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.
Chromatic glissandi, walking bass, and piano accompany a slow blues melody played by violins. The tune encourages vibrato and sounds excellent in the third or first position. The third violin/viola part is simple, while cellists can enjoy their chromatic pizzicato. The piano line is crucial. It's an original "concert novelty" that generates interest.
Keith Sharp is a renowned composer and string educator based in Brisbane, Australia. He has produced award-winning string programs and ensembles while pursuing his passion for composition. Unfortunately, his work "Bilge Rat Blues for String Orchestra" is currently out of print and unavailable.
Angharad’s Feast," composed to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Brisbane’s Western Suburbs String Orchestra and honor founder Andrea Messenger, premiered in November 2019. The piece represents a family gathering, with each string section symbolizing different family members: first violins as energetic children, second violins as guiding parents, violas as aunties and uncles, and double basses and cellos as wise grandparents. With a warm and charming folk-style theme, the composition beautifully encapsulates the spirit of family, music, and life.
This piece has an Irish essence and features lively fiddle-style themes contrasting with lyrical countermelodies. As you play, pass the melodic interest between the sections and experiment with different articulations, dynamics, and timbres inherent in the music. The 1st Violins get to show off with a fun yet playable fiddle break. The piece ends with an energetic, “all-in-together” finish that will leave the audience feeling roused. Fiddle O’Finnigan is popular with students, teachers, and audiences alike! The folio includes parts for the String Orchestra (8-8-4-4-6-2), the Conductor’s score, and an optional Piano accompaniment.
"Serious Kookaburra Business" is a 2006 folio by Music House String Publications containing Keith Sharps's arrangement of the popular Australian song "Kookaburra Sits in the Old Gum Tree". The arrangement is graded level 1, D major, and suitable for young musicians. This folio features instrumental settings of children's songs in English from Australia and is copyrighted by Larrikin Music Publishing Pty Ltd. and Music House String Publications Pty Ltd.
Keith Sharp is a music educator in Brisbane, Australia. He has won awards for his string programs and compositions, popular with teachers in the United States, Great Britain, and Germany. Keith is also a guest lecturer, clinician, and conductor.
Want a unique addition to your concert? This piece uses vocal "boks" to create the sound of a frantic chicken in a kitchen. It has separate parts for cellos and basses, and optional lyrics for your choir are included.
Keith Sharp is a renowned string educator and composer from Brisbane. He has produced award-winning string programs and ensembles, and his works are highly popular worldwide. Keith is also an active 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.
One Voice is a Grade 1.5 piece for string orchestra composed by Keith Sharp. It features a hauntingly beautiful melody and rich harmonies. Despite its simplicity, the piece is profoundly moving and engaging. Keith Sharp's use of dynamics and phrasing creates a sense of tension and release that leaves a lasting impression on the listener.
Keith Sharp is a string educator in Brisbane, Australia. He completed his Bachelor of Music degree in 1984 and a postgraduate diploma in education in 1995. Keith has produced award-winning string programs and compositions popular in Australia and internationally throughout his career. He also remains active as a clinician, guest conductor, and lecturer.
