Abstract
String Orchestra
ACROSS THE STARS from Star Wars: Episode II- Attack of the Clones (Gr. 3–4, String Orchestra, Opt. Piano, and Perc.). John Williams, Arr. Larry Moore. Hal Leonard, 2023, $55
This hauntingly beautiful arrangement by Larry Moore combines lyricism and complex rhythmic structures. The compound meters (12/8, 9/8) offer an exciting challenge for intermediate string players while maintaining a two-octave range in b and e minor. The right-hand technique requires the use of tremolo, slurs, and accents. Lyrically, multiple transitions require attention from the conductor. There are also two first violin solo passages toward the end of the piece. While the piano part is optional, having it would strengthen the fullness of the inner harmonies. E.A.R
CAROL OF THE KINGS (Ukrainian Bell Carol, We Three Kings) (Gr. 2.5, String Orchestra, Opt. Bells, Sleigh Bells). Traditional, Arr. Anthony Susi. Wingert-Jones Publications, 2023, $60
Students and families everywhere will instantly recognize the two holiday favorites that have been expertly combined to create a unique and new holiday favorite for the season. In Carol of the Kings, the arranger has combined We Three Kings with Ukrainian Bell Carol and blended the two seamlessly. Using a simple ostinato pattern to represent the wisemen, the audience is led into the bell carol and back out again for a dramatic conclusion. Opportunities to work on dynamic contrast, fortepianos, and accents abound in this piece. It can be played entirely in first position; however, depending on your group, third position can be incorporated along with other alternative fingerings. Vertical alignment of the rhythms will be imperative for not only the tonality but for the flavor of the piece and bowing. Bowing technique can also be worked on in this piece; if your group is not able to play at the suggested tempo, bowings may need to be altered so that the nuances of the phrasing are still applicable. One section of the piece has a series of eighth note runs that will require the students to be familiar with spacing of half steps and whole steps, a fantastic way to get the students excited about scales! This piece also has optional bell parts that add to the overall sound of the piece. These parts would also be a great way to incorporate “guest” artists to perform with your group. Students gave this piece a thumbs up for the upcoming holiday concert. A.M.C
CAROUSEL DREAMS (Gr. 1.5, String Orchestra). Erica Donahoe, Excelcia Music Publishing, 2023, $55
This dreamlike waltz is a great introduction for more advanced beginners into 3/4 meter, dotted quarter notes, and hooked bowings. Donahoe has the melody alternating between all parts of the orchestra. Sometimes, the accompaniment is pizzicato and sometimes it is bowed with down up-up quarter notes. This emphasis on the first beat gives the tune its dance quality. Violas, cellos, and basses perform the melody several times, which alternates with the violins in thirds. The piece is set in G major with no accidentals, excepting an F-natural at the beginning in the violin 1 part. Students will need to subdivide counting dotted quarter and eighth note combinations, switching quickly from arco to pizzicato and back, and playing crescendos. Practicing in class with hooked bowings will help bring the dancelike nature of this piece to life. Carousel Dreams is a lovely work with good teaching points. It has something for everyone and is as smooth as a beautiful ride on a carousel. G.P.
CATALYST (Gr. 4, String Orchestra). Lauren Taylor. Carl Fisher, 2021, $65
Catalyst is an exciting piece geared toward strong high school orchestras. It creates a variety of moods, from a fiery G minor initial section, through a more lyrical second section, a joyful contrasting third section, and a return to the original minor. Energetic, off-the-string bowing characterizes the outer sections of the piece. Repeated figures build to a bold theme stated in the first violins, with following commentary by the lower voices. A couple of challenges stand out: augmented seconds and diminished arpeggios occur, the latter within fast triplets; these triplets are followed by quick sixteenth note figures, which may take some getting used to. Syncopation becomes prominent in the second half of the initial section. Repeated eighth and sixteenth notes occur in a variety of patterns within the overall syncopated feel, which will keep musicians on their toes. The second section creates a mysterious mood through slowly building chords. Dramatic passages are found quite high in the registers of the violas and cellos. The composer provides ossia for those musicians who may not be confident in higher positions. Even though the overall mood of this section is lyrical, syncopation becomes important as the section continues. The third section is in 6/8 and D major; it is marked Grazioso. The violins begin with a theme that echoes one of the motives in the first section, while the violas and cellos accompany with off-the-beat sixteenths. Then the roles are reversed, with violas and cellos taking the melody. A rhythmic dialog between sections leads to an abrupt transition passage leading back to the original G minor for the final section. Adventurous high school orchestras with skilled players in all sections will find the variety of styles and the rhythmic challenges of Catalyst engaging. C.H.
