In the Summer Green, Grade 2, for string orchestra, grade 2, complete materials
SKU:
$20.00
$20.00
per item
Price includes one download of each file including the full score and parts (Violin 1, Violin 2, Viola, Cello, Contrabass). Download either at checkout or using the links provided in the confirmation email. Permission is given for duplication of sufficient additional copies as needed for the number of players in your ensemble.
I wrote In
the Summer Green to be suitable for young orchestras who may
have previously studied and performed my earlier composition Iowa
Spring. I've again used natural harmonics, this time
equally for all violins, violas and cellos, and including natural harmonics on
the G string for bass. The goal of rich tone production, especially in
lower strings, is continued here, as is the use of some imitative
counterpoint. The piece is written in G major, and is entirely in first
position with no accidentals or extensions. Fiddle style passage work for
violins and violas is included, too. If Iowa Spring
reminded you of Copland, this piece may suggest a hint of Sibelius. My
hope is that it will be fun for young orchestras to learn and perform, while
also helping directors to promote beautiful sound, musical independence,
expressive playing and solid fundamental technique.
Performance notes:
I have employed natural harmonics (touching the open string at the octave node) in this piece for two reasons. First, playing these harmonics promotes a good playing position for violinists and violists in which the left hand is not supporting the instrument but can move freely. This is a great way to practice a solid fundamental playing position for all instruments before the positions, one string scales, etc., are introduced. Second, these harmonics greatly extend the pitch space of a student orchestra that has, so far, studied only first position. And, because the notes sound “in tune” or not at all, the presence of natural harmonics promotes good intonation within the ensemble without adding an external accompaniment.
All the bowing can be done on the string. But there is a lot of variety in bowing, including: eighth note slurs, marcato (including string crossings in the fiddle style passages) and, importantly, plenty of rich slow bows. Bowing has been indicated in order to promote specific bowing patterns and also to support the necessary dynamic balance among parts.
- Paul Seitz
These comments have already come in (used with permission):
Dear Paul,
I just performed In the Summer Green with the String Orchestra of the Pasadena Youth Symphony Orchestras at the Ambassador Auditorium. It's a beautiful piece. The musicians and the audience both enjoyed it.
Thanks for introducing the piece and providing the discount for the piece! It was a wonderful part of our program!
Pin Chen
Orchestra Director
Arcadia High School
"Over the last 2 months the Jewett School of the Arts String Orchestra has been learning and discovering your piece. We love it and plan to take it to District Music Performance Assessment next month."
Joshua Miller
Director of Orchestras
Jewett SOTA / Jewett Academy
Winter Haven, Florida
Performance notes:
I have employed natural harmonics (touching the open string at the octave node) in this piece for two reasons. First, playing these harmonics promotes a good playing position for violinists and violists in which the left hand is not supporting the instrument but can move freely. This is a great way to practice a solid fundamental playing position for all instruments before the positions, one string scales, etc., are introduced. Second, these harmonics greatly extend the pitch space of a student orchestra that has, so far, studied only first position. And, because the notes sound “in tune” or not at all, the presence of natural harmonics promotes good intonation within the ensemble without adding an external accompaniment.
All the bowing can be done on the string. But there is a lot of variety in bowing, including: eighth note slurs, marcato (including string crossings in the fiddle style passages) and, importantly, plenty of rich slow bows. Bowing has been indicated in order to promote specific bowing patterns and also to support the necessary dynamic balance among parts.
- Paul Seitz
These comments have already come in (used with permission):
Dear Paul,
I just performed In the Summer Green with the String Orchestra of the Pasadena Youth Symphony Orchestras at the Ambassador Auditorium. It's a beautiful piece. The musicians and the audience both enjoyed it.
Thanks for introducing the piece and providing the discount for the piece! It was a wonderful part of our program!
Pin Chen
Orchestra Director
Arcadia High School
"Over the last 2 months the Jewett School of the Arts String Orchestra has been learning and discovering your piece. We love it and plan to take it to District Music Performance Assessment next month."
Joshua Miller
Director of Orchestras
Jewett SOTA / Jewett Academy
Winter Haven, Florida