The composer writes:Pilgrim was inspired it will be no surprise to learn by re...(+)
The composer writes:Pilgrim was inspired it will be no surprise to learn by reading Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress - Vaughan Williams's great opera on the subject had fascinated me from its first performance yet it was a long time before I caught up with this essential item in any well-stocked library of English classics. It made a great impression not least because of its theme of a journey of self-discovery and a rediscovery or renewal of faith. These are ideas which have a strong interest for me not in religious terms but in their application to every aspect of human life (including great journeys) and this piece reflects my response in musical terms to this concern. The tempo of the whole piece which lasts about 18 minutes is basically slow. There are two quick episodes but these act somewhat like the trio sections of a classical scherzo save that the tempo relationships are inverted (the classical trios would have been slower not quicker) and the canvas is much larger being that of a single substantial slow movement. The form of the whole is perhaps fantasia-like rather than having any relationship to classical forms such as sonata or rondo - some motifs and themes are varied as the work develops and the opening chords are of primary importance throughout the work. There has been no attempt to convey any pictorial elements deriving from Bunyan's great book. There is however one feature which upon completion of the score struck me with some force which is that almost all the thematic material is essentially striving upwards - there is a constant upward movement (sometimes over a lengthy period) throughout the work. Pilgrim was commissioned by the Luton Music Club for the Raphael Ensemble with funds provided by the Eastern Arts Board and Bedfordshire County Council and is dedicated to the Luton Music Club. The first performance was given in Luton on February 10th 1997 and followed as part of a joint scheme by performances in the same week at the Music Clubs of Bedford and Leighton Buzzard.
Commissioned by the Scottish Ensemble first performed on 15th December 2008 at Q...(+)
Commissioned by the Scottish Ensemble first performed on 15th December 2008 at Queen’s Cross Church Aberdeen. Programme note 'This short work is about conflict – expressed here by the clash of opposing musical forces. One ‘force’ an ‘arioso’ is based around the harmonic field of E and is melodic tonal straightforward and at times emotional. It is mainly led by the first violin. The other ‘force’ led by the double bass is strongly discordant [at first a single note F latergradually growing to a giant cluster]. It is essentially chordal [non-melodic] static suffocating inexorable and impersonal. Its only contrast is getting louder or getting softer getting denser or less dense. The interruption of the opening ‘arioso’ by a single note F on the double bass is at first not very threatening and the reaction to it is one of surprise. Later as the threat increases so the reaction becomes stronger; at first one of irritation then anger. A passionate outburst on the violins follows which falls on deaf ears. Then a solo violin solo viola and solo cello all appeal in turn: still no response. Finally only fragments of the original ‘arioso’ are heard before dying away. Whereas near the
The composer writes:Pilgrim was inspired it will be no surprise to learn by re...(+)
The composer writes:Pilgrim was inspired it will be no surprise to learn by reading Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress - Vaughan Williams's great opera on the subject had fascinated me from its first performance yet it was a long time before I caught up with this essential item in any well-stocked library of English classics. It made a great impression not least because of its theme of a journey of self-discovery and a rediscovery or renewal of faith. These are ideas which have a strong interest for me not in religious terms but in their application to every aspect of human life (including great journeys) and this piece reflects my response in musical terms to this concern. The tempo of the whole piece which lasts about 18 minutes is basically slow. There are two quick episodes but these act somewhat like the trio sections of a classical scherzo save that the tempo relationships are inverted (the classical trios would have been slower not quicker) and the canvas is much larger being that of a single substantial slow movement. The form of the whole is perhaps fantasia-like rather than having any relationship to classical forms such as sonata or rondo - some motifs and themes are varied as the work develops and the opening chords are of primary importance throughout the work. There has been no attempt to convey any pictorial elements deriving from Bunyan's great book. There is however one feature which upon completion of the score struck me with some force which is that almost all the thematic material is essentially striving upwards - there is a constant upward movement (sometimes over a lengthy period) throughout the work. Pilgrim was commissioned by the Luton Music Club for the Raphael Ensemble with funds provided by the Eastern Arts Board and Bedfordshire County Council and is dedicated to the Luton Music Club. The first performance was given in Luton on February 10th 1997 and followed as part of a joint scheme by performances in the same week at the Music Clubs of Bedford and Leighton Buzzard.
