

Moreton Bay for String Orchestra by Anne Svendsen
Moreton Bay is an arrangement for an experienced string orchestra of an Australian folk song which became popular around 1830. The ‘Percy Grainger style’ work portrays the sadness and grief that was the experience of the convicts at the penal settlement of Moreton Bay run by the notorious Captain Logan. After a slow introduction of the theme, the piece seamlessly moves in to a lighter waltz section before returning to the memories of that horrendous period of Australian history.
Mozart composed over 30 violin sonatas during his lifetime. Among these works, only one sonata stands out for being entirely in a minor key. This particular sonata is known for its dark, brooding and energetic nature. It also features spiccato and martele articulations, which were crucial to the Classical style of music. This piece is appropriate for Grade 4 string orchestras.