Vivaldi wrote many concertos for different instruments, including one for mandolin and strings. The composition's formal structure remains unaltered, but some intricate figurations have been tweaked. The music creates a dialogue between the orchestra's sections as they share the melody. The Baroque string crossings and harmonic progressions make the piece enjoyable to play.
Vivaldi was a prolific composer who created an impressive catalogue of concertos for a vast array of instruments. The piece, originally composed for mandolin and strings, showcases his virtuosity in crafting complex, ornate figurations. Although some of these figurations have been slightly adapted, the fundamental harmonic and formal structures of the composition remain unaffected.
The music features a delightful sense of dialogue between different sections of the orchestra as they share the melodic line, creating a rich and dynamic texture. Furthermore, players will relish the opportunity to perform the customary Baroque string crossings, which require precision and skill, as well as the familiar harmonic progressions that underpin the music. Overall, the piece exudes an effervescent energy that is characteristic of Vivaldi's style and will undoubtedly captivate both performers and listeners alike.
As you journey through a tropical rainforest, you can experience wonderment and awe reflected in these three miniatures. Each piece offers a different mood and tone colour for players to explore. The techniques used in these miniatures, including pizzicato, sustained notes, double quavers, and left-hand pizzicato, are easy to tackle, even for young musicians with limited experience.
Experience a captivating musical journey to Kyoto with “Two Silk Screens from Kyoto” by Stephen Chin. This evocative string orchestra piece beautifully reflects Japanese culture through graceful melodies and intricate harmonies. Immerse yourself in its meditative ambiance, as the strings evoke vivid images of cherry blossoms and serene landscapes.
Stephen Chin: “These two pieces were inspired by my visit to Japan. They capture memories of the country's beauty, contrasting the elegance of cranes by a lake with the dynamic movements of samurai. I frequently used the Japanese scale, Hirajōshi, along with other pentatonic scales throughout the set.”
Mozart's Ave Verum Corpus and Alleluia from "Exultate Jubilate" are two of his most cherished liturgical compositions. All the difficult melismas have been adapted without losing the original excitement.
Dig Tree and The Elegy reflect Australia's early explorers' unfortunate fate, while Goin' Overland captures the excitement of exploring the outback. The latter features various string techniques that highlight the Australian essence of the music.
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.
After the snowy start, climbers get to work. The fast melody depicts their chiselling on an icy rock face. A calm middle section shows the view from the top before the chiselling continues down. Younger players will love this energetic piece with catchy tunes and strong harmonies.
