Format : Score and Parts
SKU: FL.FX073163
Inspired by a painting during an opening, the piece reflects the composer's emotions. ; Instruments: 1 Oboe 1 Piano; Difficuly Level: Grade 4; Duration: 3 mn 15 s; Musical Style: Classical, Educational; Category: Original Composition; Composer: Rene POTRAT;.
SKU: PR.11641867L
UPC: 680160683215.
Contextures: Riots -Decade '60 was commissioned by Zubin Mehta and the Southern California Symphony Association after the successful premiere of the Concerto for Four Percussion Soloists and Orchestra. It was written during the spring and summer months of 1967. Riots stemming from resentment against the racial situation in the United States and the war in Vietnam were occurring throughout the country and inevitably invaded the composer's creative subconscious. Contextures, as the title implies, was intended to exploit various and varying textures. As the work progressed the correspondence between the fabric of music and the fabric of society became apparent and the allegory grew in significance. So I found myself translating social aspects into musical techniques. Social stratification became a polymetric situation where disparate groups function together. The conflict between the forces of expansion and the forces of containment is expressed through and opposition of tonal fluidity vs. rigidity. This is epitomized in the fourth movement, where the brass is divided into two groups - a muted group, encircled by the unmuted one, which does its utmost to keep the first group within a restricted pitch area. The playful jazzy bits (one between the first and second movements and one at the end of the piece) are simply saying that somehow in this age of turmoil and anxiety ways of having fun are found even though that fun may seem inappropriate. The piece is in five movements, with an interlude between the first and second movements. It is scored for a large orchestra, supplemented by six groups of percussion, including newly created roto-toms (small tunable drums) and some original devices, such as muted gongs and muted vibraphone. There is also an offstage jazz quartet: bass, drums, soprano saxophone and trumpet. The first movement begins with a solo by the first clarinetist which is interrupted by intermittent heckling from his colleagues leading to a configuration of large disparate elements. The interlude of solo violin and snare-drum follows without pause. The second movement, Prestissimo, is a display piece of virtuosity for the entire orchestra. The third movement marks a period of repose and reflection and calls for some expressive solos, particularly by the horn and alto saxophone. The fourth movement opens with a rather lengthy oboe solo, which is threatened by large blocks of sound from the orchestra, against an underlying current of agitated energy in the piano and percussion. This leads to a section in which large orchestral forces oppose one another, ultimately bringing the work to a climax, if not to a denouement. Various thematic elements are strewn all over the orchestra, resulting in the formation of a general haze of sound. A transition leads to the fifth movement without pause. The musical haze is pierced gently by the offstage jazz group as if they were attempting to ignore and even dispel the gloom, but a legato bell sound enters and hovers over both the jazz group and the orchestra, the latter making statements of disquieting finality. Two films were conceived to accompany portions of Contextures. The first done by Herbert Kosowar, was a chemography film (painting directly into the film using dyes and various implements) with fast clips of riot photographs. The second was a film collage made by photographically abstracting details from paintings of Reginald Pollack. The purpose was to invoke a non-specific response - as in music - but at the same time to define the subject matter of the piece. The films were constructed to correspond with certain developments in the piece and in no way affect the independence and musical flow of the piece, having been made after the piece was completed. Contextures: Riots - Decade '60 is dedicated to Mehta, the Southern California Symphony Association and the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra. The news of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King came the afternoon of the premiere, April 4, 1968. That evening's performances, and also the succeeding ones, were dedicated to him and a special dedication to Dr. King has been inserted into he score. All the music that follows the jazz group - beginning with the legato bell sound playing the first 2 notes to We shall overcome constitutes a new ending to commemorate Dr. King's death.
SKU: PR.11641867S
UPC: 680160683208.
SKU: PR.110418480
ISBN 9781491136294. UPC: 680160688784.
Chen Yi’s beautiful and highly-textured tone poem was inspired by ancient Chinese poetry; its melodic ideas were developed from musical phrases characteristic of Chinese opera. Wang Ya’s original verse as translated by Chen Yi reads:“SONG OF SPRING OUTING”Ten thousand apricot trees by the riverside,Spring flowers bloom after the wind at night.Covered over the garden, colors dark and light,Mirrored in the green water ripples.SONG OF SPRING OUTING was commissioned by the Center for East Asian Studies and the Asian Classical Music Initiative at the University of Kansas in 2022 for Dr. Yi-Yang Chen to premiere in 2023.The work was inspired by an ancient Chinese poem with the same title:Song of Spring Outingby Wang Ya (Tang Dynasty)English translation by Chen YiTen thousand apricot trees by the riverside,Spring flowers bloom after the wind at night.Covered over the garden, colors dark and light,Mirrored in the green water ripples.This inspiring image is like taking a walk through a beautiful garden with layers of colorful trees and flowers, mirrored in the green water.The opening phrase of the music introduces the signature intervals, the leap of a seventh found in Beijing Opera fiddle’s language, followed by melodic material with a major 2nd and perfect 4th in pentatonic style as the thematic materials. [C-Bb-G in bars 1-2, followed by the top pitches A-B and Ab-E( in bars 2-3]. This statement is brought back (Rehearsal F) in a retrograded form of the introduction at the climatic end of the piece.The musical form is a combination of variations on thematic materials, and a rondo. After the introductory section, Rehearsal A introduces an improvisation-like mountain song melody (developed from the pentatonic material in the introduction).Rehearsal B brings in a lively texture in short groupings with staccato in both hands (using the seventh leap interval introduced in the opening of the piece).Rehearsals C and D develop the introduction’s pentatonic melody and the mountain tune (introduced in Rehearsal A) with more layers in the texture.Rehearsal E develops the material presented in Rehearsal B, with an extended range in both ends of the keyboard, increasing the freshness and excitement.
