String Orchestra - Level 4 - Digital Download

SKU: A0.796779

Composed by Gary D. Belshaw (ASCAP). 20th Century,Contemporary,Instructional. Score and parts. 33 pages. DR GARY D BELSHAW #6506559. Published by DR GARY D BELSHAW (A0.796779).

Advanced Intermediate. SCORE ONLY: 33 pages. Duration: 9 minutes.

Advanced Solo Violin plus Intermediate Violins I & II, Violas, Cellos, and Basses.

            Midnight Train to St. Petersburg was inspired by the train ride itself during the composer’s trek to Russia in 2006. The trip was made by faculty and students of Wayland Baptist University’s School of Music to allow the University’s Pioneer Band to participate in Victory Day festivities in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Impressions of the countryside during the train ride itself, as well as the overwhelming beauty of the country and two of her cities, informed much of the music performed here.

            A minimalistic approach to the composition seemed suitable. Persistent rhythmic patterns throughout the score invites listeners to imagine being inside a passenger rail car. An alternation between two- and three-eighth note groupings captures sound of steel wheels rolling along iron rails of varying lengths. The harmonies are simple, played almost entirely on open strings. Everyone involved in a performance can enjoy the exuberance of bright harmonic language. A short, simple melody, played by the upper strings is answered by the soloist - possibly the class instructor - who then is allowed some elaboration for a few measures.

            Students attempting a strings-methods class often find their more advanced musicianship stifled by working only in rudimental instrumental methods. Since so many pitches are played on open strings, student’s left hands are eased through the performance while the right hands move binarily in short, quick strokes. The result is a work that gratifies the student musician while developing an appreciation and understanding of string performance.