The Bells of Ghengis Khan by Stephen Chin
Genghis Khan, a feared warrior, and his soldiers ride through Mongolia into China. The piece's driving rhythms and accented chords create an atmosphere of strength and awe in battle. A gentler middle section uses the pentatonic scale, perhaps as Khan rests. The work concludes with a surge of energy as he moves towards his next battle.
For String Orchestra Grade 1.5
The Bells of Ghengis Khan by Stephen Chin
Genghis Khan, the great conqueror of the Mongol Empire, strikes fear into the hearts of his enemies as he and his warriors gallop across the vast plains of Mongolia and into China. This musical composition brings his story to life with driving rhythms that mirror the pounding of hooves, parallel fifths that echo the clash of weapons, and heavily accented chords that evoke the atmosphere of an intense battle.
As the piece transitions to the middle section, the music softens, and the pentatonic scale is used to convey a gentler side to this imposing figure. Perhaps this is a portrayal of Genghis Khan as he rests in his tent after a long day of fighting, reflecting on the events of the day.
But the calm doesn't last long as the music builds again, and the energy surges forward once more. Genghis Khan is on the move, ferociously leading his troops towards their next battle.
For String Orchestra Grade 1.5
8 other products in the same category:
Elegy At Dig Tree & Goin' Overland By Stephen Chin
Dig Tree and The Elegy reflect Australia's early explorers' unfortunate fate, while Goin' Overland captures the excitement of exploring the outback. The latter features various string techniques that highlight the Australian essence of the music.
For String Orchestra Grade 1.5
Three Baroque Classics By Stephen Chin
The musette is a small French bagpipe that gained popularity in Louis XIV's time. It has a consistent G note for beginners. The "Air" is a beautiful tune from Handel's opera "Rinaldo". The set ends with a jolly bourree by the prolific composer Georg Philipp Telemann.
1. Musette
2. Air
3. Bouree
For String Orchestra Grade 2
The Heat Suite By Stephen Chin
This piece has three movements that explore different aspects of heat. It uses various techniques, such as pizzicato, legato melodies, staccato quarter notes, and double eighth notes, which are easy to manage for young players. It's a fun piece for any occasion!
1. Sparks
2. Smoke
3. Fire
For String Orchestra Grade 1
Breathless By Stephen Chin
Feel the rush with this piece! The music's edgy rhythms and meter changes create a sense of urgency and desperation, like a frantic pursuit. A lyrical middle section offers a moment of respite before the thrilling journey resumes.
Two Traditional Folk Songs By Stephen Chin
Two contrasting works with enduring melodies. "Let All Mortal Flesh" is dynamic, from an old French folk song. The "Drunken Sailor" arrangement is a gem, highlighting all sections. A hit with younger musicians!
1. Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silent
2. Drunken Sailor
For String Orchestra Grade 1.5
Allegro Molto by Franz Schubert arr. Stephen Chin
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.