SKU: CF.CM9583
ISBN 9781491154052. UPC: 680160912551. 6.875 x 10.5 inches. Key: Eb major. English. Thomas Moore (1779-1852).
Thomas Moore (17791852) was an Irish poet, singer, songwriter and entertainer. In his poem, On Music, Moore emphasizes the power that music has in our lives and the ability it has to evoke memories and feelings from the past. Music transcends that which can be spoken or felt. The beauty of making music together is to establish meaningful connections with others and to share a common language through song. We are reminded, however, that relationships with each other can be fluid or unstable, but as the words of the poem remind us, music will not betray. No matter the experiences that we face, the relationships that we foster, or the memories that we create, music will always be there for us in times of need and in times of celebration. What does music mean to you? How does it enrich your life? On Music Thomas Moore When through life unblest we rove, Losing all that made life dear, Should some notes we used to love, In days of boyhood, meet our ear, Oh! how welcome breathes the strain! Wakening thoughts that long have slept, Kindling former smiles again In faded eyes that long have wept. Like the gale, that sighs along Beds of oriental flowers, Is the grateful breath of song, That once was heard in happier hours. Filld with balm the gale sighs on, Though the flowers have sunk in death; So, when pleasures dream is gone, Its memory lives in Musics breath. Music, oh, how faint, how weak, Language fades before thy spell! Why should Feeling ever speak, When thou canst breathe her soul so well? Friendships balmy words may feign, Loves are even more false than they; Oh! tis only musics strain Can sweetly soothe, and not betray. Note to the performer: Liberty can be taken with the tempo markings and rubato should be used throughout in order to further stress the beauty and significance of the text. With its vocal-like descant, the flute should be treated as an additional voice rather than mere accompaniment to enhance the texture of the piece.Thomas Moore (1779a1852) was an Irish poet, singer, songwriter and entertainer. In his poem, On Music, Moore emphasizes the power that music has in our lives and the ability it has to evoke memories and feelings from the past. Music transcends that which can be spoken or felt. The beauty of making music together is to establish meaningful connections with others and to share a common language through song. We are reminded, however, that relationships with each other can be fluid or unstable, but as the words of the poem remind us, music will not betray. No matter the experiences that we face, the relationships that we foster, or the memories that we create, music will always be there for us in times of need and in times of celebration. What does music mean to you? How does it enrich your life? On Music a Thomas Moore When through life unblest we rove, Losing all that made life dear, Should some notes we used to love, In days of boyhood, meet our ear, Oh! how welcome breathes the strain! Wakening thoughts that long have slept, Kindling former smiles again In faded eyes that long have wept. Like the gale, that sighs along Beds of oriental flowers, Is the grateful breath of song, That once was heard in happier hours. Fillad with balm the gale sighs on, Though the flowers have sunk in death; So, when pleasureas dream is gone, Its memory lives in Musicas breath. Music, oh, how faint, how weak, Language fades before thy spell! Why should Feeling ever speak, When thou canst breathe her soul so well? Friendshipas balmy words may feign, Loveas are even more false than they; Oh! atis only musicas strain Can sweetly soothe, and not betray. Note to the performer: Liberty can be taken with the tempo markings and rubato should be used throughout in order to further stress the beauty and significance of the text. With its vocal-like descant, the flute should be treated as an additional voice rather than mere accompaniment to enhance the texture of the piece.Thomas Moore (1779-1852) was an Irish poet, singer, songwriter and entertainer. In his poem, On Music, Moore emphasizes the power that music has in our lives and the ability it has to evoke memories and feelings from the past. Music transcends that which can be spoken or felt. The beauty of making music together is to establish meaningful connections with others and to share a common language through song. We are reminded, however, that relationships with each other can be fluid or unstable, but as the words of the poem remind us, music will not betray. No matter the experiences that we face, the relationships that we foster, or the memories that we create, music will always be there for us in times of need and in times of celebration. What does music mean to you? How does it enrich your life? On Music - Thomas Moore When through life unblest we rove, Losing all that made life dear, Should some notes we used to love, In days of boyhood, meet our ear, Oh! how welcome breathes the strain! Wakening thoughts that long have slept, Kindling former smiles again In faded eyes that long have wept. Like the gale, that sighs along Beds of oriental flowers, Is the grateful breath of song, That once was heard in happier hours. Fill'd with balm the gale sighs on, Though the flowers have sunk in death; So, when pleasure's dream is gone, Its memory lives in Music's breath. Music, oh, how faint, how weak, Language fades before thy spell! Why should Feeling ever speak, When thou canst breathe her soul so well? Friendship's balmy words may feign, Love's are even more false than they; Oh! 