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.
1. Lotus
2. Imperial Horses
The Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) was a remarkable period in China’s history, characterised by extensive exploration and the opening of trade routes to Europe, Africa, and across the Indian Ocean. During this time, China's population doubled. The Imperial Court became the center of a flourishing arts scene, producing remarkable achievements in literature, music, painting, sculpture, and ceramics. It also served as a gathering place for important visitors from distant countries.
In the arts, the calming image of the lotus and the dynamic portrayal of horses were often used to express the serenity and strength of the court. The music of this era featured sustained notes, open strings, harmonics, energetic retakes, and driving quavers, all of which reflected these sentiments.
1. Lotus
2. Imperial Horses
Pablo Sarasate (1844-1908) was a brilliant Spanish composer and violinist known for his expressive and technically challenging pieces like "The Carmen Fantasy" and "Zigeunerweisen". While retaining the original's virtuosity, this arrangement is accessible to younger musicians.
For String Orchestra Grade 2.
Lux Angelis is an advanced string orchestra piece with optional grade 1 and 2 strings, keyboard, and percussion. It represents light pervading the universe through harmonics and suspended chords. The seventh interval symbolizes the seven days of creation, while the two sections portray the challenges of dark forces. The piece ends with a chorus of angels bathed in light, symbolizing light's resilience.
Pachelbel's most famous work is "Canon in D," but he also composed many other pieces, including concerti, keyboard suites, and organ compositions. The Sarabande features a circle of fifths bass with varied sections. Bohm's Rigaudon is a lively Baroque dance.
1. Sarabande
2. Rigadoun
For String Orchestra Grade 1.5
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
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.”
This nautical-themed piece starts with violas and cellos evoking the swell of waves. The seconds create sea breeze sounds; the first violin plays the main theme energetically. Everyone gets a chance to participate, and the middle section featuring cellos is eerie. The suspenseful wait for the sea breezes to pick up again adds to the effect, and the piece ends with a fun and lively section.
For String Orchestra Grade 1.5
This piece gradually expands harmony from a unison note, highlighting interesting texture. Younger musicians learn dissonance through gentle tonal clashes, while elementary players explore different bow speeds and lengths. It's a great introduction to the power of a string orchestra.
For String Orchestra Grade 1
