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 breathtaking Heavenly Lake lies in the majestic Tianshan Mountain range in Xinjiang Province, China. The lake is steeped in myths and legends, with one storytelling of a goddess who once bathed in its pristine waters. It is said that she bravely fought and vanquished a troublesome demon by using a hairpin to stab it, which then miraculously transformed into a magnificent elm tree on the lake's shore.
Experience the magic of the Heavenly Lake through a mesmerizing musical composition that features pentatonic melodies, lush harmonies, bracing rhythms, and intricately woven textures. This playable piece is not only a joy to rehearse but also a treat for the senses when listened to.
For String Orchestra (Grade 2)
1. Mirrors of Water
2. Urns of Fir
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
These quirky pieces are trinkets that can spark young musicians' imaginations. They cover many techniques, such as pizzicato, staccato, harmonics, and rapid eighth notes, which can help beginning orchestras build their skills in a fun way. The memorable tunes often shared around the orchestra will indeed have your students begging for more!
1. Busy Bikes
2. Sanpan in the Clouds
3. Elephants and Fleas
4. It's Raining Diamonds
5. Very Dark Elves
6. Tibetan Trinkets
7. King Bruce's Spider
8. Nullarbor
9. Dragon Crusher
10. Magical Mandolines
11. Fuji
12. Ice Train
For String Orchestra Grade 1
Daniel Steibelt (1765-1823) composed elegant pieces that embody the Classical period's poise and vivacity. His piece includes an Andante section with beautiful melodies and an Allegro con brio section that presents a fun challenge for students. The E minor middle section highlights the first violins' talent and is perfect for String Orchestra Grade 2.
1. Andante
2. Allegro con brio
The music is a journey through the Mists of England, the lush green fields of Ireland, Wales's sublime beauty, and Scotland's invigorating highlands. The tunes and textures are vibrant, wistful, and unforgettable, making them perfect for any performance. Your players will be humming them long after the rehearsal is over.
Listen to #1 – Mists of the Winter Solstice
Listen to #2 – Road to County Derry
Kakadu National Park is known for its wildlife. One piece depicts sunrise over the water with improvisation. "Twilight Trek," the second piece, conveys a journey of adventure on foot with staccato notes, pizzicato melodies, and sudden fortes.
1. Sunrise at Kakadu
2. Twilight Trek
For String Orchestra Grade 1
Schubert's Sonatina Op. 137, No. 1's Allegro molto movement, originally for violin and piano, has been arranged for strings, making it more accessible.
Composer Franz Schubert was a skilled violinist who wrote over 12 string quartets by age 19. His first three violin sonatas, including Sonata No. 1 in D major, D 384, were later published as Sonatinas in 1836. The charming piece of music is relatively easy to perform.
Schubert's "März 1816" sonata has an intimate atmosphere, perfect for a small ensemble. It features three movements: Allegro molto, Andante, and Allegro vivace. The Allegro molto is a lively and fast-paced movement, followed by a slower, more contemplative Andante. The piece concludes with a rousing Allegro vivace.
The Midnight Serenade starts with faint calls of the night. The haunting melody is shared throughout the piece over a waltz-like accompaniment. Dark Train is a dynamic composition based on a simple three-note ostinato, with whistle effects that excite younger players.
1. Midnight Serenade
2. Dark Train
For String Orchestra Grade 1