CHRISTMAS IN BRANDENBURG (Gr. 1.5, String Orchestra, Opt. Violin 3 and Piano). J.S. Bach, Arr. Larry Clark. Excelcia Music Publishing, 2023, $55
This highly accessible and expertly written arrangement for young string players juxtaposes beloved Christmas carols such as Angels We Have Heard on High, Jingle Bells, and Joy to the World with the first movement of J.S. Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G major, BWV 1048 to create a festive holiday mashup. What better way to introduce budding young string musicians to Baroque style and the glorious music of Johann Sebastian Bach than to do so through Christmas carols they already know and love? The key of G major is highly idiomatic for strings, and Clark provides measure numbers, bowing indications, and articulations without compromising the clarity of the parts. The inclusion of an optional violin 3 part (which doubles the viola line) makes sure the important alto register will get successful representation in performance and a piano part is included to assist with rehearsals. Requiring just under 3 minutes to perform, even relatively novice string players can enjoy the genius of Bach through this delightful and succinct arrangement. One can just imagine the celebrated composer strolling through a Christkindlmarkt in Germany hearing strains of carols insert themselves into his latest, greatest masterpiece, the Brandenburg Concerto #3! Highly recommended for advanced elementary and or middle school orchestras. J.L.
CHRISTMASTIDE (Gr. 0.5, String Orchestra, Opt. Piano). Tyler Arcari, Excelcia Music Publishing, 2023, $45
This medley is a delightful journey through the festive period of Christmastide, bringing together joyful and peaceful characters with remarkable flair. Crafted using only the first six notes of the D major scale, it is an excellent piece for beginning string orchestra. The character of the composition is shaped by a variety of articulations and bow strokes: detached, accents, and legato. The left-hand technique encourages violin and viola students to employ 4th fingers, providing a great learning opportunity. The right-hand technique explores different facets of bow control. Through varying dynamics, the piece encourages students to experiment with bow weight, angle, speed, and placement, with particular attention to tidy bow distribution.
The composition’s note values range from an eighth note to a whole note, promoting rhythmic awareness. Christmastide develops ensemble skills by identifying melody and harmony for effective balance between parts. Numerous unison passages help students match pitches with their peers, while the staggered entrances of voices foster independence and coordination within the ensemble.
Perfect for a Christmas performance, Christmastide is not just a piece of music, but a tool for teaching the fundamental techniques of string playing. It is a celebration of the holiday season, while also nurturing the budding skills of young musicians. A sure hit for your winter concert! Enjoy! A.L.
DYNAMIC FORCES (Gr. 2, String Orchestra, Opt. Violin 3). Katie O’Hara LaBrie. Wingert Jones, 2023, $60
Dynamic Forces is an energetic and spirited piece that is sure to engage young musicians and audiences alike. Written with a specific focus on, you guessed it, dynamics, this piece gives students ample opportunities to practice sudden dynamic changes and provides teachers a chance to teach the bow mechanics of such changes. Throughout the piece, students can play both intense, “dynamic,” rhythmic passages as well as lush legato melodies. A syncopated eighth-note pattern drives the rhythmic sections, which is continued in the first violins as the second violins and violas present the legato melody. Cellos and basses have the opportunity to play this melody as well and are mostly doubled throughout the piece. When the low strings are not melodically active, they are driving the pulse with a syncopated eighth note figure. The piece closes with a dramatic fortissimo in all instruments, and some unexpected chromatic motion helps keep the audience on their toes to the last beat. At just under two and a half minutes, this piece is a great addition to any middle or high school library. M.C.
