“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.
La Llorona is a musical composition created for a high school string orchestra, with the option of adding percussion instruments. The piece is programmatic, meaning it tells a story through music. It is based on a Spanish/Mexican legend and lasts approximately 6 minutes. The legend tells the story of a girl child named La Malinche, born into a noble Aztec family but sold into slavery to Mayan merchants. The music begins with an Entrada, representing the Spanish fleet’s grand arrival. The Spaniards, led by Cortés, started to colonize Mexico.
Tango: La Malinche works as a translator for the conqueror and soon becomes his mistress.
Serenata: La Malinche is happy and in love with Cortés. She gives birth to his twin boys.
Fandango: Cortés continues his conquests. The King and Queen of Spain, fearing that Cortés has betrayed them and is building his empire, repeatedly request his return to Spain. He refuses, arguing that they will lose their new territories if he leaves Mexico. The King and Queen send a beautiful Spanish lady of noble birth to help change his mind.
Bolero: The Spanish aristocrat seduces Cortés and convinces him to return to Spain with his two sons. Cortés tells La Malinche of his decision to depart for Spain with his children and new love. Emotions run high, and a sense of impending doom prevails.
Vivo Accelerando: La Malinche, now realizing her role in helping Cortés massacre her people and the hopelessness of her plight, prays to her gods for help. One of the gods appears to her, sternly advising: “Do not let him take your children, for one of them will return to destroy your people.” The night before Cortés’ departure, La Malinche escapes with the babies and tragically drowns herself and the children in a nearby river.
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.
This lively fiddle-style tune with a fun melody and bright harmonies will surely please any crowd. Advanced violin players can try the optional octave extension included in the piece. As the toe-tapping tune develops, the melody is traded around the ensemble, making it memorable and fun!
Keith Sharp is a renowned string educator who completed his Bachelor of Music degree in 1984. He has been teaching in Brisbane since then and holds a postgraduate diploma in education. Keith is also a composer and produces award-winning string programs and ensembles. Additionally, he serves 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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