'tis only music's strain Can sweetly soothe, and not betray. Note to the performer: Liberty can be taken with the tempo markings and rubato should be used throughout in order to further stress the beauty and significance of the text. With its vocal-like descant, the flute should be treated as an additional voice rather than mere accompaniment to enhance the texture of the piece.Thomas Moore (1779-1852) was an Irish poet, singer, songwriter and entertainer. In his poem, On Music, Moore emphasizes the power that music has in our lives and the ability it has to evoke memories and feelings from the past. Music transcends that which can be spoken or felt. The beauty of making music together is to establish meaningful connections with others and to share a common language through song. We are reminded, however, that relationships with each other can be fluid or unstable, but as the words of the poem remind us, music will not betray. No matter the experiences that we face, the relationships that we foster, or the memories that we create, music will always be there for us in times of need and in times of celebration. What does music mean to you? How does it enrich your life? On Music - Thomas Moore When through life unblest we rove, Losing all that made life dear, Should some notes we used to love, In days of boyhood, meet our ear, Oh! how welcome breathes the strain! Wakening thoughts that long have slept, Kindling former smiles again In faded eyes that long have wept. Like the gale, that sighs along Beds of oriental flowers, Is the grateful breath of song, That once was heard in happier hours. Fill'd with balm the gale sighs on, Though the flowers have sunk in death; So, when pleasure's dream is gone, Its memory lives in Music's breath. Music, oh, how faint, how weak, Language fades before thy spell! Why should Feeling ever speak, When thou canst breathe her soul so well? Friendship's balmy words may feign, Love's are even more false than they; Oh! 'tis only music's strain Can sweetly soothe, and not betray. Note to the performer: Liberty can be taken with the tempo markings and rubato should be used throughout in order to further stress the beauty and significance of the text. With its vocal-like descant, the flute should be treated as an additional voice rather than mere accompaniment to enhance the texture of the piece.Thomas Moore (1779–1852) was an Irish poet, singer, songwriter and entertainer. In his poem, On Music, Moore emphasizes the power that music has in our lives and the ability it has to evoke memories and feelings from the past. Music transcends that which can be spoken or felt. The beauty of making music together is to establish meaningful connections with others and to share a common language through song.We are reminded, however, that relationships with each other can be fluid or unstable, but as the words of the poem remind us, music will not betray. No matter the experiences that we face, the relationships that we foster, or the memories that we create, music will always be there for us in times of need and in times of celebration. What does music mean to you? How does it enrich your life?On Music – Thomas MooreWhen through life unblest we rove,Losing all that made life dear,Should some notes we used to love,In days of boyhood, meet our ear,Oh! how welcome breathes the strain!Wakening thoughts that long have slept,Kindling former smiles againIn faded eyes that long have wept.Like the gale, that sighs alongBeds of oriental flowers,Is the grateful breath of song,That once was heard in happier hours.Fill’d with balm the gale sighs on,Though the flowers have sunk in death;So, when pleasure’s dream is gone,Its memory lives in Music’s breath.Music, oh, how faint, how weak,Language fades before thy spell!Why should Feeling ever speak,When thou canst breathe her soul so well?Friendship’s balmy words may feign,Love’s are even more false than they;Oh! ’tis only music’s strainCan sweetly soothe, and not betray.Note to the performer: Liberty can be taken with the tempo markings and rubato should be used throughout in order to further stress the beauty and significance of the text. With its vocal-like descant, the flute should be treated as an additional voice rather than mere accompaniment to enhance the texture of the piece.
SKU: PR.114414200
ISBN 9781491111284. UPC: 680160594719. 9x12 inches.
Composed for violinist Baird Dodge, James Matheson's SPIN is a three-movement study in various meanings of the word spin. I. Gyre has the character of a whimsically spinning object in a sort of arena. II. Web is essentially a slow movement. It explores a nearly static, sinewy texture comprised of slowly undulating chords in which snippets of melody emerge from the notes held while the chords disappear. Similar to the first movement, III. Spiral explores a kinetic notion of spinning, this time in the form of rapidly rising scales.SPIN was composed in early 1998. Each of the work’s three movements assumes the task of exploring a different meaning of the title.The first movement, Gyre (as in gyroscope), has the character of a whimsically spinning object in a sort of arena – spinning and bouncing off the walls (like a spinning penny, which bounces off of an object unpredictably and with somewhat explosive force). The primary musical idea consists of high harmonics in the violins set against a rocking pulse in the lower strings. This basic texture is explored in various guises as the movement progresses.Web is essentially a slow movement. It explores a nearly static, sinewy texture comprised of slowly undulating chords. Snippets of melody emerge from the notes held while the chords disappear. The music intensifies, leading to an expected climax (or anti-climax) of pizzicatos, before returning to the opening material and winding gently to a close.Like Gyre, the third movement, Spiral, explores a kinetic notion of spinning, this time in the form of rapidly rising scales. The formal idea of this movement, however, has the character of a spiral, with its tendency toward implosion.SPIN was written for violinist Baird Dodge.
SKU: CF.CM9638
ISBN 9781491157107. UPC: 680160915668. 6.875 x 10.5 inches. Key: A minor. English, English. Original.