JINGLE OLD ST. NICK! (Gr. 0.5, String Orchestra, Opt. Piano). Traditional, Arr. Peter Blair. Kendor Music Publishing, 2023, $45
This piece combines the two traditional carols of Jingle Bells and Jolly Old St. Nicholas utilizing the first six notes of the D major scale. This is a perfect piece for your beginning orchestra group or small ensemble to perform for their winter concert. This piece can be played as a full ensemble or as a trio violin, viola and cello/bass and still have a full sound and complete harmonies. This is advantageous if you do not have a balanced group. Opportunities to reinforce/introduce the use of fourth finger in the violins, bow lifts, string crossings, and alternating from pizzicato to arco while holding the bow in the hand are provided in this piece. Each section of the orchestra gets a turn at the melody which is crucial for the beginning string player. The composer uses dissonances to create tension and helps drive the momentum of the piece toward resolution. A great teaching piece to add to your holiday repertoire. A.M.C.
JOURNEY TO ACONCAGUA (Grade 3.5 String Orchestra, Piano & Percussion) Nicolás Repetto, Murphy Music Press, 2019, $75
A valentine to South America’s highest mountain (and the second highest in the world), Argentinian American composer Nicolás Repetto has written a piece that will serve as a wonderful concert opener or closer for more advanced groups. Marked misterioso and rubato, the opening minor-key 16 bars are dark, ominous, and cinematic in scope. There is an air of suspense as the legato lines at top of the tune yield to a suspenseful tremolo with triplet flourishes in the solo piano part. After a fermata, the faster tango-like main theme is introduced for the first time. A strength of the piece is the use of a brittle and jagged groove juxtaposed against the sweeping melodic lines. Melodic material is generously spread across all the parts, and the supporting pizzicato lines are excellent. The piano part may require a player with either large hands or the alteration of some of the written octaves, while the percussion I part that alternates between trap set and tambourine is highly playable. Alternating between marimba and glockenspiel, the percussion II part requires independence that will take time to work up to the suggested tempi. While listed as a grade 3.5, the chromaticism, shifting, syncopations, and bowing are more in line with a grade 4. There are multiple examples of octaves and unisons that will take some extra tuning rehearsals, but students will love learning the chicarra and látigo special effects almost as much as audiences will enjoy hearing them. Equally playable by larger and smaller ensembles, this one is a winner. J.W.
LOS VAQUEROS (The Cowboys) (Gr. 2., String Orchestra, Opt. Perc.). Doug Spata. Wingert-Jones, 2023. $60
This beginning string orchestra piece by Doug Spata has a Latin style that includes a variety of syncopated rhythms and tied notes. Although there is only a one-octave range in D major, the quick tempo (2/2) and broad dynamic contrasts (from p to f) would make this a great opening or closing concert selection. Another fun addition includes foot stomps and finger snaps. The right-hand technique requires bow lifts and coordination of snapping while using the bow. E.A.R.
MARCH OF THE REALM (Gr. 1, String Orchestra). Erica Donahoe, Kendor Music Publishing, 2023, $50
March of the Realm is a march made especially for your beginning string students. It has an easy melody in D major 4/4 rhythm with alternating quarter and eighth notes. This melody is often doubled, and each section has another instrument section doubling their part or in thirds with their part. Cellos and basses are often paired together, and the violas and cellos are paired in octaves at one point. There is a D in third position for the bass players on the G string. That is as high as the bass part goes. There are no notes on the E string in the violin parts. Among the skills that are needed are knowing the notes in the D major scale, staccato and legato bow styles, retaking the bow, and some dynamic contrast. The melody is fun and should bring excitement from your young players if this is their first piece. The composer indicates that students use lots of bow and play out with a big sound. I hope you enjoy playing March of the Realm as much as I enjoyed listening to it! G.P.
