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.
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.
"Emu Rag" by Keith Sharp is a fun and lively music piece for a grade 3 string orchestra. Its catchy rhythms and melodies make it an excellent choice for young musicians looking for upbeat and joyful music. It's popular among music educators and offers an opportunity to learn about different playing techniques and musical styles. Overall, it's a fantastic addition to any string orchestra's playlist.
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.
Caulderon was renowned for its magical prowess. Alchemy saved the city from imminent collapse into the sea and raised it into the air. According to Elfin legends, the floating city would occasionally visit other lands, carried by the winds. During these visits, the people of Caulderon would trade their magical wares with the locals. However, the visits were always short, and the city’s movements depended on the winds.
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 involves repeated upper-half staccato with crescendo and decrescendo, along with an exciting countermelody. The parts are evenly balanced, and all players get the chance to play the tune at some point. Upper violinists may choose to play in the third position as recommended. You can enjoy exploring the possibilities with the old saying, "It's worse than a curse!"
The Dancing Peppers is a charming and light-hearted piece featuring repeated figures reminiscent of a familiar Mexican theme. The work is fun to play, yet teachers will find it packed with wonderful elementary string teaching points that help encourage both left- and right-hand technical development and refinement.
Keith Sharp’s musical masterpiece, Restless, is now available for Grade 4 String Orchestra. The arrangement includes a conductor’s score and multiple string parts, making it easy to perform. Published by Music House String Publications, it offers an unparalleled musical experience. Keith has been a renowned string educator in Brisbane since 1985, and his educational ensemble pieces are recognised globally. He is a past president of AUSTA Queensland and co-author of Encore on Strings.
"Six Ribbons" is a beautiful instrumental piece composed by Jon English for an intermediate string orchestra. It was arranged by Keith Sharp and published in 1995 by Music House String Publications Pty Ltd, which holds the copyright.
Keith Sharp is a highly accomplished string educator, composer, and clinician. He has taught in Brisbane, Australia, since 1984 and has created several award-winning string programs and ensembles. His compositions are famous in many countries, including the United States, Great Britain, and Germany.