Robinson's TBB arrangement of this beloved Bennett madrigal, originally published for four voices in 1599, has been changed from the original key of A minor to the key of D minor, making the ranges and texture more characteristic for TBB voices. A wonderful concert or festival staple piece!.Weep, O Mine Eyes is a classic madrigal from the Renaissance period (circa 1400-1650). Although John Bennet's exact birth and death dates are unknown, we know that he was English and composed madrigals (non-sacred a cappella pieces) in the late 16th - early 17th centuries. Although, Bennet was not as prolific as other madrigal writers of the time, such as Thomas Morley, Weep, O Mine Eyes has certainly stood the test of time. Originally published in a book of 17 madrigals for four voices in 1599, this arrangement for TBB voices has been changed from the original key of A minor to the key of D minor, making the ranges and texture more characteristic for TBB voices. The original flavor of Bennet's four-part setting has been preserved, including the counterpoint (independent voices) where each voice is of equal importance. In Renaissance style no parts should over sing; the beauty of the melodic lines and text should come through and over singing will take away from the beauty. The EE vowel is sometimes problematic in the word weep. I suggest that you produce the EE vowel with OO on the lips and EE inside the mouth for better blend and to avoid a horizontal spreading of the vowel. Enjoy this wonderful madrigal!.Weep, O Mine Eyes is a classic madrigal from the Renaissance period (circa 1400-1650). Although John Bennet's exact birth and death dates are unknown, we know that he was English and composed madrigals (non-sacred a cappella pieces) in the late 16th - early 17th centuries. Although, Bennet was not as prolific as other madrigal writers of the time, such as Thomas Morley, Weep, O Mine Eyes has certainly stood the test of time.Originally published in a book of 17 madrigals for four voices in 1599, this arrangement for TBB voices has been changed from the original key of A minor to the key of D minor, making the ranges and texture more characteristic for TBB voices.The original flavor of Bennet's four-part setting has been preserved, including the counterpoint (independent voices) where each voice is of equal importance. In Renaissance style no parts should over sing; the beauty of the melodic lines and text should come through and over singing will take away from the beauty.The EE vowel is sometimes problematic in the word weep. I suggest that you produce the EE vowel with OO on the lips and EE inside the mouth for better blend and to avoid a horizontal spreading of the vowel.Enjoy this wonderful madrigal!
SKU: FG.55011-465-4
ISBN 9790550114654.
Through Green Glass is made up of four contrasting movements osasta (Allegro intenso-Pesante-Sostenuto-Energico), which are played attacca. The sharp cuts at the movement divider transfer the listener suddenly to a new atmosphere and sound texture. Only the final movement, Energico, grows organically into its own being, directly from the tranquil Sostenuto movement. Reoccuring rhythm ostinato 13/8 (8/8 + 5/8) is embedded in the genes of all movements. After the climax of the finale, a kind of synthesis is apparent: the heavy chords of Pesante movement make a reappearance; the final bars of the work are indeed a citation from the beginning of the work. Though the guitar is not Mikko Heinio's own instrument, this work was born with a guitar on the composer's lap. This lends to the texture being idiomatic, very natural to the guitar, not letting the performer get off easy, though. The fast changes in texture, multiple playing techniques and snappy rhythmic drive with fast arpeggios call for iron-handed guitarist. The title of the work was given after the work was finished. In retrospect the composer says of the title: [the mental image is] green like the nature, fragile and clear as glass, as light filtered by certain frequences of chromium oxide.
SKU: FT.FM883
ISBN 9790570487820. 21 x 30 cm inches.
This is a much more mature composition than one would expect, given it was a student composition. The harmonies are rich and deeply chromatic, but with a sense of energy and drive even through the slower sections of the piece. The opening section is slow and reflective, alternating passage in rhythmic unison with overlapping entries that build up the texture gradually. This leads in to the main body of the piece, which is lively and exciting with many triplet rhythms. The first section is highly contrapuntal with all instruments contributing equally to the texture. The second subject is much broader in feel, with more of a two in a bar feel. Elements of the slow introduction are woven in to the texture until a climax is reached. This is interrupted by a much freer section, with recit-like passages for all instruments. After a brief recap of the introduction the material from the fast section appears again. This becomes faster and faster until the final triumphant, major section.This is a full arrangement of this piece, and as such requires confident players with very strong technique. Full ranges of the instruments are used, and at nearly 20 minutes long the reed and horn players will need plenty of stamina to get through. However it is well worth the work to become familiar with this unknown gem.
SKU: CF.BPS127
ISBN 9781491156209. UPC: 680160914746. 9 x 12 inches.