NON DITE MAI (Gagliardo) (Gr. 2.5, String Orchestra, Opt. Percussion). Valentinus (Bálint) Bakfark, Arr. Deborah Baker Monday, Kendor, 2023, $60
Valentinus (Bálint) Bakfark was a renowned Hungarian composer and lutenist of the Renaissance Period. This arrangement is a galliard, a form of Renaissance dance, and an excellent piece for introducing your middle school students to the music of this time. According to the arranger, “The title is Italian and translates to ‘never say.’” Written in 3/4 time, this piece will reinforce the dotted quarter eighth note rhythms common to the galliard, as well as ties across bar lines. Bowing considerations include hooked bows and articulation changes between tenuto and staccato. This arrangement is presented in A Dorian (one sharp) with D-sharp extensions on the A string in the first violin part and G-sharp extensions on the D string for all parts with a G-sharp on the G string in the bass part. F-natural accidentals also appear on the D string in the cello and bass parts. This is an ideal piece for studying form as it begins Allegro with three eight-measure phrases (ABC), each repeated and then moves to Presto with the same repeated phrases in variation (A1B1C1). This piece would work with a large middle school orchestra as well as a smaller chamber ensemble; the second violin/viola are doubled, and the cello/bass are doubled. The set also includes Violin 3 parts (viola treble clef). While the percussion parts are marked optional (Hand drum on the Allegro section and Tambourine on the Presto section), including them will add authenticity to the performance. F.O.
NORDIC STEEL (Gr. 1.5, String Orchestra, Opt. Piano). Doug Spata, Wingert-Jones Publications, 2023, $55
This piece in G minor by Doug Spata is another one of his winners! In 2/2 time, the main melody is played off-the-string or with very short staccato strokes. Eighth note/quarter note patterns are passed back and forth between sections which are interspersed with slurs. The middle section of the piece has a great cello/bass melody with whole note and half note accompaniment in the other parts. The viola section picks up a variation on the tune with slurs combined with the eighth note patterns. Although this piece is listed as grade 1.5, there are many instances of low first fingers and it may be wise to make sure your students have studied these notes before playing this piece. It is a wonderful teaching piece for B-flats and E-flats. If you are starting to show your students how to play off-the-string, this work is also a great way to practice that skill. Everyone gets the melody, and all sections should be challenged. The driving force of the rhythm is what moves the music, and the composer relates it to a Viking battle. Being in 2/2, the tempo is quick at half note = 90. I loved the rhythmic force of this piece, and I know that students would enjoy that facet of this work as well. This is a great one for any concert program. G.P.
RAINBOW’S END (Gr. 1.5, String Orchestra). Susan H. Day. Highland/Etling, 2019. $46
In this piece, Day takes us on a journey to find the pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. This beginning-level piece is in the key of G major and spans a two-octave range for the entire orchestra. This range requires first violins to play low two on the E string in several sections. The bass shifts to second position to play C-natural on the G string. There is a contrasting pizzicato section to the lyrical melody, which includes slurs between eight notes. Most of the rhythms are quarter and half notes, but there are occasional dotted quarter and dotted half notes to extend the lyricism. Students will also learn the road map of D.S. al Coda while including ritardandi within transitions. E.A.R.
SCHERZO FROM “F-A-E” SONATA FOR VIOLIN AND PIANO (Gr. 6, String Orchestra). Johannes Brahms, Arr. Deborah Baker Monday. Kendor Music Publishing. $80
Brahms’ Scherzo from the “F-A-E” Sonata is one of my favorites, so discovering an arrangement for string orchestra was very exciting. Monday’s arrangement is written beautifully, and all parts have interesting and challenging aspects. While more of the lyrical melodic lines are in the two violin parts, the viola, cello, and bass parts are full of the arpeggios and driving rhythms, which keeps all parts engaging. This is a great work for students to focus on smooth string crossings, allowing the phrase to build seamlessly. The viola, cello, and bass sections will have a fun and great challenge to play the arpeggios with ease, while staying rhythmically steady. While this piece is listed as a Grade 6, the parts fit together clearly, so an advanced ensemble should have an easy time putting it together. The challenge in this work is in the intensity of the phrases and string crossings. I highly recommend performing this work with your orchestra. Brahms’ dark and deep sadness blends together alongside the hopeful and soaring melody. It is certain your ensemble will find the passion, agony, and joy of the Romantic Period music through this work. R.A.H.
