SKU: PR.114405050

UPC: 680160008377. 11 x 14 inches.

Although structurally it subdivides into five movements, the entire quartet emerges as one vast continuum. There are no formal breaks between movements. However, certain musical signposts can be discerned, associated with each of the movements' terminations and new beginnings. The opening movement, The Nostalgia of Clanging Bell Sonorities, begins floating on recurrent Bbs whose soft rhythmic flow slowly puts into motion strong undercurrents suggestive of the latent power of water... After several suggestions of tolling bells, the movement gradually fades into hushed tones of veiled and very distant sonorities. It uses a unique efffect, for the first time in a musical context, conveyed through the use of extra heavy practice mutes. The second movement, The Spill of Water , disengages itself from the first through its distinct contrast in tempo. Water moves fast, and when it splashes, it tends to run wildly. In this case, it happens to be bubbly water that gushes forth bodly... smashing across rocky shorlines. So, too, the music attempts to conjure such moods. At the end of this movement, a cello cadenza emerges, introducing an introspective type of melodicism. The third movement, The Poignancy of Memory, contains many silences as it tries to convey memory through fragmented remembrances much like often occur in our dream state. Progressing through several slowly building images, it gradually works itself into juxtaposition of musical images. Towards the movement's end, high harmonics are sounding in all four instruments while left hand pizzicato notes in the cello pluch the last remembrances of this central core. Almost imperceptibly, the viola assumes leadership as it dissolves into: The fourth movement, The Fluidity of Motion, which has mostly the viola, but also the cello, articulating lyrical statements against the sheets of sound conjured up by the two violins playing a flood of swirling figures, evokes a kind of static motion in spae. Here, the virtually imperceptible manner in which this hushed whisper continues incessantly, can suggest the potential fluidity with which movement may inch forward... Later into the fourth movement , two fairly extended solos by the second and then the first violins, lead to a kind of spontaneous dialogue among the four instrumentalists. Eventually, this musical conversation gets caught up in: The fifth movement's The Rush of Time, which opens with a hushed flurry of speed, precipitates the Finale. It generates, at first slowly, but then very swiftly, whole shifts of rhythmic fields that initially seem to conflict with one another. Ultimately, this use of 'psycho-rhythmics contributes to an on-rush of motion and time. Rhythmic changes are, at times, abruptly precipitated with but little or no preparation creating a kind of inevitability in forward thrust, while the movement rushes forward with a feeling of gradual and continuous acceleration. It gathers density as more and more notes are piled progressively upon successive beats. The attempt is to spark tension and ignite excitement by means of frenetic confrontations of dissimilitudes. Ultimately - with the help of time - these polarities centrifically spin out their own destinies with their accompanying fall-out and own inevitable resolutions.

SKU: 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

SKU: FG.55011-292-6

ISBN 9790-55011-292-6.

This commission from the Jyvaskyla Summer Festival was dedicated to Matti Rautio, a fellow composer. There is a romantic undercurrent vibrating under the neoclassical surface of this work in four movements. The total duration is ca. 23 minutes.

SKU: CF.CAS129F

ISBN 9781491157435. UPC: 680160916016. 9 x 12 inches.

Maelstrom is a term synonymous with a whirlpool: a swirling, tumultuous vortex that engulfs everything around it. This exciting piece starts with a treacherous storm motif that acts as the undercurrent as quotes from famous water-themed compositions are heard. Some shifting is required in first violin, cello, and bass, and all parts include accidentals and dramatic dynamic changes. Students will learn the flowing theme from Smetana's Die Moldau, explore the haunting Aquarium movement from Saint-Saens's Carnival of the Animals, and bow along to a traditional Irish Sea Chanty, as melodies overlap in this musical storm. Developing players will refine articulation skills, explore a variety of rhythms in 6/8, and expand their chromatic and dynamic horizons in the familiar key of E minor.
Maelstrom is a term synonymous with a whirlpool: a swirling, tumultuous vortex that engulfs everything around it. This exciting piece starts with a treacherous storm motif that acts as the undercurrent as quotes from famous water-themed compositions are heard. Some shifting is required in first violin, cello, and bass, and all parts include accidentals and dramatic dynamic changes. Students will learn the flowing theme from Smetana’s “Die Moldau,” explore the haunting “Aquarium” movement from Saint-Saëns’s “Carnival of the Animals,” and bow along to a traditional Irish Sea Chanty, as melodies overlap in this musical storm. Developing players will refine articulation skills, explore a variety of rhythms in 6/8, and expand their chromatic and dynamic horizons in the familiar key of E minor.

SKU: HL.35030588

UPC: 888680089238. 5x5 inches.

A musical tableau of the last supper paints the scene of this important moment from scripture. An undercurrent of rushing triplets in the accompaniment creates a harmonic foundation on which the memorable tune is laid. Rich harmonies carry the words of Christ as He delivers His blessing and speaks the words of the new covenant. Profound! Score and Parts (fl 1-2, ob/eng hn, cl 1-2, bn, hn, timp, perc 1-2, pno, vn 1-2, va, vc, db) available on CD-ROM and as a digital download.

SKU: BP.HB574

The 3 to 5 octave handbell part is rated level 2-. This prayerful setting of two well-loved hymn tunes is a beautiful pairing of handbells and piano. The majority of the handbell part consists of quarter and half notes, while the piano provides an arpeggiated eighth note undercurrent. A perfect opportunity for beginning and intermediate handbell ensembles to shine in worship!

SKU: AP.50918

ISBN 9781470667023. UPC: 038081585635. English.

The grandeur of the sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean is depicted in the powerful fanfare Tapestry of the Sky by Michael Kamuf. With rich harmonies, beautiful melodies, and a strong rhythmic undercurrent, your students and audiences will enjoy this descriptive work. This piece would be a fantastic opening or closing selection for your next concert! (2:45).

SKU: AP.38496S

UPC: 038081436821. English.

Long live the conquistadors! The adventure, excitement, and romance of this historic time are once again brought to life with a pulsing Latin undercurrent that never stops. The Coda gives the listener and performer the feeling of victory and glory---a suitable finish!