Program Notes Elephant is, of course, inspired by the incredible mammals of the same name. Their column-like legs, long trunks, and massive presence will never cease to amaze; however, it's their trumpeting that makes them stand out as the instrumentalists of the animal kingdom! In this selection, an elephant's slow gate and general demeanor are represented by a methodical tempo and lumbering texture. Woodwinds will enjoy the opportunity to perform grace notes while Elephant also offers exposure to flams for young percussionists. At m. 33 the trumpets and horns recreate an elephant call after slipping brown paper bags, or lunch-bag mutes, over their bells (in their bells for horn players). For the trumpet players, the mutes can be enhanced with an additional balled-up piece of paper placed at the bottom of the bag prior to slipping it over the bell. Horns should ball up the bag itself and experiment with placement to create the most realistic tones without stopping the instrument. While specific pitches are noted, making the best elephant sounds should prioritized. Young students always look forward to experimenting with mutes, and this selection offers an inexpensive and creative way to do so at a young age. Note to the Conductor This piece can be used to introduce or reinforce the finer points of staccato playing. While many students know to play these notes short in length, they may need reminding that they should also be played lightly. This also may allow for opportunities in emphasizing contrasting articulation styles that are in this piece. Younger students will likely need a reasonable amount of practice in successfully using the lunch-bag mutes. Allowing additional rehearsal time for this is recommended.Program Notes Elephant is, of course, inspired by the incredible mammals of the same name. Their column-like legs, long trunks, and massive presence will never cease to amaze; however, it's their trumpeting that makes them stand out as the instrumentalists of the animal kingdom! In this selection, an elephant's slow gait and general demeanor are represented by a methodical tempo and lumbering texture. Woodwinds will enjoy the opportunity to perform grace notes while Elephant also offers exposure to flams for young percussionists. At m. 33 the trumpets and horns recreate an elephant call after slipping brown paper bags, or lunch-bag mutes, over their bells (in their bells for horn players). For the trumpet players, the mutes can be enhanced with an additional balled-up piece of paper placed at the bottom of the bag prior to slipping it over the bell. Horns should ball up the bag itself and experiment with placement to create the most realistic tones without stopping the instrument. While specific pitches are noted, making the best elephant sounds should prioritized. Young students always look forward to experimenting with mutes, and this selection offers an inexpensive and creative way to do so at a young age. Note to the Conductor This piece can be used to introduce or reinforce the finer points of staccato playing. While many students know to play these notes short in length, they may need reminding that they should also be played lightly. This also may allow for opportunities in emphasizing contrasting articulation styles that are in this piece. Younger students will likely need a reasonable amount of practice in successfully using the lunch-bag mutes. Allowing additional rehearsal time for this is recommended.Program NotesElephant is, of course, inspired by the incredible mammals of the same name. Their column-like legs, long trunks, and massive presence will never cease to amaze; however, it’s their trumpeting that makes them stand out as the instrumentalists of the animal kingdom! In this selection, an elephant’s slow gait and general demeanor are represented by a methodical tempo and lumbering texture. Woodwinds will enjoy the opportunity to perform grace notes while Elephant also offers exposure to flams for young percussionists. At m. 33 the trumpets and horns recreate an elephant call after slipping brown paper bags, or “lunch-bag mutes,†over their bells (in their bells for horn players). For the trumpet players, the mutes can be enhanced with an additional balled-up piece of paper placed at the bottom of the bag prior to slipping it over the bell. Horns should ball up the bag itself and experiment with placement to create the most realistic tones without stopping the instrument. While specific pitches are noted, making the best elephant sounds should prioritized. Young students always look forward to experimenting with mutes, and this selection offers an inexpensive and creative way to do so at a young age.Note to the ConductorThis piece can be used to introduce or reinforce the finer points of staccato playing. While many students know to play these notes short in length, they may need reminding that they should also be played lightly. This also may allow for opportunities in emphasizing contrasting articulation styles that are in this piece.Younger students will likely need a reasonable amount of practice in successfully using the “lunch-bag mutes.†Allowing additional rehearsal time for this is recommended.
SKU: FT.FM532
ISBN 9790570484317.
Tony Bridgewater's 'Sonata for Flutes' was written in 2014-2015 for the UK based National Flute Orchestra, founded by Margaret Lowe in 2008, and was performed in Birmingham, England, conducted by the composer. It is in three movements. The first is based around lively, dancing 7/8 rhythms, with playful changes in metre, and ideas thrown between the instruments in a busy texture. There is a slow, reflective middle section, much more serious in tone, featuring various flute solos. This gradually returns to the opening ideas of the movement in an abbreviated reprise, before the music ends, fading away into the distance, on the dancing rhythm of the opening. The second movement is slow, and suggests a misty dawn landscape with its spare, calm texture. This is followed by a series of lonely solo flute melodies which gradually combine and build up into a rich, imitative texture. Tension and dissonance builds, but at the climax a solemn, low melody on bass and alto flute returns the music to a reprise of the first section, which ends very quietly and mysteriously. The rousing final movement returns to the joyful dancing rhythms of the first, now based around 10/8 time. It is a rondo, with many playful variations of the returning theme shared between all of the flutes at each appearance, while contrasting episodes are a little more relaxed and lyrical. A final coda briefly reprises motifs from earlier in the piece, before building to an exciting conclusion.
SKU: BT.PWM61310143
ISBN 9788361142812. Polish.
The Mazurka in A flat major was written between the Mazurkas, Opp. 17 and 24 (1833) and the Mazurkas, Op. 30 (1835). It differs from those sets, which in their dimensions, texture, harmony (including chromatism), elaborate ornamentation (e.g. in Op.17 No. 4), folk bourdons (Op. 17 No. 1), transferral of the melody to the left-hand part (Op. 24 No. 2) and differentation of compositional technique. The Mazurka in A flat major is not, however, a bridge between these opuses, but an occasionalwork - a gift for a lady written into her album. It has a simple design and uncomplicated texture.
SKU: HL.14017469
UPC: 884088812041. 8.5x11.0x0.419 inches.
Composer's Note When I considered the ensemble of eight cellos, I first thought of matt and dark textures. I also wanted to go back to some ideas on symmetry. While I was pondering all that, I saw snow flakes falling from the dark sky of the Finnish autumn. Focusing on the snow, the idea of writing variations on it and its various forms became clearer in my mind.Nuages de neige is a uniform and linear texture in which I realise my first impressions of that ensemble. The two Etoiles de neige are based on the idea of symmetry and repetition: the first one develops up to a certain point where it doubles back as in a mirror image, the second one consists of eight sections in which the harmonic structure is repeated, as well as a linear gesture that becomes ever more present. Aguilles de glace focuses on different pizzicati and superimposed ostinati. With Fleurs de neige I sought to recall the texture of those harmonic trills at the end of the first section, although more airy and diversified here. Kaija Saariaho.
