This Pavane, written in the style of entrance music for an Elizabethan masque, wedding or other festive occasion, has a characteristic 2/2 swing with the occasional injection of 3/2 meter for rhythmic variety and spice. It is lyrical in essence, featuring long melodic lines passed between the parts. Technically straightforward and playable in the first position, the musical and tonal scope of the piece affords interest to a broad spectrum of ensemble standards.
Keith Sharp is a Brisbane-based string educator, composer, and guest lecturer. He earned a Bachelor of Music degree in 1984 and has created award-winning programs and popular compositions worldwide.
A Noble Entrance For String Orchestra by Keith Sharp
This enchanting piece of music, Pavane, is crafted in the style of entrance music typically played during Elizabethan celebrations such as masques and weddings. Its unique 2/2 swing tempo is accented with occasional 3/2 meter variations, adding a delightful rhythmic spice to the piece. The melody is highly expressive, featuring long, flowing melodic lines passed between the ensemble's different parts. The piece is technically simple and playable in the first position, yet its broad musical and tonal range makes it a captivating choice for ensembles of varying skill levels. Whether you're a seasoned musician or a beginner, this piece will leave a lasting impression.
Keith Sharp earned a Bachelor of Music degree in 1984. He’s been a string educator in Brisbane since then, creating award-winning programs and compositions. His works are popular in Australia and internationally. Keith is also a clinician, guest conductor, and guest lecturer.
Australian composer and violinist Keith Sharp has created a flexible Celtic-sounding melody divided into three parts - a melody, harmony, and bass line. Each instrument has a melody part and an easier harmony part to accommodate players of different skill levels.
Keith Sharp is a Brisbane-based string educator and composer with a Bachelor of Music degree and a post-graduate diploma in education. He has produced award-winning string programs and ensembles, and his works are popular in Australia and abroad. Keith is also active as a clinician, guest conductor, and lecturer.
Mamba Samba is a fun and unique piece for string ensembles. It offers swing without technical difficulty, accommodates different skill levels, has optional parts for violin and viola, and includes lyrics. A MIDI backing track is also available.
Keith Sharp earned a Bachelor of Music degree in 1984. He's been a string educator in Brisbane since then, creating award-winning programs and compositions. His works are popular in Australia and internationally. Keith is also a clinician, guest conductor, and guest lecturer.
Two contrasting dances are linked, creating a classic ternary form. The first dance has a driving rhythm and repeated accents. A four-bar solo bridge leads to the succeeding dance with a graceful, modal theme. The Two Courtly Dances are easy to play yet catchy and appealing to various ages. The piece has four string lines and an optional piano. The viola doubles either the first or second violins throughout.
Keith Sharp earned a Bachelor of Music degree in 1984. He's been a string educator in Brisbane since then, creating award-winning programs and compositions. His works are popular in Australia and internationally. Keith is also a clinician, guest conductor, and guest lecturer.
This music piece is inspired by the bandicoot's playful rhythm and light texture. It's suitable for advanced Primary to junior high ensembles and allows the practice of various stroke techniques. The theme is evenly distributed, making it enjoyable for all.
Fernando’s Tango is a rhythmic piece featuring a dotted rhythm throughout. The cello, Double bass, and Violin 3/violin treble parts offer beat stability, while the first Violins have an easy-to-play tango descant. The ensemble pack includes Unison Melody parts for Violin, Viola, and Cello and can be tailored to suit different playing standards.
Keith Sharp is a string music teacher in Brisbane, Australia. He earned his Bachelor of Music degree in 1984 and a postgraduate diploma in education in 1995. He creates award-winning string programs and compositions popular in Australia, the United States, Great Britain, and Germany. Keith is also an active clinician, guest conductor, and guest lecturer.
Polly, a sick cockatoo, feels lonely as her friends avoid her. This Eastern European-inspired composition is ideal for Grade 1.5 students and has a melancholic melody with a haunting piano accompaniment that lasts 2 minutes and 6 seconds.
Keith Sharp is a renowned music teacher and co-author of the beginner series Encore On Strings - Music Maestros. He has over 35 years of experience teaching string music, a Bachelor of Music Degree, and a Graduate Diploma in Further Education. Keith has received several awards for his contributions to music education and regularly appears at schools, music camps, and workshops.
“La Llorona” is a 6-minute programmatic piece for a high school string orchestra with optional percussion. It tells a story based on a Spanish/Mexican legend of La Malinche, a noble Aztec girl sold into slavery to Mayan merchants. The music starts with an Entrada, signalling the arrival of the Spanish fleet led by Cortés, who colonized Mexico.
La Malinche was a translator and mistress to the conqueror Cortés. She had twin boys with him, but when he was convinced to return to Spain with a Spanish aristocrat, La Malinche realized the hopelessness of her situation and drowned herself and her children in a nearby river.
Night Folk is a 3-sketch musical piece inspired by Enid Blyton’s playful storytelling. It features mischievous creatures making fun of marching gnomes, riding Queen Caterpillar, and dancing in an enchanted ring. The composition has carefully designed educational elements for musical ensembles, a manageable length of 2 min 52 sec, and is in the key of A Aeolian mode.
Keith Sharp is a music educator from Brisbane, Australia, with over 35 years of experience. He currently teaches at Brisbane State High School, focusing on ensemble and group tuition. Keith’s ensemble pieces have won awards, and he’s a co-author of Encore on Strings. He regularly appears as a guest clinician, composer, teacher, and conductor.
