Fiddle Tune & Ostinato Myseriato by Timo Jarvela for String Orchestra

Fiddle Tune is a simple yet effective tune designed to move young bow arms. Most of the piece is played in unison, and the keys used - A and D major - allow finger patterns to be easily transferred to adjacent strings. While octave harmonics enable the left hand to be mobile, they are not essential to perform the piece. An optional tacet at ‘B’ in some or all of the parts - except for celli and bass - can provide a nice change in texture. The “pizz ‘n slap” accompaniment by the celli and basses, combined with an accelerando, provides a final challenge in coordination and brings the piece to an exciting conclusion!

Ostinato Mysteriato is based on a short ostinato pattern passed around the orchestra. The Mixolydian tonality based on ‘A’ makes for a mature-sounding piece at the ‘easy end’ of the spectrum, which may also suit slightly older players in the early stages of learning. The independence of melodic parts and rhythmic elements provides some challenges to young players. The piano part, while optional, adds a nice touch to the piece.

Timo Jarvela - Composer

Timo Jarvela has been teaching string playing in primary and secondary schools in the Pine Rivers, Redcliffe, and Caboolture districts since 1995. He also spent a year teaching violin in the Kaustinen Shire of his native Finland during 1993-1994. Timo holds a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance from the Qld Conservatorium of Music, Griffith University. As a violinist, he has performed with various ensembles and orchestras, including the Qld Symphony Orchestra, the Qld Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Qld Youth Orchestra.

In 1996, Timo founded the Pine Rivers Area String Orchestra (PRASO) to promote string playing in his local community. His aim was to provide young string players with musical opportunities through various ensembles, ranging from fiddle bands to chamber orchestras. Since 2013, these ensembles have come under the banner of MYME (Moreton Youth Music Ensembles), reflecting the change of name in the shire.

In recognition of his services to music in the community, Timo was awarded the Pine Rivers Shire Council’s Australia Day Cultural Award in 2003.