The Abandoned Funhouse by Brian Balmages Written for the true beginner, this piece takes the listener on an eerie tour that can best be described as an unsettling experience with a touch of curiosity and anxiousness. Piano and optional celesta (playable on a keyboard) create a haunting background reminiscent of a film score. Instruments move mostly by stepwise motion and all string crossings involve an open string. No eighth notes are used, and many instruments use only 5 or 6 notes (while violin 1 uses a one octave D Major scale). Highly playable and extremely engaging! (Approximately 2 minutes duration)
Queenslanders will likely appreciate this fresh and cheerful "winter" piece from Florida, sure to bring some cheer to your audience. Optional percussion parts pair with tuneful melodies to give this work a unique charm that is both engaging and challenging. A perfect addition to your winter concert! (2:00)
This brilliant march in grand concert style works beautifully for strings! A powerful melodic line combines with strong rhythms and moving harmonic shifts as the piece unfolds. After a wonderful exchange of the opening themes, the piece moves into an energetic coda with a riveting ending. A perfect performance piece at concert or festival as well as an ideal change of pace for any program! (2:00)
This fantastic arrangement of dances from the 17th century Renaissance period includes three movements, beginning with La Bouree, a lively and spirited dance. The beautiful Pavane alternates between major and minor tonalities. The final movement, Spagnoletta and Courante, is in a lilting 6/8 time. Tenor drum is optional, but highly effective and approachable. A delightful journey into the past and an excellent way to develop independence between sections. (4:15)
Raindrop Serenade for String Orchestra (Grade 1) by Lauren Bernofsky
