Gobi Desert warriors, led by Genghis Khan, ride to China. The music's eighth notes, dissonant chords, and pounding melody vividly portray their might in battle. A calm pentatonic section shows them resting at night before moving mercilessly to the next fight.
The warriors of the Gobi Desert were a force to be reckoned with, striking fear into the hearts of their enemies. Under the leadership of Genghis Khan, they rode across the vast plains of Mongolia into China, leaving behind a trail of destruction and chaos. This piece of music captures the essence of their journey, with its driving eighth notes, dissonant chords, and pounding melody painting a vivid picture of the might of these fearsome soldiers as they engage in battle.
The middle section of the piece offers a glimpse into the calmer side of these warriors. As they rest at night, the pentatonic mode conveys a sense of peace and tranquillity, a welcome respite from the chaos of war. But the calm is short-lived as the music builds up once again, and the warriors prepare to strike with renewed ferocity.
The work reaches its conclusion with a crescendo of sound as the warriors move mercilessly towards their next battle, fueled by their unbreakable spirit and unwavering determination. The music captures the essence of their bravery, their strength, and their unyielding spirit, making it a powerful tribute to these legendary warriors.
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
We all love our pets, and each day brings new adventures! “Presto Puppies” features rising scale patterns and surprising dissonances, while “Cantabile Kitties” captures the subdued essence of our feline friends with major seventh intervals that evoke a kitten yawning. “Con Brio Birdies” portrays birds’ chatter through repeated quavers and gentle dissonances. The suite also showcases various techniques, including harmonics and different pizzicato styles.
The Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) was a remarkable period in China’s history, characterised by extensive exploration and the expansion of trade routes to Europe, Africa, and the Indian Ocean, which resulted in a nearly doubled population. The Imperial Court became a hub for the arts, showcasing a diverse range of talents in literature, music, painting, sculpture, and ceramics. Artistic representations often depicted the calming lotus and dynamic horses, symbolising both serenity and strength, while music featured sustained notes and energetic rhythms that echoed these themes.
1. Lotus
2. Imperial Horses
Heavenly Lake in Tianshan Mountain, Xinjiang, China, has a myth about a goddess who overcame a demon. The playable piece features pentatonic melodies, lush harmonies, bracing rhythms, and intricate textures.
For String Orchestra (Grade 2)
1. Mirrors of Water
2. Urns of Fire
The Thirty Concert Pieces – Bass (Grade 1) with CD by Stephen Chin contains 30 accessible pieces for beginning double bass players. Designed for Grade 1, the collection develops technique, rhythm, intonation, expression, and performance confidence.
Key Features:
• Composer: Stephen Chin
• Instrument: Double Bass
• Level: Grade 1
• Contents: 30 pieces
• Developing players
• Performance repertoire
• Includes: CD
Introduce your students to Russian classical music with "Pictures at an Exhibition" by Mussorgsky. "Promenade" links various pieces, while "Danse Caracteristique" features harmonics, syncopated accompaniments, and chromatic scales.
1. Promenade (Mussorgsky)
2. Dance Caracteristique (Rebikov)
For String Orchestra level 2.5
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