SHIMMERING DAYDREAMS (Gr. 3.5, String Orchestra, Opt. Piano). Larry Clark. Excelcia Music Publishing, 2023, $65
Shimmering Daydreams is a lyrical piece for string orchestra that includes a solo in the Violin I part. This piece would be great for all students to practice phrasing and being expressive with their instruments while maintaining a good tone during long notes. Written in G major, Shimmering Daydream is in a student-friendly key but uses accidentals throughout, allowing students to practice switching between flats, naturals, and sharps. While the rhythm is not overly tricky or syncopated, there are ties and slurs in every part to allow students to work on counting, especially during ritardando and rubato sections.
This piece would be an excellent selection for any high school group who has the ability to implement the use of consistent vibrato, expressiveness, and phrasing in all parts. Due to the nature of the dynamics of this piece, most dynamics happen simultaneously throughout the ensemble, creating a great environment to work on the ensemble and unity among the sections. Shimmering Daydreams is an exciting, lush piece for string orchestra that will empower your students to express themselves through their instruments. R.B.
SHUDDER TO THINK (Gr. 3.5, String Orchestra). Doug Spata. Wingert-Jones, 2023. $65
Using sixteenth notes and tremolo throughout, Spata created an exercise in bow mastery in this darkly lyrical but excitingly driven piece. Every section at some point in the piece has a haunting melody requiring the inner voices to align in the rhythmic drive of the sixteenth notes and tremolos. The dynamic contrasts also require right-hand technical demands. Although a relatively short piece, there is much to tackle in right-hand precision and exposed parts, which requires independence. E.A.R.
SOMEDAY (Gr. 4, String Orchestra). Perry Holbrook. Wingert-Jones, 2023. $70
Although about grief and loss, this soulful piece develops an orchestra’s advancing musicianship. Vibrato, right-hand bow control within dynamic contrasts, rubato, and lyrical phrasing are all techniques needed for a successful performance. In the accessible key of G major, Perry only requires shifting for the first violins (third position), cello (third ex. position), and bass (second position)—all clearly marked in the parts. The cellists must also play chords in fourths, fifths, and sixths. The chords could be played non-divisi, but they might be better in tune if the section divides the pitches. There is a first violin solo that lasts for 10 bars with a pizzicato accompaniment. Overall, Someday is a nice addition to the advancing orchestra’s lyrical repertoire. E.A.R.
SONGBIRDS (Gr. 2, String Orchestra, Opt. Piano) Loreta Fin, Wilfin Music/Distr. by Alfred, 2021, $45
Songbirds is a truly lovely piece. The meter is 3/4 and E minor is the key. The tempo is marked at quarter note = 110. The haunting melody plays throughout. Different sections play in unison in spots to carry the melody forward. The first violins have a section solo spot as everyone else plays pizzicato. A beautiful weaving of eighth notes leads to a gentle ritard to the end. Songbirds is a great opportunity for your young musicians to practice vibrato and phrasing. The bass part is not as advanced as the other sections. The violas and cellos carry the melody at times. There are F-sharps and G-sharps in several areas of this work. Legato bowing, holding, and extending slurs with use of the whole bow is a good teaching tool as well. Finding a good teaching piece for vibrato and phrasing is rare at the grade 2 level, but Songbirds is a fine example of such a piece, and it is beautiful as well. If you would like to bring your orchestra students to a higher level of musicality, Songbirds is a fine addition to your repertoire! G.P.
STROLLING (Gr. 0.5, String Orchestra, Opt. Piano). David Hinds. Kendor Music Publishing, 2023, $45
Take a gentle saunter with your youngest string students when you perform Strolling.