I Give You The End Of A Golden String was commissioned in 2013 by the Royal Phi...(+)
I Give You The End Of A Golden String was commissioned in 2013 by the Royal Philharmonic Society/Britten-Pears Foundation to celebrate the centenary of the birth of Benjamin Brittenand the bicentenary of thefoundation of the Royal Philharmonic Society.The piece was first performed on 8th June 2013 by the Britten Sinfonia conducted by Ryan Wigglesworth.'My aim when I began this piece was to create a long length ofstring music out of a single strand of melody.While experimenting at the beginning shaping and extending a melody in many possible directions I cameacross William Blake???s lines???I give you the end of a goldenstring;Only wind it into a ball It will lead you in at Heaven???s gate Built in Jerusalem???s wall???and this became my working method winding a single tune around itself so that it gradually formed itselfinto amuch richer more complex texture. The process happens three times producing the equivalent of acontinuous three-movement concerto.The ???first movement??? is engendered by two solo violas (the melody at the beginning alreadyentwined witha slightly alternative version of itself). The ???slow movement??? (a more extended more decorated developmentof the opening tune) is introduced by a solo cello (soon winding itself into a quartet of celli). The fast???finale??? led by two solo violins focuses on decorations within the melody rolling out ribbons of (Britten-like') thirds.' - Judith WeirSuggested minimum strings: 8.6.4.4.2 players
Sound Innovations: développement sain for Advanced String Orchestra poursuit l'...(+)
Sound Innovations: développement sain for Advanced String Orchestra poursuit l'accent sur ??la lecture avec une caractéristique, belle sonorité, mais aussi met l'accent sur ??des échelles 3 d'octave, en particulier les échelles que les étudiants auront besoin pour les auditions régionales et tous-Etats. Compétences techniques avancées sont présentées en quatre niveaux, conformément à la structure des innovations de son révolutionnaire: (1) Tone Sound, (2) Son archet, (3) Son décalage et (4) Balances sonores et arpèges. Les niveaux peuvent être utilisés dans l'ordre qui est le mieux pour vos élèves, comme chaque warm-up, ou sous forme d'unités structurées. Le livre idéal pour suivre un développement judicieux pour Intermediate String Orchestra, ou pour tout un ensemble de cordes avancé ou apprenant individuel, vos élèves perfectionnera la bonne utilisation de l'arc, coups d'archet, déplacement, et les échelles 3 d'octave. / Orchestre A Cordes
Robert Saxton's The Resurrection Of The Soldiers for String Orchestra.Composed a...(+)
Robert Saxton's The Resurrection Of The Soldiers for String Orchestra.Composed and published 2016.Duration: c. 12 minutes.The Resurrection Of The Soldiers for String Orchestra was commissioned by George Vass to whom it is dedicated and the English Symphony Orchestra for the 2016 Presteigne Festival with funds generously provided by the John S. Cohen Foundation and the Arts Council of England. The title derives from the final panel of Stanley Spencer’s Sandham Chapel visionary series of paintings which were the result of Spencer’s experiencesin the British army in World War One and depicts soldiers emerging from their graves on the last day. The music is in three continuous sections: a slow sustained introduction which is in essence a descent from the note E by means of a prolation canon but which ascends to a rather intense climactic point before finally falling and giving way to an active fugue which after arriving at an anguished sustained climax is succeeded by a closing slow movement consisting of a rising melodic line which permeates the entire texture heterophonically leading to the closing E major triad. The work thus traces a cyclical pitch path which while tracing a cyclical path also develops expressively towards a sense of hope and resurrection. - Robert Saxton April 2016
String Orchestra - Percussion-A collection of 12 traditional carols for developi...(+)
String Orchestra - Percussion-A collection of 12 traditional carols for developing string orchestra (Grade 2) from master arranger Bruce Healey. This group of delightful arrangements will become your most valuable resource of holiday music for years to come.Each carol is given a fresh creative treatment yet is expertly arranged with younger players in mind. May be accompanied by piano or harp and percussion. Songs include: Away in a Manger • We Wish You a Merry Christmas• Deck the Halls • Ding Dong Merrily on High • God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen • Greensleeves • O Come All Ye Faithful • Chanukah Oy Chanukah • O Holy Night • Pat-A-Pan • Silent Night• Three Holiday Songs (Medley including The Dreydl Song Jingle Bells and Joy to the World).Available for:04490308 Conductor / $19.9504490309 Violin 1 / $5.9504490310 Violin 2 /$5.9504490311 Violin 3 (Viola T.C.) / $5.9504490312 Viola / $5.9504490313 Cello / $5.9504490314 String Bass / $5.9504490315 Piano / $8.9504490316 / Opt. Harp / $8.9504490317Opt. Percussion / $5.95.
