
Jarvela, Riverfiddle (Grade 3.5)
Riverfiddle is an intermediate-level piece for string orchestra by Timo Jarvela. The lively melody, dynamic contrasts, and syncopated rhythms make it a fun and engaging addition to any performance.
Fiddle Tune is a simple melody in A and D major that helps young players move their bow arms. It can be played in unison, and octave harmonics are optional. An optional tacet at ‘B’ and “pizz ‘n slap” accompaniment provide a final challenge.
Ostinato Mysteriato is a mature-sounding piece in A Mixolydian. It’s based on a repeating pattern passed around the orchestra, which challenges young players. The piano part is optional but adds a nice touch.
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 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.
Riverfiddle is an intermediate-level piece for string orchestra by Timo Jarvela. The lively melody, dynamic contrasts, and syncopated rhythms make it a fun and engaging addition to any performance.
Laker Music - suppliers of educational music for student string orchestras /ensembles. Level 1 Instrumentation: Violin 1, Violin 2, Viola/Violin 3, Cello, Bass, Piano, Tambourine (optional).
"Pine Rivers Hoedown" is a lively, hoedown-style musical piece perfect for young players. Each part has a strong melody, with the bass providing rhythm and harmony. If a bass is unavailable, the piano part covers the line. Consider an additional desk for 1st violins, as the 2nd violins and violas share the same part. It's a fun and upbeat piece that young players will enjoy.
Listen to it - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTLvtHVXJg4
Iron Horse Express is a Grade 2 piece that musically depicts a steam train on its journey. It captures the sounds of bells, whistles, and hissing steam. Before steam locomotives, horses pulled rail cars and wagons along tracks. The piece features optional vocal effects for escaping steam but is not essential to the performance. Placing bows down for the pizzicato passages can help maintain a steady tempo.
Listen to it - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6e-t_l9vItA
The Royal Processional for String Orchestra by Timothy Jarvela is a majestic and uplifting composition that exudes grandeur. The piece opens with a solemn introduction that leads to a triumphant main theme. The melody builds in intensity, displaying the composer's skilful orchestration, culminating in a powerful and thrilling finale. Overall, the Royal Processional is a masterful showcase of the beauty and power of string music.
Concert Piece for Viola by Timo Jarvela.
Instrumentation - Viola, Piano
This suite is perfect for young beginners. The Four Little Pieces use a limited range of notes and are mostly played in unison, but the piano part is still interesting. The suite includes a CD with multi-speed piano accompaniments, and the violin, viola, and cello parts can be performed individually as solos.
Contents:
• Curtain Raiser
• Little Belle's Waltz
• Back Street Boogie
• Cowboy Lane
Listen to it - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mo7eRiQPD-k
Composed by Timo Jarvela, Carriage Ride is a lively and fun piece perfect for Grade 1 piano students. The piece starts with a cheerful introduction and progresses to a playful and energetic melody, providing an engaging and entertaining experience for students to develop their skills and musicality.