Set in D major and 4/4 time, the piece only utilizes the first six notes of the scale. The composer notes, “the viola and second violin parts are the same giving more security to the inside parts, and the bass part doubles the cello.” A descending A to F-sharp motive is frequent. Low strings will be planning their LH shape and string crossing, while upper strings can begin to experiment with fourth finger A! Written in one and two voices, one section pairs the violin 1, cello, and double bass parts alongside the violin 2 and viola parts, allowing students to listen more across the ensemble as they prepare for three-part pieces in the future.
Note durations include half, quarter, and paired eighth notes. Students will perform the paired eighth notes both in the upper and lower halves of the bow. Printed dynamics include only mf and f. Additional dynamics could be determined by the ensemble and placed (like a piano at m. 17) to add contrast. The tempo is marked as Moderato (quarter note = 108). Cello and double bass sections enter on beat two throughout the work and lead out in measures 9–16, 25–26, and 29–30 providing the low string sections with a few unique moments!
There is a short, informational video from the composer on the website that allows the students to learn more about the piece from the living composer! The performance time is 2 minutes. Overall, this is an adorable piece that features each section in the string orchestra and would make a great addition to any concert for young string students! B.A.W.
WARRIOR OF THE RIVER (Gr. 2., String Orchestra). Diòn Morales. Southern Music, 2023. $45
This short beginning piece has call and response along with unison rhythmic sections. The slurs, accents, and dynamic range (p to FF) help convey the hero’s struggle to harness the river’s power to fight away intruders in the city. The piece is in first position for all instruments but does include C natural on the A string for all parts. A low second finger is also necessary on the E string for violins. Double stops are included in the cello part, easily played on open strings, but should be divided for the fifths, not on open strings. E.A.R.
TICO TICO (Tico Tico no Fubá) (Gr. 3–4, String Orchestra, Piano, Percussion). Zequinha Abreu, Arr. James Kazik. Hal Leonard, 2023, $55
The Brazilian classic was popular in the United States during the 1940s with artists such as Ethel Smith, the Andrews Sisters, and Carmen Miranda. More recently, it was performed at the closing ceremonies of the 2016 Olympics in Brazil. James Kazik’s masterful arrangement for string orchestra (with optional piano and percussion) captures all the fun and energy of the original in a format that will be easily performable by your students and the audience dancing in the aisles!
From the publisher’s website,
From 8notes.com, Written in 1917, its original title was Tico-Tico no Farelo, but since Brazilian guitarist Américo Jacomino Canhoto (1889–1928) had a work with the same title, Abreu’s work was given its present name in 1931. “Fubá” is a type of maize flour, and “tico-tico” is the name of a bird, the rufous-collared sparrow (Zonotrichia capensis). Hence, Tico Tico no Fubá means “sparrow in the cornmeal.”
This arrangement by Kazik is set in A minor and A major. The tempo is marked as Choro (half note = 89). According to choromusic.com, Choro, popularly known as “chorinho,” is an instrumental genre of Brazilian popular music whose origin dates to the end of the 19th century in the city of Rio de Janeiro. With a 2/4-time signature, the traditional choro has three 16-bar parts (A, B, C) played in rondo and inspired mainly by the polka style.
Here, the violin and cello sections perform the melodic lines. Chromaticism for all instruments includes G-sharp, G-natural, F-sharp, F-natural, D-sharp, A-sharp, D-flat, and A-flat. The entirety of the score can be performed in first position, with the first violin parts only going up to A4 and the double basses mostly performing on the E, A, and D strings. Percussion parts include tambourine or shaker and congas. The performance time is 2:22.
There are many performances online that feature orchestras and small ensembles for further listening and authentic style development. What an incredible opportunity for students to explore a variety of performances and to make musical decisions to bring out each musical character together! B.A.W.
