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.
In Welsh history, a revered noblewoman named Angharad was a wife and mother and lived a long, noteworthy life until 1162. Her husband’s biographer praised her as a handsome blonde, gentle, eloquent, generous, discreet, kind to her people, and charitable to people with low incomes. The name Angharad means “much loved.”
“Angharad’s Feast” was commissioned by the parents and friends of Brisbane’s Western Suburbs String Orchestra (WSSO) to celebrate its 30th anniversary and honour the ongoing contributions of founder and director Andrea Messenger. The premiere performance, presented by an alum ensemble at WSSO’s November 2019 concert, was a delightful surprise for Mrs. Messenger and concluded the event with great excitement.
“Angharad’s Feast” depicts a family gathering and meal, with each string section representing different family members across the generations. The first violins symbolise the children—enthusiastic, playful, and energetic. The second violins represent the parents, who gently guide, cajole, and encourage. The violas embody the voices of aunties and uncles, while the double basses and cellos signify wise grandparents.
The piece is warm, charming, and well-paced from the very first intimate folk-style theme. The musical parts are engaging and enjoyable to play, supported by a thoughtful structure that draws all themes from the initial subject. “Angharad’s Feast” is a fitting celebration of family, music, and life.
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.
This piece, titled "Arianna," is openly romantic and expressive in its theme. It features an energetic introduction with a commanding cello/bass subject and a lyrical theme presented by the first violins. The composition invites the string ensemble to explore phrasing and balance in a bel canto setting. It also includes a foreboding middle section with a haunting B minor melody. The composition concludes with diminishing lines that may feature solos or front desks, bringing the listener and player satisfaction.
The Wild West and contemporary US composers inspired this piece. It has an idiomatic cowboy feel, with lively lines and a pleasing middle section. The outer sections have a dynamic ensemble energy, and there are opportunities for bowing techniques and position work.
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.
"The Wild Colonial Boy" is a ballad about Jack Doolan, an Irish-Australian bushranger who was captured and killed by troopers. The song's nostalgic character is portrayed through lyrical part-writing, pizzicato, and tremolo effects. This arrangement, set in D major, features interesting lines for all players. Adding it to your concert line-up is a great way to introduce an Australian classic.
"Sharp, Stormbird" is a musical piece published in 2011 by Music House String Publications, specifically for string orchestra. It is in the key of D minor and has eight pages and parts for eight violins, eight violas, four cellos, four double basses, six violins II, and two violas II. Classified as a Level 2 difficulty, it lasts around 2 minutes and 30 seconds. The publication includes a composer's biography.
Keith Sharp earned his Bachelor of Music degree in 1984 and has been a string educator in Brisbane's Gap region ever since. He completed a postgraduate diploma in education in 1995 and has produced award-winning string programs and compositions. He is a renowned clinician, guest conductor, and lecturer, with his works gaining popularity globally.
A Celtic Gathering For String Orchestra (Grade 3) by Keith Sharp captures the essence of Celtic music with its traditional rhythms, haunting melodies, and catchy tunes. The piece is skillfully arranged for young performers and showcases their virtuosity using technical elements. It will surely delight audiences of all ages and challenge young performers to improve their skills.
This music features rich cello and viola lines with harmonics and pizzicatos. Playing with an optional 2-part choir score and piano accompaniment is enjoyable. Add a massed choir and strings for a school concert performance. It is a 'Music House' classic.
Keith Sharp is a well-established string educator in Brisbane, Australia, who has worked in the Gap region since 1984. He has produced award-winning string programs and compositions that have gained recognition worldwide. In addition to his teaching career, he is active as a clinician, guest conductor, and lecturer.
The "Soul to Keep for String Orchestra" by Keith Sharp was published by Music House String in 2007. The score and parts are 30 cm in folio and classified as a "Concert novelty" for a string ensemble with optional vocals. The conductor's score grade is 1, and the publisher's website grade is 1.5-2. The key is D major, and the duration is 1:40. Natalie Sharp's composer bio is included.
Keith Sharp has been teaching as a string educator in the Gap region of Brisbane since his graduation with a Bachelor of Music degree in 1984. He also obtained a post-graduate diploma in education in 1995. Keith is a renowned composer whose works are popular in Australia, the United States, Great Britain, and Germany. He is also an active clinician, guest conductor, and lecturer.
