

Renaissance Reimagined by Brian Balmages (FJH)
Grade 3.5
Publisher: FJH Music Company
This stunning work pays homage to Renaissancestyle music while completely reimagining it with contemporary twists and turns. Eventually, several lines come together as the music juxtaposes duple and triple meter in an aggressive and glorious musical statement.
A Vivaldi School Year for string orchestra (Grade 1.5) arr. Carrie Lane Gruselle
The vivid imagery of "little critters" scurrying about at night inspires the melodic lines and creative harmonies used throughout this programmatic work. Beginning soft and mischievous, the music builds as new critters join the fun in a playful dialogue. The harmonic language moves between moments of pleasant consonance and slight dissonance (because as we all know, some people love little critters and some people are terrified of them!). A highly imaginative, playable work! (Grade 1, Dur 2:15)
Swashbucklers Saga by Chris Thomas (Grade 2.5) FJH
Allegro Moderato (Symph. No. 29) For String Orchestra (by Robert D. McCashin, Gr 4)
Following the slow introduction, Beethoven's first symphony breaks into a lively and energetic Allegro, carrying listeners through a whirlwind of harmonies and keys. This arrangement authentically captures the lyricism and raw power of a masterpiece written by a young 29-year-old Beethoven. (4:00)