An excellent piece to introduce Early Music to students. Most rhythms are simple, with some quavers in the first violin part. Improvised percussion parts can be added for authenticity.
1. La Bergamesca
2. Schiralazula Marazula
3. Minni Amor
4. Dance
5. Il Canario
For String Orchestra Grade 1
This piece of music is an excellent resource for educators looking to introduce their students to the beauty of Early Music. Its simple yet captivating rhythms, mostly composed of crotchets and minims, with a few quavers in the first violin part, make it a great starting point. To enhance the authenticity of the performance and give it a more genuine sound, some improvised percussion parts can be included based on the performance practices of this period.
1. La Bergamesca
2. Schiralazula Marazula
3. Minni Amor
4. Dance
5. Il Canario
For String Orchestra Grade 1
This piece for lower intermediate string orchestra features familiar sea shanties. All orchestra sections share the melody, making it dynamic and effective for nautical music lovers.
For String Orchestra Grade 2
This work is a companion to “Bells of Ghengis Khan”, featuring insistent rhythms and pounding fifths that create a sense of impending conflict. The middle section depicts soldiers reflecting upon their loved ones before the battle resumes, with victors’ shouts heard towards the end. The piece uses techniques such as harmonics, tremolo, and pizzicato to add richness to the tone colours.
For String Orchestra Grade 1.5
No need to wait years to perform Grieg's "Holberg Suite" with your ensemble. This arrangement is true to the original but with less tricky figurations. It features off-string work, trills, accented quavers, light legato bowing, martele and pizzicato to make the performance sparkle!
For String Orchestra Grade 2.5
The Irish Blessing has been an inspiration for generations. This three-movement work for strings, SSAA choir, and optional bagpipes will make an impact on your audience.
This piece uses dynamic change and harmonics to evoke the beauty and mystery of the stratosphere.
Dedicated to Stephen's wonderful wife, Ann. Grade 3.
La Tempesta di Mare is the overture to Salieri's opera, Cesare in Farmacusa. It narrates the journey of the young Julius Caesar as he sails through a treacherous storm to Farmacusa, near Sicily. The plot is filled with pirates, gypsy lovers, and, of course, Roman gods, providing much entertainment for audiences of that time.
Port Fairy and the Twelve Apostles are two of Australia's most scenic places. The Gentle Boats at Port Fairy plays Irish music, while Storm over the Twelve Apostles depicts the fury of Mother Nature on the stone formations by the southern coast.