A collection of 12 traditional carols for developing string orchestra (Grade 2) ...(+)
A collection of 12 traditional carols for developing string orchestra (Grade 2) from master arranger Bruce Healey. This group of delightful arrangements will become your most valuable resource of holiday music for years to come.Each carol is given a fresh creative treatment yet is expertly arranged with younger players in mind. May be accompanied by piano or harp and percussion. Songs include: Away in a Manger • We Wish You a Merry Christmas• Deck the Halls • Ding Dong Merrily on High • God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen • Greensleeves • O Come All Ye Faithful • Chanukah Oy Chanukah • O Holy Night • Pat-A-Pan • Silent Night• Three Holiday Songs (Medley including The Dreydl Song Jingle Bells and Joy to the World).Available for:04490308 Conductor / $19.9504490309 Violin 1 / $5.9504490310 Violin 2 /$5.9504490311 Violin 3 (Viola T.C.) / $5.9504490312 Viola / $5.9504490313 Cello / $5.9504490314 String Bass / $5.9504490315 Piano / $8.9504490316 / Opt. Harp / $8.9504490317Opt. Percussion / $5.95.
After performing at many educational conferences like the TMEA and NYSSMA confer...(+)
After performing at many educational conferences like the TMEA and NYSSMA conferences, the creators of BARRAGE had many requests for printed, published versions of their music. Many young string players sent letters and e-mails asking that BARRAGE do something to help bring the 'cool element' to their school string program. In response, SWATH Publishing is pleased to be able to offer an exciting string orchestra arrangement of the BARRAGE favorite 'Mountain Spring'. Composed by Dean Marshall (Artistic Director of BARRAGE) and arranged by Arthur Bachmann (violist - The Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra), this piece is a guaranteed crowd pleaser for any school orchestra concert! Appropriate for the intermediate to advanced string orchestra, the piece comes with a full set of string parts (885555), conductor's score, and piano score. *BARRAGE is an internationally acclaimed violin ensemble that presents the violin in a unique and innovative way. BARRAGE combines diverse musical styles with dazzling choreography to produce a show that is truly spellbinding! / Orchestre A Cordes / 82 pages / niveau : Intermédiaire/Avancé / Partition - Format: 12 X 9
The newest series from Hal Leonard for young players brings the unique talents o...(+)
The newest series from Hal Leonard for young players brings the unique talents of “America's Conductor” Leonard Slatkin to school orchestra programs. His latest holiday collection is once again a great opportunity tofeature student pianists with their school string orchestra. Always fresh and inventive Leonard's arrangements bring a new style of holiday programming that's interesting and educational and has great appeal to players andaudiences.This volume includes: A Czech Christmas; Festival of Lights; O Holy Night; O Tannenbaum; Of Kings and Ships; Of Kings Saints and Pigs; Singing Angels; Sleigh Ride; Three Lights; Watchmen at Coventry;Pastorale. (Grade 2)Also available for $5.99 each:04490923 Violin 104490924 Violin 204490925 Violin 3 (Vla TC)04490926 Viola04490927 Cello04490928 Bass04490929Piano ($8.99)04490930 Percussion
for String Orchestra Score and Parts. Par LONGFIELD ROBERT (Arr.). The Song of t...(+)
for String Orchestra Score and Parts. Par LONGFIELD ROBERT (Arr.). The Song of the Birds (El cant dels ocells) is a traditional Catalan Christmas carol. It was made famous by Pau (Pablo) Casals, who is considered one of the greatest cellists of all time. He was famous the world over and played for such notables as Queen Victoria, Theodore Roosevelt, and John F. Kennedy. After Casals\' self-exile from Spain in 1939, he would open each concert with the playing of The Song of the Birds. In time, this song became an important symbol of his native Catalonia. The Song of the Birds has multiple stanzas each in the voice of a different type of bird expressing joy in the birth of Jesus Christ. Robert Longfield expresses this beautiful Christmas carol in legato singing lines using 2-3 part writing at Level 2.5. In recognition and honor of Pau Casals, the opening melody of Robert Longfield\'s arrangement is played by the cello section. / Date parution : 2022-07-30/ Répertoire / Orchestre à Cordes
String Quartet Version - Parts)-The composer writes: 'The backdrop for this comm...(+)