SKU: HL.236316
ISBN 9781495096228. UPC: 888680695699. 9.0x12.0x0.086 inches.
Rock and jazz sounds mingle with classical tradition and modern techniques in Hause's virtuoso cello suite. In Fish Heaven, an arpeggiated texture reminiscent of Bach's cello suites expands along a quasi-Gospel chord progression. In Crabs on Parade, the contrapuntal technique of crab canon is rendered in a pizzicato texture drawing upon guitar technique. In five movements: 1. Man O' War, 2. Atlantis, 3. Sea Serpents, 4. Fish Heaven, 5. Crabs On Parade.
SKU: CF.CM9717
ISBN 9781491160961. UPC: 680160919567. Psalm 91:4-5.
The Lord will overshadow you with his pinions, and you will find refuge under his wings. His faithfulness will encompass you with a shield. Psalm 91:4-5 To feel safe and to feel cared for, these are two of the great yearnings of the human heart. What a blessing it is, especially during times of distress or uncertainty, to know that we aren't alone, that someone is reaching out to help us and even hold us. It could be a family member or a friend. It could be a still small voice whispering, It's okay. I've got you. It could even be a loving community, like a choir, assuring us that we are known, that we are loved, that we belong. The first word - scapulis - is translated as pinions. On a bird, a pinion is the outer part of the wing, including the flight feathers. The opening measures, with a one-measure phrase followed be a three-measure phrase, are meant to evoke the image of wings unfurling to welcome in. All through this section - mm. 1-20 - encourage phrasing that is never hurried but moves with intention to the last stressed syllable of each phrase, before ebbing slightly. This section is all about reassurance and comfort. In mm. 21-30 we have a new section where uncertainty grows. At this point the text - and you will find refuge under his wings - is more aspirational than definitive. Leaning into non-chord tones will help make this feeling of uncertainty more palpable. Places where this occurs: Alto I - Measure 22 the Ab in pennis, m. 26 the Bb in sperabis Soprano II - Measure 23 the A natural in pennis, m. 29 the C in sperabis Soprano I - Measure 24 the C in pennis, m. 28 the D in sperabis The apex of the piece is at m. 30 where the yearning for comfort and assurance reaches its height, finding that comfort in the arrival back at Eb major in m. 39. The phrase veritas ejus (his faithfulness), with its triplet figure should flow gently, like a musical carress. The final reassurance occurs at m. 51 as we return to the melody, and the homophonic texture, of the opening. Even as the piece gets softer and softer, encourage the singers to keep energy moving through each phrase. The structure and feel of this piece was inspired by one of the all-time great settings of yet another Psalm of assurance - Felix Mendelssohn's Lift Thine Eyes.The Lord will overshadow you with his pinions,and you will find refuge under his wings.His faithfulness will encompass you with a shield. Psalm 91:4-5 To feel safe and to feel cared for, these are two of the great yearnings of the human heart.What a blessing it is, especially during times of distress or uncertainty, to know that we aren’t alone, that someone is reaching out to help us and even hold us. It could be a family member or a friend. It could be a still small voice whispering, “It’s okay. I’ve got you.†It could even be a loving community, like a choir, assuring us that we are known, that we are loved, that we belong.The first word – scapulis – is translated as “pinions.†On a bird, a pinion is the outer part of the wing, including the flight feathers. The opening measures, with a one-measure phrase followed be a three-measure phrase, are meant to evoke the image of wings unfurling to welcome in. All through this section – mm. 1-20 – encourage phrasing that is never hurried but moves with intention to the last stressed syllable of each phrase, before ebbing slightly. This section is all about reassurance and comfort.In mm. 21-30 we have a new section where uncertainty grows. At this point the text – and you will find refuge under his wings – is more aspirational than definitive. Leaning into non-chord tones will help make this feeling of uncertainty more palpable. Places where this occurs:Alto I – Measure 22 the Ab in pennis, m. 26 the Bb in sperabisSoprano II – Measure 23 the A natural in pennis, m. 29 the C in sperabisSoprano I – Measure 24 the C in pennis, m. 28 the D in sperabis The apex of the piece is at m. 30 where the yearning for comfort and assurance reaches its height, finding that comfort in the arrival back at Eb major in m. 39. The phrase veritas ejus (his faithfulness), with its triplet figure should flow gently, like a musical carress.The final reassurance occurs at m. 51 as we return to the melody, and the homophonic texture, of the opening. Even as the piece gets softer and softer, encourage the singers to keep energy moving through each phrase.The structure and feel of this piece was inspired by one of the all-time great settings of yet another Psalm of assurance – Felix Mendelssohn’s Lift Thine Eyes.
SKU: CF.CPS234
ISBN 9781491156346. UPC: 680160914883. 9 x 12 inches.
