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 Czech Philharmonic. 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 Suk scholar Zdenek Nouza, is published in two scorings, one for string quartet (BA 9583 - study score TP 583) and another for string orchestra (BA 9584).The orchestral version differs in some details and has an added part for double bass. - First Urtext edition - Informative trilingual Foreword (Cz/Eng/Ger) and Critical Commentary (Eng) by the editor - Two versions published in two separate editions / Orchestre A Cordes

The word 'steampunk' refers to a genre of science fiction that features steam-powered machinery. Works of fiction in this style are most often set in the 19th century British Victorian era or the American Wild West. Machines and technology found in the works of Jules Verne and H.G. Wells would be good examples of steampunk-style inventions. The piece itself follows no specific narrative, but rather is meant to capture the spirit and mood of this hearty, highly imaginative, industrial-based movement. (5:00) / Orchestre A Cordes

for String Orchestra Score and Parts. Par NISHIMURA YUKIKO. Mimosa Shower was written with a sense of anticipation for spring. The brightness of D Major is perfect for string orchestra, and the yellow color of the mimosa flower reminds me of this key. Mimosa Shower opens with a vivid impressionistic introduction, followed by a gently flowing theme. Every instrument plays the melody which flows side to side. Yukiko Nishimura creates a dialogue between the sections of the orchestra, asking each part to have awareness of the conversation and to respond musically. The orchestra creates harmonies which ebb and flow as the wind blows through the mimosas. This level 4 piece is expressive, legato, intricate, with minimal time signature changes, and a memorable expression of the expectancy of mimosa blossoms in spring. / Date parution : 2022-07-30/ Répertoire / Orchestre à Cordes

Snowy hilltops, timeless family traditions, and the warmth of a hearth---the atmosphere of a Smoky Mountain Christmas is captured in this arrangement of three traditional Appalachian carols arranged by Andrew Dabcyznski. The simple modal melodies of 'Star of the East' and 'Babe of Bethlehem' are passed throughout the orchestra, before concluding with the stirring spiritual 'Rise Up Shepherd and Follow.' The keys, meters, and bowings are all playable by second-year string students, but intermediate and advanced students also will find this to be a satisfying holiday concert piece. (3:30) / Orchestre A Cordes

Following the tradition of humorous and light-hearted themes, this scherzo will delight players and audiences. The swashbuckling pirate-like theme will make this piece a winner at festival and contest. (4:10) / Orchestre A Cordes

A joyful departure from tradition, now set in 4/4 time by Jeffrey Turner, this fresh setting of the beloved carol is sure to add sparkle to any holiday celebration. Across the silent night, the blazing star of a solo cello beacons. A violinist follows, and the glory of a string orchestra suddenly bursts across the heavens. A twinkling piano announces that a child has been born unto the world - then, the high strings enter like angels singing from above. With its ending in 3/4, sure to put a smile on everyone's face, there's never been a happier birthday. (3:20) / Orchestre A Cordes

Delight your audience with three uptempo Scottish dance tunes. Everyone plays the melody and the rollicking accompaniments using idiomatic Celtic bowings, accents, and rhythms. The first tune is a strathspey, 'The Smith's a Gallant Fireman' followed by two reels, 'Perrie Werrie' and 'St. Kilda Wedding.' (4:10) / Orchestre A Cordes

Par VAUGHAN WILLIAMS RALPH. Of all his early chamber works, the Nocturne is most clearly by the mature Vaughan Williams, almost anticipating the influence of Ravel which followed his lessons from the French composer in 1908. In the veiled beauty of its highly chromatic harmonies we hear already the tone-poet of the slow movement of A London Symphony , while in the fleet-footed Scherzo there is already a French influence in the way the folk-song is subtly woven into the texture, only brief snatches of the tune being heard until the penultimate page when it receives fuller treatment. The work plays for about 10 minutes. The 1904 Scherzo is a vigorous march with fugal episodes which lasts some 6 minutes and may effectively be performed by itself. / Niveau : Elémentaire / Répertoire / Quintette à Cordes