Level 0.5-1 is a beginner piano set. It includes two Russian-style pieces with a solo violinist. There are two versions of Harmonic Rock. "Where the Wind Blows" is a D-grade primary school piece for second-year learners with expressive left-hand techniques.
Listen to it - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvX6-79Oz0o
First Concert for String Orchestra by Timothy Jarvela
Level 0.5-1 is a collection of beginner pieces for piano learners. The piano part is essential to carry the early learners. There are two pieces in the Russian style - one with open strings and marching steps at B, while the piano shows off, followed by a solo violinist (could use advanced students or teacher). Harmonic Rock has two versions - open G and with G harmonics. Students can then move to the tricky version of learning left-hand movement from open G to harmonic G to fingered G. "Where the Wind Blows" is a very expressive piece for learners in their second year. It involves left-hand pizzicato, legato arco, 1st/2nd me bars, and using C natural in the cello part (unison). It is a D Grade Primary School piece.
"A Mixed Bag" is a collection of six popular folk songs and nursery rhymes, including Frere Jacques, Hot Cross Buns, Mary Had A Little Lamb, Twinkle Twinkle, Au Claire de la Lune, and This Old Man. This arrangement presents them in interesting and sometimes surprising harmonic contexts, which makes it appealing to both young players and audiences. The instrumentation includes Violin 1, Violin 2, Violin 3/Viola, Cello, Bass, and Piano. The piece has a duration of 3.00 minutes and is graded 1.5.
Listen to it - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-qWhs9Q-UM
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.
Rice Paddy Dreaming by Timo Jarvela helps young players learn dotted crotchet-quaver rhythms and introduces them to the col legno technique. The piece has a dreamy, soothing melody and should be played comfortably with a flowing tempo, complemented by the piano accompaniment.
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
Reverie is a beautiful piece composed by Timothy Jarvela for a grade 3 string orchestra. It features gentle melodies and a dream-like quality, taking listeners on a journey through a world of fantasy. The music builds to a powerful climax before returning to a peaceful ending, showcasing the versatility of string instruments.
March of the Titans is a thrilling Grade 2.5 composition by Timo Jarvela. The piece features bold melodies, strong rhythms, and driving percussion, making it an excellent choice for any young band looking to showcase their skills and impress their audience. Overall, it's a memorable and well-structured piece that builds to a dramatic climax, leaving a lasting impression on all who hear it.
Listen to it - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WH-C2CX7JdI
