Percy Aldridge Grainger was born in Brighton, Australia, on July 8, 1882. He was a composer, arranger, and pianist who, in the early 20th century, played a prominent role in the revival of British folk music. He was a champion of the saxophone and early-electronic instruments, even inventing “free music machines” later in life that […]
Ballet No. 6 is an orchestral excerpt from Joseph Bologne’s only surviving opera, L’Amant Anonyme (The Anonymous Lover). Students will learn how to play in the Classical-era style, 6/8 meter at a prestissimo tempo, ternary form, and more. The Cello part includes a number of viola cues that could be helpful if there is a smaller viola section in the ensemble. 1st violin, 2nd violin, and viola parts are entirely in first position but require extended fingerings.
This piece tells the story of a picnic being interrupted by pesky bees. As time goes on, more and more bees can be heard, and every section gets a turn. Listen for the sounds of the bees as they travel around the orchestra. Most of the “buzzes” include the musical note B in the dissonant cluster of notes. This piece gives your students a chance to tell a story with their music. Invite the students to engage in the drama, looking nervously around or occasionally swatting an imaginary bee in front of their faces. The orchestra creates the narrative of happy picnic-goers having their beautiful day interrupted by pesky bees.
In Renegade Showdown, the violins battle the low strings in an epic clash. Hear the twists and turns each side takes as they vie for the win. This piece was composed to teach students to understand regular vs. low first finger. Bass students will benefit from identifying sections that will work well in half position.
Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s three masterpiece ballet scores, including Sleeping Beauty, are known for their timeless music. Only three years before the composer’s death, the ballet was first performed in 1890. The storyline for the Sleeping Beauty ballet was inspired by the Brothers Grimm adaptation of the folk tale first published in 1330. This arrangement for string orchestra captures the enduring melodies and great depth of Tchaikovsky’s geniu. Because much of Tchaikovsky’s style is not written with articulations, students will need assistance with the bow stroke in order to perform this incredible piece. This march, which follows the overture in the ballet, was renamed Aurora’s March for this arrangement.
We have something special for you this week: a preview of our upcoming 2022 titles! All these titles will be available this summer, and we will have more information on each coming soon. Aurora’s March: Prologue from Sleeping Beauty Ballet, Act I Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s three masterpiece ballet scores, including Sleeping Beauty, are known for […]
It’s Haydn’s 289th birthday!
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! The fiddle is an important element in Irish music, because of this fact Irish and Celtic music lend themselves particular well to being arranged for string orchestra. From airs to reels, Tempo Press has a variety of Irish music for your school orchestra. Your students will love the change of pace […]
Everything you need to know about Tempo Press at the 2022 ASTA Conference.
Kryie eleison is a Modern setting of a Gregorian chant. Frequently changing measure lengths are calculated to simulate the rhythmic freedom of the chant. It is a grade 3 string orchestra title on the UIL PML. The Kyrie eleison, a part of the Catholic mass liturgy and that of other churches, has been set to […]
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