Hand-picking cotton is a gruelling task. 19th-century rural Americans sang to support each other. This piece starts with different players for each bar, evoking the image. The "Praising Song" celebrates the end of a tough day. An elementary ensemble will shine playing the double quavers, pizzicati, and syncopated beats.
1. Cottonfield Calls
2. Praising Song
For String Orchestra Grade 1
Hand-picking cotton is known to be one of the most gruelling and physically demanding tasks humans can undertake. In the rural America of the 19th century, the labourers would sing across the field to support each other and make the task seem less daunting. The opening notes of this particular piece of music are played by a different musician in each bar, creating the feeling of a group of people working together in harmony. As the music progresses into the "Praising Song," one can almost hear the jubilant celebration of the end of a long and arduous day, with the workers singing, clapping, and stamping their feet in unison. The performance of this piece requires a high level of skill, with the elementary ensemble being called upon to execute difficult musical techniques such as double quavers, pizzicati, and syncopated beats, resulting in a truly sparkling and captivating performance.
1. Cottonfield Calls
2. Praising Song
For String Orchestra Grade 1
Your beginner string orchestra will love these expressive pieces. They're mostly composed using pentatonic scales, making them easy to learn and play. Enjoy the sustained chords in "Sleeping Pandas" and the fun acrobatics in "Acrobats".
Debussy was inspired by mysticism and exotic items. He combined Gregorian chant with Eastern influences in "Funeral Urn" and showcased his unique style with "The Girl with the Flaxen Hair". Students will enjoy the challenging rhythms and harmonies in these works.
1. Funeral Urn
2. The Girl with the Flaxen Hair
For String Orchestra Grade 4
The music is filled with lively melodies and counter-melodies that dance around the orchestra. The middle section features a string quartet solo interrupted by tutti utterances. The work offers a wide range of textures, dynamics, and haunting tunes that will captivate both players and audiences alike.
For String Orchestra Grade 3.5
Carl Bohm (1844 - 1920) was a renowned composer and teacher for violinists. His famous pieces, "Moto Perpetuo" and "Galop," showcase double semiquavers and highlight the cellos in the latter. The work is shared around for everyone to shine.
For String Orchestra Grade 2.5
Two great pieces for young players! "Guitar Lullaby" is based on a familiar melody with a wide range. Hold the instrument like a guitar. "Chit Chat" is a catchy call and response piece with syncopated rhythms.
1. Guitar Lullaby
2. Chit Chat
For String Orchestra Grade 1
Evaristo Felice Dall'Abaco and Antonio Vivaldi lived during the same era. Dall'Abaco's piece features an opening Prelude and a Ciaconna that includes variations on a fixed bass. This Baroque piece introduces players to various musical textures.
For String Orchestra Grade 3
Citadels, or walled fortresses, were built for centuries to defend civilizations from invaders. This music explores the imagery of a strong, passionate, and fiercely protective community. The middle section creates an atmosphere of a still yet edgy night. The main theme eventually fades away as the invaders recede.
For String Orchestra Grade 2.5