Mercury - the Roman god of financial gain, commerce, travelers, boundaries, luck, trickery, merchants, and thieves. A popular deity in Roman culture, he was instantly recognized by his unique winged shoes (talaria) and hat (petasos). With its close proximity to the sun and faster orbit than all other planets, the Romans named this small celestial body after the swift-winged messenger of their culture. It is not surprising that in Holst's major orchestral suite The Planets that Mercury utilizes such light and swift themes. There is some duality to the title of the work. Part of it involves my impression of what a playful chase of the winged messenger sounds like. The other part is the opening motif chasing two themes of Holst around the rest of the work. It was only after developing the first few ideas that I recognized some of the commonalities with some of those same themes from Holst's orchestral work. There are several quotations from that famous piece by Holst (notably as both are stated successively at mm. 13-20). The idea of someone having to chase the Winged Messenger struck me as a unique title around which to craft a work. One of my core beliefs about music is that it can be imbued with meaning by a composer, and as the sonic story unfolds an ensemble, director, and audience members can draw out their own meaning from the experience. Who exactly is chasing Mercury? I leave that up to the wonderfully creative minds of the young ladies and gentlemen who have the opportunity to bring this work to life. The opportunity to compose music and allow student musicians to give this piece new life and draw out different meanings is a humbling experience. Rehearsal Notes and Suggestions As stated earlier, the opening motif (a range of a seventh) comes back frequently in the work in a variety of settings and textures. Throughout the work, it is important for students to recognize the two themes from Holst when they are present in the sound canvas. If the solos (clarinet and alto saxophone) are utilized, the supporting parts around and underneath those lines must be sensitive and play in such a way to properly balance those parts. There are number of muted sections for the trumpet section, and I would advocate for all trumpets acquiring the same mute to contribute to unity in timbre. The bold fanfare sections (the first occurs at m. 37) must be presented with a unified articulation style. As the texture intensifies prior to m. 169, it is crucial for the ensemble to play within themselves and exercise musical courtesy to allow all voices to be heard as they arrive at m. 181. My thanks in advance for your support of this music, and I wish you well as you and your ensemble begin Chasing Mercury!.Mercury – the Roman god of financial gain, commerce, travelers, boundaries, luck, trickery, merchants, and thieves. A popular deity in Roman culture, he was instantly recognized by his unique winged shoes (talaria) and hat (petasos). With its close proximity to the sun and faster orbit than all other planets, the Romans named this small celestial body after the swift-winged messenger of their culture. It is not surprising that in Holst’s major orchestral suite The Planets that Mercury utilizes such light and swift themes.There is some duality to the title of the work. Part of it involves my impression of what a playful chase of the winged messenger sounds like. The other part is the opening motif chasing two themes of Holst around the rest of the work. It was only after developing the first few ideas that I recognized some of the commonalities with some of those same themes from Holst’s orchestral work. There are several quotations from that famous piece by Holst (notably as both are stated successively at mm. 13–20). The idea of someone having to chase the Winged Messenger struck me as a unique title around which to craft a work.One of my core beliefs about music is that it can be imbued with meaning by a composer, and as the sonic story unfolds an ensemble, director, and audience members can draw out their own meaning from the experience. Who exactly is chasing Mercury? I leave that up to the wonderfully creative minds of the young ladies and gentlemen who have the opportunity to bring this work to life. The opportunity to compose music and allow student musicians to give this piece new life and draw out different meanings is a humbling experience.Rehearsal Notes and SuggestionsAs stated earlier, the opening motif (a range of a seventh) comes back frequently in the work in a variety of settings and textures. Throughout the work, it is important for students to recognize the two themes from Holst when they are present in the sound canvas. If the solos (clarinet and alto saxophone) are utilized, the supporting parts around and underneath those lines must be sensitive and play in such a way to properly balance those parts. There are number of muted sections for the trumpet section, and I would advocate for all trumpets acquiring the same mute to contribute to unity in timbre. The bold fanfare sections (the first occurs at m. 37) must be presented with a unified articulation style. As the texture intensifies prior to m. 169, it is crucial for the ensemble to play within themselves and exercise musical courtesy to allow all voices to be heard as they arrive at m. 181. My thanks in advance for your support of this music, and I wish you well as you and your ensemble begin Chasing Mercury!
SKU: LO.70-2360L
ISBN 9780787775445.
The pieces contained in this folio are not so much arrangements of hymns as they are re-imaginings of hymns. Throughout each selection, J. B. weaves texture after texture of spellbinding pianistic magic. Perfect for the sanctuary and concert hall, this music will bring you and your listeners closer to the heart of the Father. Morning by Morning receives our highest recommendation.
SKU: CF.CPS251F
ISBN 9781491159880. UPC: 680160918478.
