Heart in The Highlands is a musical masterpiece that draws inspiration from the works of the famous Scottish poet Robert Burns. The piece is a vivid representation of the rugged yet mesmerizing Scottish highlands, with its craggy mountains and lush greenery. Through the use of heart-throbbing pizzicato, mysterious harmonics, strong dotted rhythms, and bagpipe-like drones, the piece creates a captivating soundscape that transports the audience to the stunning landscape of Scotland. The music is sure to leave a lasting impression on both the ensemble and the listeners with its powerful and evocative melodies.
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.”
These works are perfect for the beginner string ensemble player. They continue the earlier publication titled "A Dozen Dazzlers." They feature unison, simple parts and call-response writing and prepare the players for the greater demands of a full-string orchestra. All parts have been meticulously crafted for ease of playing and to focus on essential ensemble skills such as pizzicato, legato, staccato, and harmonics. These attractive pieces will ignite the students' imaginations.
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.
The French court of the 17th and 18th centuries was renowned for its grandeur and beauty, envied by all composers in Europe. These three works embody that spirit.
In Greek mythology, the Furies brought the dead to the Underworld and were part of the legend of Orpheus. August Nolck's piece was originally for cello but is now perfect for developing string players' timing precision. The perpetual motion promotes refined right-hand movements and offers opportunities for section solos.
