Par MYLLARINEN TIINA. Tiina Myllärinen's (b. 1979) (Bad) Dreams come true for strings quartet (2022) was composed when war broke out in Europe. The composer tells: 'The shock, and the daily news barrage of battles could not help making an impression on my work and its material. I wondered what dreams and plans people had in Ukraine before the war, and how everything became a nightmare in a single …

Snowy hilltops, timeless family traditions, and the warmth of a hearth---the atmosphere of a Smoky Mountain Christmas is captured in this arrangement of three traditional Appalachian carols arranged by Andrew Dabcyznski. The simple modal melodies of 'Star of the East' and 'Babe of Bethlehem' are passed throughout the orchestra, before concluding with the stirring spiritual 'Rise Up Shepherd and Fo…

This festive medley combines three joyful melodies into a cheerful Celtic tapestry. Centering on 'The Sussex Carol,' it also takes the listener on a colorful romp through 'Good Christian Men, Rejoice,' as well as an Irish fiddle tune entitled 'A Merry Christmas.' The work can be performed with strings alone, but the addition of hand drum, guitar, and whistle give a distinctive 'fiddle band' sound …

Subtitled Fatto per la notte di Natale, or 'made for the night of Christmas,' Corelli's Christmas Concerto stands as one of the finest concerti grossi of the Baroque era. All solo parts have been incorporated into a string orchestra version that retains the original key signatures. Arranged by Todd Parrish, this collection contains three of the movements in a fast-slow-fast format. (6:15) / Orches…

This string quartet is in five movements, of which the second and fifth are by far the most elaborate. The remaining three movements are rather short, like brief vignettes.The second movement draws its inspiration from Schubert, albeit indirectly- the middle instruments in the quartet (violin 2, viola) play an accompaniment with a motif of two slurred notes, almost always in sixths.In spirit and s…

with Optional Rock Rhythm Section. Par WOOD MARK. This multi-level piece includes a full set of parts for grade 2 as well as a full set for grade 4 ensembles. Mix and match the parts as you need---perfect for mixed-ability ensembles! The traditional bolero is a moderately slow dance in triple meter which originated in late 18th century Spain. Since then it has spread to other countries and become …

A great way to introduce students to tone painting, this unique and fun-to-play selection traces the path of an imaginary river, which begins as a tiny spring and gradually grows. Themes from three famous 'river pieces' are included: 'The Beautiful Blue Danube,' 'Water Music,' and 'The Moldau.' (4:00) / Orchestre A Cordes

Watkins' String Quartet, set in three movements, showcases the range of emotions the composer is able to conjure through music. The piece works from gently ebbing lyrical episodes into virtuosic, impassioned frenzies and back, ending serenely. / Quatuor A Cordes

Arrangements for string quartet of 'Romance for string orchestra, op 11' (1928), 'Elegy for violin and piano, op 22' (1940), and 'Prelude for string orchestra, op 25' (1940s). 'Romance' (8 mins) was first performed in 2009 by the Finzi Quartet at London's Wigmore Hall, and has been recorded by them on Resonus Classics RES 10109. 'Elegy' (9 mins) and 'Prelude' (5 mins) were first performed in 2014 …

A terrific multicultural addition to any beginning holiday concert, this arrangement by Sandra Dackow is a spirited rendition of three traditional German carols. These contrasting carols---'Lasst uns froh und munter sein,' 'O Come Little Children,' and an unnamed traditional tune---are a fun way to introduce cut time and reinforce bow lifts to young string players. (1:45) / Orchestre A Cordes

Par MEYER RICHARD. This lively rondo begins with the famous theme from Paganini's Caprice #24, reworked into a 5/4 dance with a cool vibe. Woven into the rondo form are three original dances (a tango, a country dance and a waltz)---each a musical adventure of its own. The colorful orchestration by Richard Meyer gives every member of your ensemble an unforgettable and joyful experience while the wi…