Heart In The Highlands By Stephen Chin
'Heart in The Highlands', inspired by Robert Burns, evokes Scotland's rugged beauty with pizzicato, harmonics, dotted rhythms, and drones.
Embark on a musical journey for young string players with a delightful composition specially crafted for beginning orchestras. This engaging piece introduces students to ensemble playing while promoting joy and a sense of accomplishment. With catchy melodies and expressive dynamics, it showcases the potential of aspiring musicians.
Stephen Chen shares, "I am fascinated by the different qualities of light throughout the day. In this set of pieces, the gentle mood of twilight and the mystery of moonlight contrast with the joy of warm sunshine. Various melodic and rhythmic elements, including pizzicato and tremolo, convey these impressions."
Embark on a musical journey for young string players with a delightful composition designed for beginning string orchestras. This accessible and engaging piece introduces students to the fundamentals of ensemble playing while fostering a sense of joy and accomplishment. With its catchy melodies, harmonious interactions, and expressive dynamics, it highlights the potential of aspiring musicians and illuminates their path toward musical excellence.
Stephen Chen expresses, "I have always been fascinated by the various characteristics of light that a person may experience throughout the day. In this set of pieces, the gentle mood of twilight and the mysterious ambience of moonlight are juxtaposed with the joy of basking in radiant sunlight. A wide range of melodic, rhythmic, expressive, and textural elements, such as pizzicato, tremolo, and harmonics, are used throughout to portray these impressions."
'Heart in The Highlands', inspired by Robert Burns, evokes Scotland's rugged beauty with pizzicato, harmonics, dotted rhythms, and drones.
David Maddick compiled “Chinwagging” from the most popular tunes in “Thirty Concert Pieces” by Everything String. The piece teaches fundamental string techniques to young ensemble members, such as legato bowing, string crossing, re-taking, and right/left-hand pizzicato. It’s an enjoyable and solid introduction to foundational concepts.
For String Orchestra Grade 1
Intense and emotional, the music evokes feelings of desperation, anxiety, and frenzy. The dark tones of G minor and rapid rhythm create a menacing atmosphere. The hammering rhythm eventually overtakes a noble melody played by the cellos.
For String Orchestra Grade 3.5
Originally written for wind ensemble and later arranged for pianoforte, these charming movements have been carefully placed to give the sense of a fully integrated work. Some elements of this work are similar in vein to Mozart's famous "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik." Advanced intermediate players will enjoy the challenges of spiccato quavers, martele crotchets, measured tremolo, and lifted upbows, which are a must for developing precision and clarity in a more advanced string ensemble.
For String Orchestra Grade 3
Telemann was a prolific composer, creating over 3000 works, including 100 concertos, 40 operas and numerous chamber music pieces. The Siciliano and Allegro movements from his violin sonatas showcase contrasting Baroque styles and are great for developing phrasing and articulation.
For String Orchestra Grade 3
Ghost ships have been a mystery for centuries, dating back to ancient Greek mythology. The music piece starts with an eerie opening and transitions into an alluring theme, played by the first section, which is later repeated by other sections. The "Sailor's Dance" is an energetic and attractive tune featuring a group of soloists before a stirring conclusion.
1. Ghost Ship
2. Sailors Dance
For String Orchestra Grade 1.5
This is an excellent intro to Early Music. Arbeau's second piece was later used in "Capriol Suite" by Peter Warlock. To add authenticity, improvise and add bass drum or tambour parts.
1. Bransle
2. Pavan
3. Ballo Furlano
For String Orchestra Grade 1.5
Greensleeves is an old English melody. This is a beautiful arrangement of the 1690 version, providing each orchestra section a chance to showcase their skills. It's a great way to appreciate the early Baroque style.
For String Orchestra Grade 3