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.
Caulderon (Grade 3) for String Orchestra by Keith Sharp
This programmatic piece describes the mythical floating city of Caulderon. According to the legends, long ago, Caulderon stood magnificently upon a cliff overlooking the ocean. It was filled with impossibly tall, shining spires standing above golden domes. Sunlight striking its spires is said to have blinded potential invaders. The people of Caulderon lived in health, wealth, and safety, derived from the city’s alchemy. They rode griffons and resided peacefully amongst a variety of friendly creatures.
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.
This flexible arrangement has a challenging violin extension, optional two-part vocals, and a groovy bass part. It is written in a jazz/swing style with the sounds of Randy Newman, Nat King Cole, and George Gershwin.
Keith Sharp is a string educator who earned his Bachelor of Music in 1984. He still teaches in the Gap region of Brisbane, Australia. Keith is also a composer whose works are famous in Australia and gaining recognition worldwide. He is actively involved as a clinician, guest conductor, and guest lecturer.
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 flexible musical piece is perfect for directors with musicians of different abilities. It offers easy melody parts for every instrument, making it inclusive. It's also an excellent opportunity to work on tone quality and musicianship.
Keith Sharp earned his Bachelor of Music in 1984 and is a string educator in Brisbane, Australia. He completed a postgraduate diploma in education in 1995. Keith has produced award-winning ensembles and compositions popular in Australia, the USA, the UK, and Germany. He is also active as a clinician, guest conductor, and lecturer.
Fun and original music for primary and junior high students. East meets West in a sing-along style. All parts are in the first position, except bass. It's a blast to play!
Keith Sharp is a renowned string educator from Brisbane, Australia. He has won numerous awards for his exceptional string programs, compositions, and imaginative works. In addition to teaching, Keith is also an active clinician, guest conductor, and lecturer.
The Yangtze River flows through the pentatonic soundscape, bringing ancient Asian music to life. Its exotic and simple modal textures enchant younger students. This masterpiece captures the essence of the East and resonates with the soul.
Keith Sharp earned a Bachelor of Music degree in 1984 and has taught strings in the Gap region of Brisbane, Australia. He completed a postgraduate diploma in education in 1995. Keith produces exceptional string programs and compositions that are popular worldwide. He is also a guest conductor, clinician, and lecturer.
"Return to Skye" is a beautiful Celtic-style folk fiddle tune for string orchestras at Grade 3-3.5 level. The piece features varying meters that challenge students, but all parts can be played in the first position, except for the first violins, which may need to use second and third positions occasionally. All sections will have a chance to play different melodies using a range of bowing styles. Keith Sharp is a string educator in Brisbane, Australia, with a Bachelor of Music degree and a post-graduate diploma in education. He produces award-winning compositions that are popular worldwide and is involved in various roles as a clinician, guest conductor, and 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.
"Masque of Arne" is a musical piece with a quasi-renaissance style featuring two different dance types. The first section is lively and upbeat, while the second is more ambient and tonal. The two can be performed separately or in succession, with a return to the first dance using da Capo to end the performance.
Keith Sharp is a string educator in the Gap region of Brisbane, Australia. He completed his Bachelor of Music in 1984 and a postgraduate diploma in education in 1995. Keith is an award-winning composer and highly regarded clinician, guest conductor, and lecturer, with his works being popular in Australia and internationally.