String Quartet Version - Parts)-The composer writes: 'The backdrop for this commission was to complement music by the great Ludwig van Beethoven. Beethoven’s scores for string quartet are cornucopias of techniques and musicality. They were certainly not meant for pure entertainment. Ending up with Beethoven’s quartet Op. 59 No. 1 as a reference for this piece I even used elements from this quartet in my own composition. Beethoven’s position as a free artist has been of great importance to all following composers. This is of equal inspiration as his music. As a free artist one has to reflect upon our own time and not be afraid of allowing reality affect our work. When I was in the middle of writingthis piece something horrible happened in my neighbourhood. A bomb exploded in Oslo and a killer shot teenagers on an island summer camp. My nation’s reputation as a peaceful country to live in was drastically and forever changed. It was hard to compose. Papers and online media were soon filled with horrible pictures from the events. The lead-coloured skies being a recurring sight. The ambiguity in the title reflects both hope and dread. Beethoven’s light shines through strong and full of life! The piece was commissioned by the Engegård Quartet in 2011 and appears the recording String Quartets vol IV: Schubert-Ratkje-Britten-Haydn. A later piece was composed for string orchestra: 'Tale of Lead and Frozen Light' (2014)'. The composer writes: 'The backdrop for this commission was to complement music by the great Ludwig van Beethoven. Beethoven’s scores for string quartet are cornucopias of techniques and musicality. They were certainly not meant for pure entertainment. Ending up with Beethoven’s quartet Op. 59 No. 1 as a reference for this piece I even used elements from this quartet in my own composition. Beethoven’s position as a free artist has been of great importance to all following composers. This is of equal inspiration as his music. As a free artist one has to reflect upon our own time and not be afraid of allowing reality affect our work. When I was in the middle of writingthis piece something horrible happened in my neighbourhood. A bomb exploded in Oslo and a killer shot teenagers on an island summer camp. My nation’s reputation as a peaceful country to live in was drastically and forever changed. It was hard to compose. Papers and online media were soon filled with horrible pictures from the events. The lead-coloured skies being a recurring sight. The ambiguity in the title reflects both hope and dread. Beethoven’s light shines through strong and full of life! The piece was commissioned by the Engegård Quartet in 2011 and appears the recording String Quartets vol IV: Schubert-Ratkje-Britten-Haydn. A later piece was composed for string orchestra: 'Tale of Lead and Frozen Light' (2014)'.
Written in memory of the composer's grandfather, a Korean War Veteran, this piec...(+)
Written in memory of the composer's grandfather, a Korean War Veteran, this piece is perfect to program as a tribute to all service men and women. The heroic melodies and harmonies, set in D Major, are shared throughout the ensemble, making it fun for all sections! The violins and cellos stay completely on the D and A strings, while the violas and basses use the G and D strings. This is a wonderful first selection to expose any young ensemble to independent parts among sections and the roles of melody and harmony, all while reinforcing the importance of using the 4th finger. The cello and bass parts have been doubled to create a strong, confident foundation while the viola and violin parts usually share similar rhythms while harmonizing. Fundamental dynamics and bowings will make this piece not only fun to play, but also a success among performers and audiences alike! (1:50) / Orchestre A Cordes
Written based on a poem of the same title by Octavio Paz A Boy and a Girl is Wh...(+)
Written based on a poem of the same title by Octavio Paz A Boy and a Girl is Whitacre at his finest with the composer himself describing four measures as 'the truest notes I've ever written'.Stretched out on the grassa boy and agirl.Savoring their oranges giving their kisses like waves exchanging foam.Stretched out on the beach a boy and a girl.Savoring their limes giving their kisses like clouds exchangingfoam.Stretched out underground a boy and a girl.Saying nothing never kissing giving silence for silence. Octavio Paz 1914-1998
The comprehensive string method that covers it all! A successful ensemble string...(+)
The comprehensive string method that covers it all! A successful ensemble string method series for classroom or individual study. Provides the beginning string player with a solid foundation in all aspects of string playing withan emphasis on rhythmic strength. Topics include: Step-by-step tuning process Bowing styles Theory Technique Shifting for cello and string bass Major/Minor/Chromatic scales EtudesSolos/Ensembles Vibrato strengthening exercises Detailed photographs and diagrams Special score supplement: Detailed classroom tuning procedures Daily record Guide for teaching dynamics Mid-yearmotivation articles Vibrato guidelines Bibliography sketches
This serious festival work relies heavily on various elements of the tango set ...(+)
This serious festival work relies heavily on various elements of the tango set in a more contemporary framework. While the title mainly refers to the way various tangos come and go (through multiple transitional devices) it also references the opening and closing sections which include a 'phantom sound' through the use of mild dissonance and sudden dynamic changes that seemingly appear out of nowhere. Highly creative and unique!
