Three Masterpieces From The French Baroque By Lully Et Al Arr. Stephen Chin
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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.
Three Masterpieces From The French Baroque By Lully Et Al Arr. Stephen Chin
The splendour of the seventeenth and eighteenth-century French court was unmatched. From the grandeur of its architecture to the opulence of its clothing and decor, every detail was carefully crafted to convey a sense of majesty and beauty. It was a wonder of the world that left all European composers in envy. The three works mentioned here perfectly capture the spirit of that time- the grandeur of the court, the beauty of its people, and the magnificence of its culture.
As you journey through a tropical rainforest, you can experience wonderment and awe reflected in these three miniatures. Each piece offers a different mood and tone colour for players to explore. The techniques used in these miniatures, including pizzicato, sustained notes, double quavers, and left-hand pizzicato, are easy to tackle, even for young musicians with limited experience.
Intense and emotional, the music evokes feelings of desperation, anxiety, and frenzy. The dark tones of G minor and rapid rhythm create a menacing atmosphere. The hammering rhythm eventually overtakes a noble melody played by the cellos.
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.
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.
Ghost ships have been a mystery for centuries, dating back to ancient Greek mythology. The music piece starts with an eerie opening and transitions into an alluring theme, played by the first section, which is later repeated by other sections. The "Sailor's Dance" is an energetic and attractive tune featuring a group of soloists before a stirring conclusion.
This piece for lower intermediate string orchestra features familiar sea shanties. All orchestra sections share the melody, making it dynamic and effective for nautical music lovers.
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.