Chamber Ensemble
ADAPTABLE QUARTETS FOR CHRISTMAS (Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass). Arr. by Tyler Arcari & Matthew R. Putnam, ed. Diana Traietta. Excelcia Music Publishing, 2022, $14.99 Each
The subtitle for this collection is “22 Quartets for Any Combination of String Instruments” and they mean it. Each instrument volume (violin, viola, cello, and bass) contains four parts to each of 22 Christmas songs, so you could have a traditional string quartet, a quartet of four basses, and any other combination you can think of. You could purchase all four volumes, or just the ones that apply to you if you are a private teacher. Some of the songs included are classics such as Joy to The World, Up on The Housetop, and God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen, but there are some you might not expect such as “Trepak” from The Nutcracker, and a delightful looking piece called Bells that Jingle written by Tyler Arcari, one of the arrangers. The key signatures range from 2 flats to 2 sharps with a few accidentals, minimal shifting for the upper strings, and nothing too tricky with the rhythm or time signatures that an intermediate group could not handle. There are good bowings and dynamics printed in the parts but no fingerings. Most tunes have an introduction and a few different sections, so they are substantial enough to play in a performance. Each tune is thoughtfully arranged to give all the parts something interesting, so while the fourth part might be easiest, it is by no means boring. One caveat is that some students may find it difficult to stay on the correct line while reading their part, but this is nothing that a good highlighter can’t solve. H.M.F.
ADAPTABLE TRIOS FOR CHRISTMAS (Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass). Arr. by Tyler Arcari & Matthew R. Putnam, ed. Diana Traietta. Excelcia Music Publishing, 2021, $14.99 Each
This collection of trios is for any three instruments: violin, viola, cello, or bass. Each book includes all three parts written for each instrument, so they really can work for any ensemble. You could purchase all four volumes for a school setting, or just one volume if you are a private teacher. The collection includes 27 Christmas Tunes, including favorites such as Silent Night, Greensleeves, and Jolly Old Saint Nicholas, some selections from The Nutcracker, and less common tunes such as the Boars’ Head Carol. Although mostly religious, there are enough pieces in this collection to bring holiday variety. Some of the arrangements are easier than others, but most look to be at an intermediate level, with keys ranging from 2 sharps to 2 flats, and very little shifting required in the violin and viola books. Some parts could be played by a late beginner level student as well. Since the parts are the same for each instrument, the bass and cello parts end up being more challenging overall, though usually the third part is easier. Many of the tunes are arranged to give melody to other parts than the first part, however. There are not any fingerings written in the parts, but there are bowings and dynamics. Rhythmically some are simpler than others, some with just quarter and half notes, others with dotted eighth and sixteenth note rhythms, swung eighth notes, or more passages of sixteenth notes. I think these arrangements could work well in larger groups as well as with one on a part and would be a fun way to sight-read or perform Christmas tunes with a less traditional assortment of players than the typical string orchestra might have. H.M.F.
ALLURE (Gr. 3–4, String Quartet). Michael Boyd. Michael Boyd, 2021, Free
Contemporary music often seems to be beyond the grasp of relatively young musicians. This composition is not only approachable by middle school and older musicians, but it encourages the active creativity of the performers. Allure is written as a loosely organized series of sonic gestures to be performed with the sound-type and dynamic envelope specified, but other standard musical parameters such as pitch to be freely chosen by the performers. How emancipating for students to be able to creatively collaborate with each other without worrying about some of the usual challenges of string playing, like intonation and time signatures. My prediction is that it will not only be a favorite piece for students to play, but that it will also be a catalyst for the students to try their own hands at composing. Virtually endless fun, with no two performances ever being anywhere near the same! J.L.
VIOLINTOLOGY I (Gr. 4, Four Violins). Nicolás Repetto, Murphy Music Press, 2022, $30
Repetto’s piece for violin quartet begins with an energetic and bright melody that is shared among parts, creating a performing experience that is fun for everybody involved. It begins in A major and in 4/4, and the tempo is not too fast at quarter note equals 96 beats per minute. The violin quartet instrumentation is voiced well so that the piece never sounds shrill and takes advantage of the whole range of the violin while also providing pleasing close-voiced harmony. There are moderately challenging moments in each violin part, including chromaticism or higher position work, but the parts are overall very manageable, with targeted and slow practice.
