SKU: FJ.ST6459S
English.
This arrangement of In the Bleak Midwinter captures the sentiment of the holidays by placing Holst's beautiful melody in a lush string orchestra atmosphere. Each section contributes with lyrical motives and nuanced harmonies while students have the opportunity to practice bow distribution, tone, and balance.
About FJH Developing Strings
Slightly more advanced than Beginning Strings, this series begins to involve more position work and a slightly more complex rhythmic figures. Rehearsal piano is often provided. Ideal for middle school and smaller high school programs. Grade 2 - 2.5
SKU: FJ.ST6459
UPC: 241444389492. English.
SKU: FJ.ST6511
UPC: 241444418888. English.
Expand the reach of your holiday program with this wonderful arrangement of the medieval carol Personet Hodie (Let resound today in Latin). Often relegated to choir, this version for strings and percussion showcases bold, powerful lines and a strong rhythmic backdrop. An excellent addition to any winter program.
SKU: FJ.ST6528
UPC: 241444435304. English.
The classic holiday gems I Saw Three Ships and The Sussex Carol come together in this lilting arrangement, ideal to focus on 6/8 rhythms and bowing. A joyful celebration of the holiday season in a musically rewarding adaptation that moves seamlessly between the two carols.
SKU: FJ.ST6511S
SKU: FJ.ST6528S
SKU: FJ.ST6432S
A rocking celebration of the season! Set in first position with simple rhythms and no slurs, this contemporary arrangement includes the familiar carols Deck the Hall, Hark, the Herald Angels Sing, and Ding, Dong, Merrily On High. Every section of the orchestra is featured and the energetic cello/bass groove is driven by optional drum set and sleigh bells. An exuberant finale for your holiday concert!
SKU: PR.111402650
UPC: 680160643516. Text: Lorna Goodison. Lorna Goodison.
Angel of Dreamers is a song cycle for bass-baritone (or mezzo-soprano) singer, trombone, and either string orchestra, string quintet, or piano. It is based on the extraordinary poetry of the Jamaican-American poet, Lorna Goodison, whom I have had the great pleasure of getting to know in the course of writing this piece. The work was commissioned by a friend from my undergraduate college years at The Eastman School of Music, Maury Okun, trombonist and director of the Detroit Chamber Winds And Strings. The work was premiered in 2011 by bass-baritone Daniel Washington, trombonist and U. of Michigan faculty member David Jackson, and the string section of the Detroit Chamber Winds and Strings. Daniel and David gave the second performance of the work with Lorna Goodison and Maury Okun in attendance at The Juilliard School the following year. I was approached by Maury Okun and David Jackson to write this piece as a tribute to Maury's father who had recently passed away. They also introduced me to their colleague and friend Lorna Goodison, suggesting her poetry. Reading several volumes of her work, I was absolutely captivated by the vivid imagery and beautiful messages of her words. I chose five of the poems, forming a cycle about life and death and home and parents. Lorna is originally from Jamaica, and the rich, vivid imagery, language and story lines of her poems beautifully reflect her roots. The work, in the tradition of Brahms' songs for voice, viola, and piano, features a singer with an obligato lyric instrumental line, which, in my piece, is the trombone, an instrument that blends so beautifully with the sound of a bass singer. The first song, O Love You So Fear the Dark is hopeful and uplifting, describing enduring love throughout the twists and turns of our lives. The music is strong and declamatory, but also tender. The second song, God A Me actually portrays a fish in Jamaica which is almost amphibious, flying up out of the water onto the land, and somehow, magically, returning to the water! For me this poem depicts the enjoyment of seeing parts of life that are fun and enjoyable and almost magical! The third song, All Souls Day depicts a holiday, somewhat magical, but also full of life and energy. The final two songs are a tribute to our parents -- My Mother's Sea Chanty, recalling a dream of seeing one's mother, with lyrics of tender love and remembrance, and finally, This is my Father's Country which is a tribute to the life of a loving father, recalling his spirit, his love of the music Harry Belafonte, and his enduring spirit. Angel of Dreamers was a special piece for me to write: for and with friends, old and new, collaborating with a poet whose beautiful, meaningful, and touching words were so inspiring, performed by fantastic musicians who poured themselves into the music, and commissioned by a dear friend from years gone by. THIS is why we write and perform music!.
