Sharp, King Henry's Choice for String Orchestra (Grade 2)
$145.00
This music is inspired by the Tudor era's early style, where music and dance were central to courtly life. It has a melodious quality, suitable for all players, with opportunities for technical development. The piano accompaniment helps balance rhythm and pitch. It's suitable for Grade 2 and written in D Major and related keys. The authentic setting is in the style of medieval dance, providing a glimpse into the time of Henry VIII.
Sharp, King Henry's Choice for String Orchestra (Grade 2)
This piece of music is inspired by the vibrant and authentic early style that was popular during the Tudor era. King Henry VIII was known for his artistic skills, intelligence, and his eye for women. His court enjoyed a luxurious and refined lifestyle, where music and dance were central to courtly life. Dancing was an essential part of their social life and a daily exercise. Many talented musicians from the lower classes were employed in the court. King Henry VIII had many wives, whom he chose.
The music has a melodious quality and is suitable for all players to enjoy. It is written in a way that allows developing players to explore different bowing techniques, resonance, and tone colours. The piano accompaniment is helpful for rehearsals and balancing rhythm and pitch during performances. The piece is suitable for Grade 2 (Primary School B/High School C) and lasts for 3 minutes and 20 seconds. It is written in D Major and related keys. The authentic setting, in the style of medieval dance, transports us to the time of Henry VIII. All parts remain in first position, providing many opportunities for technical development.
Fiddle Fever by Keith Sharp is a lively country-style music piece for string orchestra. It has memorable intertwining lines passed among the sections, supported by a bass line and an optional piano accompaniment. Perfect for all ages, this piece will make you tap your toes and enjoy some real toe-tappin' fiddlin' with your partner!
Keith Sharp is a celebrated music teacher in Brisbane, Australia. He has a Bachelor of Music degree and a postgraduate diploma in education. Keith is known for his exceptional string programs, ensembles and compositions. His music is popular in Australia and internationally. Keith is often invited to work as a clinician, guest conductor, and lecturer.
"Til the Work is Done," published in 2000, is a favorite from Music House String Publications that encourages students to express themselves through their instruments, much like a choir. This flexible string ensemble piece can be performed as a full unison melody with piano and double bass harmony, followed by a part setting featuring Violin 2 and optional parts for Viola 2 and Violoncello 2, making it suitable for younger players. The Violin 1 obligato line complements the melody, supported by the double bass, resulting in a satisfying tonal score.
"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.
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 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.
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.
This music piece is for young string students. It tells the story of mice sneaking into a kitchen while avoiding a cat. It can be played as a unison melody or in a flexible 3-part setting. It includes left-hand pizzicato, harmonics, and balanced bowing patterns. The piano accompaniment is essential. It’s 1:36 long, in D major, and suitable for Grade 1.5 students.
Keith Sharp is an experienced string teacher and passionate composer in Brisbane, Australia. He teaches at Brisbane State High School and has received numerous awards for his contributions to the music education community. Keith is a guest clinician, composer, teacher, and conductor at various music camps and workshops and co-author of Encore On Strings - Music Maestros.
"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.
