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
Evaristo Felice Dall'Abaco was a renowned composer who lived during the same period as the legendary Antonio Vivaldi. As two of the most prominent musicians of their time, they were undoubtedly aware of each other's immense talent.
Dall'Abaco's piece opens with a Prelude that showcases the rich tapestry of part-writing that is characteristic of the Late Italian Baroque style. The harmonies and textures of this section are truly breathtaking and set the stage for the rest of the piece.
The following section of the piece, Ciaconna, is a continuous set of variations on a fixed bass. Dall'Abaco's clever alterations of the bass line figurations while preserving the intrinsic harmony of the piece is a testament to his musical genius.
Overall, this beautiful work familiarizes players with a variety of textures found in Baroque music. It is a must-listen for anyone who appreciates the intricacies of classical music and the artistry of the composers who created it.
For String Orchestra Grade 3
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
David Maddick compiled “Chinwagging” from the most popular tunes in “Thirty Concert Pieces” by Everything String. The piece teaches fundamental string techniques to young ensemble members, such as legato bowing, string crossing, re-taking, and right/left-hand pizzicato. It’s an enjoyable and solid introduction to foundational concepts.
For String Orchestra Grade 1
Two Italian Baroque masterpieces in contrast - Sarabande and Gigue. Simple melody with suspensions in Sarabande, orchestra showcases string crossings and quaver figuration in Gigue.
For String Orchestra Grade 2.5
Vivaldi wrote many concertos for different instruments, including one for mandolin and strings. The composition's formal structure remains unaltered, but some intricate figurations have been tweaked. The music creates a dialogue between the orchestra's sections as they share the melody. The Baroque string crossings and harmonic progressions make the piece enjoyable to play.
For String Orchestra Grade 3
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.
