

“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.
"Sharp, Stormbird" is a musical piece published in 2011 by Music House String Publications, specifically for string orchestra. It is in the key of D minor and has eight pages and parts for eight violins, eight violas, four cellos, four double basses, six violins II, and two violas II. Classified as a Level 2 difficulty, it lasts around 2 minutes and 30 seconds. The publication includes a composer's biography.
Keith Sharp earned his Bachelor of Music degree in 1984 and has been a string educator in Brisbane's Gap region ever since. He completed a postgraduate diploma in education in 1995 and has produced award-winning string programs and compositions. He is a renowned clinician, guest conductor, and lecturer, with his works gaining popularity globally.
Night Folk is a 3-sketch musical piece inspired by Enid Blyton’s playful storytelling. It features mischievous creatures making fun of marching gnomes, riding Queen Caterpillar, and dancing in an enchanted ring. The composition has carefully designed educational elements for musical ensembles, a manageable length of 2 min 52 sec, and is in the key of A Aeolian mode.
Keith Sharp is a music educator from Brisbane, Australia, with over 35 years of experience. He currently teaches at Brisbane State High School, focusing on ensemble and group tuition. Keith’s ensemble pieces have won awards, and he’s a co-author of Encore on Strings. He regularly appears as a guest clinician, composer, teacher, and conductor.
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.
"March Triumphant" in G major is a majestic piece suitable for special occasions. Its stirring rhythmic motifs provide satisfying melodies for all instrumentalists. Rehearse ensemble tone, dynamic contrasts, and rhythmic precision for uniformity. Confirm G major finger patterns within the ensemble.
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.
Enjoy Keith Sharp's captivating piece - energetic music with an exciting rhythm. It includes flexible scoring for cello, bass, and an optional extension violin part. Optional percussion adds to the rich sound. Perfect for young ensembles!
Keith Sharp is a highly accomplished string educator and composer from Brisbane, Australia. He completed his Bachelor of Music degree in 1984 and has been teaching in the Gap region since then. Keith has produced award-winning string programs and ensembles while pursuing his passion for composition. His works are popular in Australia and have also gained recognition internationally. Keith is also an active clinician, guest conductor, and lecturer.