La Mariposa, or The Butterfly in English, gives students exposure to Latin music in the form of the Mambo. The Mambo is a syncopated style of music and dance that originated in Cuba in the early 1900s. Alternating between D major and D minor, the melodic material in La Mariposa is evenly distributed between the high and low strings. The easy optional percussion parts add great dimension to the Latin feel of this piece.
From its opening chords to its strong finish, Drive races forward, alternating between syncopated rhythms and soaring melodies. Beginning in the key of A minor, two opposing melodic patterns emerge. The use of silence becomes an effective change of pace as the piece modulates to B minor, recapping familiar motives to a lively finish with all forces at fortissimo! (3:22)
This whimsical Khachaturian theme is perfect for teaching intervals and chromatic fingerings. Violas use half position, and first violins will shift to third position. Cellos and violas are featured in the second theme, and this abridged arrangement omits the middle section. A more advanced full transcription for string orchestra is also available. (355152)
In this wonderfully evocative piece of music Bobrowitz describes a deep water dive to find a long lost city. This compelling musical journey conveys a sense of ever-deepening awe at the magical underwater seascape. All sections of the orchestra contribute to the melodic fabric of this unique musical journey. (4:16)
The “Spitfire” was a single-seat fighter airplane successfully used by the Allies in World War II against the German Luftwaffe. With its rhythmically-charged parts for every member of the orchestra and dynamic percussion parts, the composer has created an exhilarating musical evocation of the daily life of a fighter pilot taking part in the Battle of Britain. Use this exciting work to add some variety and “zing” to your orchestra concert! (3:10)