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.
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.
"Riders of Rohan" is an exciting, grade 2.5-3 piece for string orchestra in B minor. It features galloping rhythms and sonorous cello/bass melodies, with an approximate duration of 2:20. The composer, Keith Sharp, is a string educator in Brisbane, Australia, and an active clinician, guest conductor, and lecturer.
This is a 2-minute string orchestra piece in E minor, graded at levels 2-3. It is a fantasia on the Irish reel 'Drowsy Maggie' and can be played for violins and piano. It includes two challenging descant lines, piano accompaniment, tambourine, and a simple cello line. The conductor's score has arranger info.
Keith Sharp is a notable string educator from Brisbane, Australia. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree and a postgraduate diploma in education. Keith is an award-winning composer whose works are famous in Australia and have gained recognition internationally. He is also an active clinician, guest conductor, and lecturer.
The Crocodile Hornpipe is a piece of music for varying skill levels. Upper strings play in 1st position; lower strings play an easy chromatic walking bass—lively crocodile theme played by 3rd violins, violas, and cellos with a spiccato texture. Later, a 1st violin fiddle-style descant is added. Bass line anchors arrangement—optional piano part for more support.
Fernando’s Tango is a rhythmic piece featuring a dotted rhythm throughout. The cello, Double bass, and Violin 3/violin treble parts offer beat stability, while the first Violins have an easy-to-play tango descant. The ensemble pack includes Unison Melody parts for Violin, Viola, and Cello and can be tailored to suit different playing standards.
Keith Sharp is a string music teacher in Brisbane, Australia. He earned his Bachelor of Music degree in 1984 and a postgraduate diploma in education in 1995. He creates award-winning string programs and compositions popular in Australia, the United States, Great Britain, and Germany. Keith is also an active clinician, guest conductor, and guest lecturer.
Polly, a sick cockatoo, feels lonely as her friends avoid her. This Eastern European-inspired composition is ideal for Grade 1.5 students and has a melancholic melody with a haunting piano accompaniment that lasts 2 minutes and 6 seconds.
Keith Sharp is a renowned music teacher and co-author of the beginner series Encore On Strings - Music Maestros. He has over 35 years of experience teaching string music, a Bachelor of Music Degree, and a Graduate Diploma in Further Education. Keith has received several awards for his contributions to music education and regularly appears at schools, music camps, and workshops.
"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.
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 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.
