PROKOFIEV Violin Concerto No. 1 in D major, op. 19 (2 CD set)

SKU: IM.1442

Composed by Sergei Prokofiev. Miniature score. International Music Co. #1442. Published by International Music Co. (IM.1442).

2 pianos, 4 hands

SKU: BO.B.3641

Composed by Daniel Basomba. Published by Editorial de Musica Boileau (BO.B.3641).

These Three Studies for Four-handed Piano were conceived of as a triptych whose unifying principles were to be the first-slow-fast movement order of the classical sonata and a symmetrical arrangement of tonalities with A major occupying the centre (F minor- A major- C minor). The term Studies alludes not so much to the 19th century pedagogical concept of pieces-as-exercises, as to an attempt to extend, investigate and study the possibilities of expression and texture of the piano for four hands.

The First Study is generated out of a single rhythmical motif whose development is modified by the intervention of two contrapuntual passages. A certain difficulty of execution arising from the need to cross hands in both sections of the keyboard conforms, in this case, to the traditional definition of study as an exercise focussed on a specific technical problem.

The second piece might be defined as a study of expression, being the explicit disposition of an ostinato accompaniment and two superior voices in conversation. I cannot help, listening to this study, being reminded of the texture of the slow Largo of Bach's Concerto for 2 violins and the manifest pathos of the Andante of Prokofiev's 2nd Violin Concerto.

The Third Study is an exercise in rhythmical interpenetration in which continual changes of accentuation and metre are combined with passages of a light and mellifluous character.

It is a long-standing ambition of mine to supplement this work with three more triptychs and, so, complete a set of twelve studies for four-handed piano.

Orchestra violin 1, violin 2, violin 3, viola, cello, bass - Grade 4

SKU: CF.CAS63

From Novelettes, Op. 15. Composed by Alexander Glazunov. Arranged by Deborah Baker Monday. SWS FS. Concert String Orchestra. Set of Score and Parts. With Standard notation. 24+24+6+15+15+10+16 pages. Carl Fischer Music #CAS63. Published by Carl Fischer Music (CF.CAS63).

ISBN 9780825889387. UPC: 798408089382. 8.5 x 11 inches. Key: D major.

Originally written for string quartet, this fantastic characteristic piece from Glazunov is a welcome addition to the string orchestra repertoire, as arranged by Deborah Baker Monday. Well-suited for the more advanced ensemble, it contains excellent musical opportunities and the chance to play the music of a prominent Russian composer. Deborah's setting stays very true to the original, but enhances it for use by the full ensemble. Alert your contest/festival music committee to this worthy new piece for high school string orchestras.
Alexander Glazunov (1865–1936) lived during a very transitional period of Russian music history, active as a composer, conductor, and teacher. He was a part of the Romantic school of Russian music following in the tradition of Tchaikovsky, like his fellow composers Borodin and Rimsky-Korsakov.During his years at the conservatory he instructed many students who chose to pursue the modern trends set forth by Debussy. Stravinsky, Shostakovich, and even Prokofiev took instruction from Glazunov. Although they considered him old-fashioned, he was remembered as a stabilizing influence during transitional times.Glazunov’s music stayed within the category of Russian Romanticsm: nationalistic with classical formality. His list of works includes numerous symphonies, concertos, piano and vocal works, and chamber works including seven string quartets.Op. 15 was first given the title “Suite” (a collection of dances), and after a friend’s recommendation he changed the name to “Novelettes”. The five movements are of contrasting style, but beautifully reminiscent of their particular themes:I. Alla SpagnuolaII. OrientaleIII. Interludium in modo anticoIV. ValseV. All’ UnghereseThis movement is very well adaptable for string orchestra. The original string quartet moodis light, using harmonics and pizzicato, but there are forceful sections which allow for strong sectional playing (especially with the cello and bass orchestral sound). There is very much interesting melodic material offered for all instruments which lends itself to a fantastic string orchestra arrangement. Conductors will find material in all sections which provide greatopportunities for rehearsal.The form is a large ABA with a D.C. al fine, but the sections are not square by any means.There is lots of energy and momentum in the material of both sections, as well as a modalcharacter which gives the music an exotic sound. Bowing patterns abound in all sections formore great teaching opportunities.

About Carl Fischer Concert String Orchestra Series

This series of pieces (Grade 3 and higher) is designed for advancing ensembles. The pieces in this series are characterized by:

• Expanded use of rhythms, ranges and keys but technical demands are still carefully considered
• More comprehensive bowing techniques
• Viola T.C. included
• Careful selection of keys and degree of difficulty for advancing musicians