There are a wide variety of bow techniques in the material that accompanies the melody. These techniques provide valuable teaching points, including harmonics, spicatto bowings, pizzicato, double stops, and sautille bowing. Where the bowings are more challenging, the left-hand demands are often less challenging, providing a balanced experience that is never too much for a student to handle. The work is a fantastic opportunity to discuss ensemble balance, to make sure that the main melody is heard throughout. The print edition comes with a set of parts and a score. This piece would be perfect for motivated students in a violin studio to pursue as a brief finale selection for a studio recital or chamber performance opportunity. P.K.
Violin
A PIZZICATO LULLABY (Gr. 4, Violin). Adrian Gordon. Leap Year Music Publishing, 2017, $7.95
This is a lovely little piece for intermediate violinists. The composer suggests it is for Grade 4, and the biggest difficulties are the three note chords and double stops. The entire piece is pizzicato and is only about 3 minutes long. It is not specified, but I think you could play this in a traditional way, with the violin on the shoulder, but also in a more “guitar style” position using the thumb to strum the strings. The tempo marking is tempo rubato, so there is plenty of room to take time and be expressive, with ritardandos and some fermatas throughout. The piece is in G major, so there are a lot of relatively easy chords that will work well in the key, though not all the chords are as easy, and there are some flats that come in later in the piece. Most of the piece is in eighth notes, dotted quarters, and half notes with some grace notes, and a few sixteenth notes. There is a main theme that keeps coming back as the piece progresses, and the whole piece has a relaxing feel. There are a few chords that need half positioning fingering, as well as a few double stops that require third position. Learning the chords in a strummed pizzicato rather than arco should make them less intimidating so this may help a student feel more confident and relaxed. I think overall this is a very nice piece and would be fun for a student looking for something different and for a teacher wanting to give a student a piece with some chords and a few double stops. H.M.F.
ECLECTIC PIECES FOR VIOLIN/VIOLA AND PIANO (Gr. 6, Violin or Viola and Piano). Fred Onovwerosuoke. African Music Publishers, 2022, $24.95
How exciting to discover these 12 works for violin and piano with alternative parts for viola, cello, or woodwinds by the African composer Fred Onovwerosuoke. Many of the works are based on African melodies or folktales, including ones from Kenya, Uganda, Mali, and the Central African Republic. While some of the works are quite virtuosic, with busy passage work and parallel octaves, others are quite approachable by players with more modest technique. Viola is the preferred instrument for The Tethering Fog, a mystical tune that begins quite softly and creates an overall feeling of calm and introspection. Other works in the collection, such as The Beehive, may be more suitable to the violin. One cannot help but think of this talented composer as a modern day Béla Bartók in the way that he draws from a seemingly bottomless wellspring of captivating tunes and engaging dance rhythms from the African continent. Anyone seeking to expand their repertoire, as well as their awareness of music from the cradle of mankind, will be well rewarded by acquiring and learning any of these delightful works. J.L.
Viola
THE FIDDLIN’ WORKSHOP FOR VIOLA (Gr. 2–4, Viola with Guitar Tabs and Online Audio). Jeanine Orme. Mel Bay, 2022. $19.99
Corresponding with Orme’s Fiddlin’ Workshop for Violin and the Fiddlin’ Workshop for Cello, this compilation of 37 Texas and Swing Style fiddle tunes features an exciting variety of hornpipes, reels, and waltzes. Pieces are presented in a sequential order of difficulty, with options for first position only or more advanced fingerings. Several tunes offer a simplified version for violists in earlier levels of development, and a more complex version in the original key, double-stops, rhythmic variations, and shifting. A glossary of symbols, terms, bowing tips, explanation of swing rhythm, scales, and arpeggios serves as a solid foundation for mastery of the tunes. The online audio features virtuosic fiddle playing with a steady guitar accompaniment. Orme’s 40+ years of experience as a competitive fiddler and teacher are evident in her adaptation of these tunes to match the developing skills of intermediate to advanced violists. Violists of any age would enjoy these fun fiddle tunes, while teachers can sneak in etude-like technique development through the repetition of extended sharp third fingers in the fiddling keys of G, D, and A major and bowing variations. The book is available in hard copy and ebook. G.R.G.