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
Before the early 1800s, horses were the primary mode of transportation for pulling rail cars and wagons along tracks. However, with the invention of the steam locomotive, the era of the "Iron Horse" began. This term was coined to describe the new machines that replaced the horses, which were capable of hauling heavy loads at incredible speeds.
"Iron Horse Express" is a musical masterpiece that vividly captures the essence of a steam train on its journey. From the ringing of the bells to the whistling and the hissing sound of steam, every detail of the train's travel is carefully portrayed through this piece. Although optional, the addition of vocal effects that emulate the sound of escaping steam can enhance the overall performance quality.
To ensure a consistent tempo, it may be beneficial to place the bows down for the pizzicato passages at the beginning of the piece. This piece is classified as Grade 2, making it suitable for intermediate-level performers.
"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
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.
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
Windward Waltz for String Orchestra is a graceful and elegant composition by Timo Jarvela that evokes a feeling of calmness and relaxation. The piece showcases the composer's skilful ability to weave together intricate melodies and harmonies into a cohesive and harmonious whole. Overall, it's a beautiful and enchanting piece of music that will delight audiences of all ages.
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
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 orchestra/ensembles.
Level 0.5
Instrumentation: Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, Piano
"Fiddlin' to Freedom" is a Timo Jarvela composition for string orchestra. The piece starts with a spiritual-style intro, followed by a lively gospel-style tune with a distinct fiddlin flavour. The instrumentation includes Violin 1, Violin 2, Violin 3/Viola, Cello, Bass, and Piano. It's graded at level 2 and has a duration of 3.00.
Listen to it - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNL8dTNcjnY
