditional English Christmas carol. There's mostly full-ensemble playing with a brief, written trumpet solo, cued for Trombone. Drums played with brushes and optional Bells are featured. A charming addition to the holiday library. (Top Trumpet Note: G5).

Orchestra String Sextet, Piano - Grade 2

SKU: CF.YAS148F

Composed by Sean O'Loughlin. Young String Orchestra. Full score. With Standard notation. 12 pages. Carl Fischer Music #YAS148F. Published by Carl Fischer Music (CF.YAS148F).

ISBN 9780825899430. UPC: 798408099435. 9x12 inches.

As the title implies, there is a constant underpinning rhythmic drive in this piece from popular composer Sean O'Loughlin. The piece is based on a recurring four note motive that is the force that pushes the piece forward. This is contrasted by a lush middle section before the unrelenting motive comes back and brings the piece to a dramatic finish.

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