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.
This composition, titled "Arianna," is openly romantic and expressive in its theme. The piece starts with an energetic, galloping introduction featuring a commanding cello/bass subject, announcing the arrival of Arianna. The first violins present the lyrical theme in this section, accompanied by rolling cellos. This expressive aria invites and challenges the string ensemble to collectively explore the beauty of phrasing and balance in an attractive bel canto setting. A pulsing quaver texture underpins the middle section, which becomes distinctly foreboding when combined with its haunting B minor melody. The sections are arranged in an overarching ternary form, with a tender conclusion featuring diminishing lines that may include solos or front desks. The idiomatic writing brings satisfaction to both the listener and the player.
Fiddlers greet the king as he enters his court. This Elizabethan-style piece is perfect for creating a royal ambience. All instruments have exciting parts, and low strings are divided into melody and harmony, providing flexibility for directors. It's an excellent choice for any occasion!
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 Dwarf March" is a beautiful piece of music written in A minor for string orchestra, graded at level 1.5/2, lasting for 2.00. It features a cello and bass melody with a repeated quaver texture in the violins. The folio includes the conductor's score, optional piano accompaniment, and an excerpt from J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit."
Keith Sharp is a renowned music educator and composer from Brisbane, Australia. He has won several awards for his innovative string programs and ensembles and is an active clinician, guest conductor, and lecturer.
Winter Sunshine is a musical composition created for a junior string ensemble. It has a warm vocal style that features three essential lines played in unison, opening up into a satisfying harmony and bass line. The piano part adds tonal and harmonic depth to the texture, making it easier for younger players to rehearse and perform confidently. Keith Sharp, a renowned string educator in Brisbane, composed the piece and has been recognised globally. He has a Bachelor of Music Degree and a Graduate Diploma in Further Education, is a past president of AUSTA Queensland, and is co-author of Encore on Strings - Music Maestros.
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.
“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.
This 8.5-minute musical piece for an advanced high school string ensemble explores different tempos, textures, and styles based on the Celtic theme 'Flower of County Down'. The composition features a fugato, river dance, sentimental waltz, and grand finale, with the piano and percussion adding to the sound.
Keith Sharp is a successful string educator from Brisbane's Gap region. He earned a Bachelor of Music degree in 1984 and a postgraduate diploma in education in 1995. Keith is renowned for his award-winning string programs and creative compositions that are popular in Australia and internationally. He remains active as a clinician, guest conductor, and guest lecturer.
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.
Haydn’s Lost Chorale is a revised version of The Abbey, inspired by Haydn’s St. Anthony’s Chorale. It’s scored for string orchestra with optional piano, including violin 3 (treble viola) and violin parts. It features a dotted rhythm, quasi-classical textures and singing themes.
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.
