America's Cup

SKU: CF.CAS37

ISBN 9780825863660. UPC: 798408063665. 8.5 X 11 inches. Key: C major.

A salute to the famous sailboat race, this rollicking piece in A minor introduces compound time with an opening (and closing) section in 12/8. The fast flowing music of the opening, vividly suggestive of a ship slicing through the waves, returns in a higher key (B minor) after a warmly scored, sweepingly melodic middle section. This is a piece whose sophistication is an excellent showcase for a more advanced performing group.
Written in 12/8 in A minor, America’s Cup evokes the intensity and momentum of a wild sea with driving triplets, sweeping melodies, and accented downbeats. The A-material from the opening measure is played aggressively but lightly enough to keep the feeling of forward motion. Strong accents and rhythmically precise playing in the cello and bass provide solid support for the fast moving violin and viola passages. Measure 67 begins the slow, pastoral setting of the B-material. A gentle, lyrical violin motive in A major grows into a high, sweeping melody over sustained harmonies. This provides a brief repose before returning to the fastoriginal tempo and minor key as the recapitulation begins at m. 90. A modulation to B minor (m. 94) lifts the energy of the piece and gives young players the challenge of playing the running lines in another key. Measure 118 builds to the end, keeping the intensity a soft dynamic and growing into the final syncopated tutti unison figure in mm. 122–123.

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