Arrangeur: William Zinn. Par ELLINGTON DUKE. Arrangé par William Zinn. Partitio...(+)
Arrangeur: William Zinn. Par ELLINGTON DUKE. Arrangé par William Zinn. Partition complète pour le 1er violon, 2e violon, alto, violoncelle et basse. Avec full score notation./ Recueil / Orchestre à Cordes
Play Along Trax Discs 1 & 2 (all exercises)-Original series (red cover). Arrang...(+)
Play Along Trax Discs 1 & 2 (all exercises)-Original series (red cover). Arrangements by John Higgins. Tailored to beginning students Essential Elements for Strings Book 1 covers techniques such as instrument position fingerings and bowings while incorporating theory and history lessons throughout. Features a broad scope comprehensive detail great pacing thorough reinforcement and much more! (Includes HL00860005 and HL00860006)
The traditional tunes Banana Boat Song and Tingalayo explore not only syncopatio...(+)
The traditional tunes Banana Boat Song and Tingalayo explore not only syncopation and hooked bowings but students also get to play the role of auxiliary percussion! Tapping col legno and stomping all combine to fill your audience’s imagination with warm breezes and gently rolling waves while being immersed in the calypso style. Written by a string educator this will work well with any developing ensemble
A comprehensive string method arranged for individual or class participation pa...(+)
A comprehensive string method arranged for individual or class participation parts for violin viola cello string bass piano accompaniment and full conductor's score. Topics include: Step-by-step tuningprocess Bowing styles Theory Technique Shifting for cello and string bass Major/Minor/Chromatic scales Etudes Solos/Ensembles Vibrato strengthening exercises Detailed photographs and diagramsSpecial score supplement: Detailed classroom tuning procedures Daily record Guide for teaching dynamics Mid-year motivation articles Vibrato guidelines Bibliography sketches
A comprehensive string method arranged for individual or class participation pa...(+)
A comprehensive string method arranged for individual or class participation parts for violin viola cello string bass piano accompaniment and full conductor's score. Topics include: Step-by-step tuningprocess Bowing styles Theory Technique Shifting for cello and string bass Major/Minor/Chromatic scales Etudes Solos/Ensembles Vibrato strengthening exercises Detailed photographs and diagramsSpecial score supplement: Detailed classroom tuning procedures Daily record Guide for teaching dynamics Mid-year motivation articles Vibrato guidelines Bibliography sketches
Robert Longfield draws from America’s rich musical tradition in this arra...(+)
Robert Longfield draws from America’s rich musical tradition in this arrangement for medium-level orchestras. A majestic opening leads into a light treatment of Polly Wolly Doodle before moving into a more lyrical and sensitive treatment of Long Long Ago. A lively and energetic rendition of Listen to the Mockingbird caps this new work. Excellent writing for strings!
David Shaffer cleverly combines swing and straight playing in this novel arrange...(+)
David Shaffer cleverly combines swing and straight playing in this novel arrangement of Joshua Fit de Battle of Jericho. Players immediately get into the groove by snapping their fingers on the offbeats. A pizzicato treatment of the melody progressively builds until the whole ensemble is using a full bow. Everyone gets melodic material and the audience is sure to chuckle with the sudden pizzicato ending.
für zwei Violinen und Viola oder drei Violinen-'This work brings me as much ple...(+)
für zwei Violinen und Viola oder drei Violinen-'This work brings me as much pleasure as if I were writing a major symphony...'. This was how Dvorak communicated to his publisher Simrock the joy he felt while working on Op.75a (Miniatures for Two Violins and Viola) and he immediately set about reworking it for Violin and Piano giving it a new title Romantic Pieces. The four short movements fully evoke the atmosphere of home music-making for which it was written. The Czech edition goes by the title Drobnosti (Miniatures) and is accompanied by a short Gavotte dated 1890 and also written in a simpler style for three Violins. This title is part of the first Complete CriticalEdition of Works by Antonin Dvorak.
for String Quartet op. 35a-Josef Suk played second Violin in the Bohemian String...(+)
for String Quartet op. 35a-Josef Suk played second Violin in the Bohemian String Quartet. Since 1914 the ensemble was obliged to perform the Austrian national anthem at the opening of every concert. Suk decided to supplement this obligatory piece with a work inspired by the ancient sacred Bohemian St. Wenceslas hymn. The hymn?s message a plea for the well-being of the Czech people directed at their patron saint was immediately understood by the audience.The Bohemian String Quartet performed this single-movement Meditation for the first time on 27 September 1914; the premiere of the version for string orchestra followed on 22 November 1914 played by the CzechPhilharmonic. That same year the piece was published by Fr. A. Urbánek together with arrangements for Piano and Organ.This first Urtext edition prepared by the Sukscholar Zdenek Nouza is published in two scorings one for string quartet and another for String Orchestra (BA9584). The orchestral version differs in some details and has an added part for Double Bass.First Urtext editionInformative trilingual Foreword (Cz/Eng/Ger) and Critical Commentary (Eng) by the editorTwo versions published in two separate editions