About the Music Semper Gratus is Latin for always grateful. The piece was written in honor of James E. Champion, who taught band for thirty-eight years, twenty-five of which were spent in Florence, Alabama, where he was my elementary school and high school band director. His bands consistently achieved superior ratings throughout his career. He holds multi-decade-spanning memberships in professional music education organizations, continues to serve in helping with Alabama Bandmasters Association events, and conducts and performs in various community bands and ensembles. As my band director at Bradshaw High School, Mr. Champion encouraged me to perform one of my first compositions, a clarinet quartet, at solo/ensemble festival. He taught his students the fundamentals of music, the technical aspects of performance, and exposed them to the great standards of band literature. But in doing so, he also modeled leadership, work-ethic, good character, and fostered the love of the activity of band that led me to choose music education as a career. And for that, I will always be grateful. Performance Notes Measures 1-12: The beginning of the piece should be performed in a majestic, fanfare-like style. The woodwind cues should only be used if absolutely needed during this section. Measures 41-58: The concert toms should establish a presence, but not overpower the winds. The triangle and woodblock parts should be heard distinctly over the concert toms. A higher pitched woodblock should be used for this section. (A set of claves could be used in place of the woodblock if desired.) Measures 59-94: The entirety of the middle section should be played in a rubato style to maximize musical expression, exaggerating dynamics and ritardando sections. The quarter-note triplets in the middle and low winds should be emphasized at m. 70. The molto ritardando that begins at m. 70 should be allowed to build as long as possible in m. 71 before reaching the musical apex of the middle section at m. 72. At mm. 92-94, depending on the size of the ensemble, you may want to limit the number of players (or put one per part) to achieve the most delicate sound possible. Measures 95-End: In mm. 99-107, be sure that the eighth-note running mallet parts are heard as a background texture, but do not overpower the winds. In mm. 114-115, the accents on beats 2 and 4 in the lower winds should be exaggerated to contrast the feel of the previous four measures. In m. 118, all winds should cut off and breathe on beat two for maximum impact on the next three measures.About the MusicSemper Gratus is Latin for “always grateful.†The piece was written in honor of James E. Champion, who taught band for thirty-eight years, twenty-five of which were spent in Florence, Alabama, where he was my elementary school and high school band director. His bands consistently achieved superior ratings throughout his career. He holds multi-decade-spanning memberships in professional music education organizations, continues to serve in helping with Alabama Bandmasters Association events, and conducts and performs in various community bands and ensembles. As my band director at Bradshaw High School, Mr. Champion encouraged me to perform one of my first compositions, a clarinet quartet, at solo/ensemble festival. He taught his students the fundamentals of music, the technical aspects of performance, and exposed them to the great standards of band literature. But in doing so, he also modeled leadership, work-ethic, good character, and fostered the love of the activity of band that led me to choose music education as a career. And for that, I will always be grateful.Performance NotesMeasures 1-12:  The beginning of the piece should be performed in a majestic, fanfare-like style. The woodwind cues should only be used if absolutely needed during this section.Measures 41-58:  The concert toms should establish a presence, but not overpower the winds.  The triangle and woodblock parts should be heard distinctly over the concert toms. A higher pitched woodblock should be used for this section. (A set of claves could be used in place of the woodblock if desired.) Measures 59-94:  The entirety of the middle section should be played in a rubato style to maximize musical expression, exaggerating dynamics and ritardando sections.  The quarter-note triplets in the middle and low winds should be emphasized at m. 70.  The molto ritardando that begins at m. 70 should be allowed to build as long as possible in m. 71 before reaching the musical apex of the middle section at m. 72. At mm. 92–94, depending on the size of the ensemble, you may want to limit the number of players (or put one per part) to achieve the most delicate sound possible.Measures 95-End:  In mm. 99–107, be sure that the eighth-note running mallet parts are heard as a background texture, but do not overpower the winds. In mm. 114–115, the accents on beats 2 and 4 in the lower winds should be exaggerated to contrast the feel of the previous four measures.  In m. 118, all winds should cut off and breathe on beat two for maximum impact on the next three measures.
SKU: 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.
SKU: BR.OB-5226-30
ISBN 9790004331385. 9 x 12 inches.
Klaus Winkler has selected seven favorite pieces from the Little Music Book and carefully expanded the two-part piano writing to a four-part texture. This appealing suite can be easily mastered by every amateur orchestra. The instrumentation is conceived so as to allow the greates amount of performance possibilities - flute(s), oboe(s), bassoon(s), and 1-3 trumpets can be added ad libitum; Violin II used instead of Viola, and much more.
SKU: CF.CPS239
ISBN 9781491157855. UPC: 680160916450. 9 x 12 inches.
The energy and drive of this piece uses simple time signatures of 4/4 and 3/4 and mixes groups of three notes and syncopation to the rhythm and the melody. There is also a use of a musical term called hemiola, when groups of two beats are replaced by groups of three beats, creating a shift between duple and triple meter. Syncopation adds a modern, jazzy, popular feel to this exciting concert band composition. Along with syncopation and popular influences are countermelodies to the main theme that are as important as the melody for balance and blend. This adds a feeling of baroque or renaissance style to the texture. Yet the melodies, chords, and structure are recognizable and enjoyable to listen to and perform. The middle 3/4 section is slightly slower featuring brass and saxophones and played legato. Then at the key change, it becomes more articulate and contrapuntal. The a tempo at m. 88 returns to the original thematic material, differing slightly from the beginning, and the coda has some added technical and challenging woodwind passages. The cymbal/triangle part has a lot of directions on choking, hi-hat sound, etc., that will add nice color to the piece if performed as indicated.The energy and drive of this piece uses simple time signatures of 4/4 and 3/4 and mixes groups of three notes and syncopation to the rhythm and the melody. There is also a use of a musical term called hemiola, when groups of two beats are replaced by groups of three beats, creating a shift between duple and triple meter. Syncopation adds a modern, jazzy, popular feel to this exciting concert band composition.Along with syncopation and popular influences are countermelodies to the main theme that are as important as the melody for balance and blend. This adds a feeling of baroque or renaissance style to the texture. Yet the melodies, chords, and structure are recognizable and enjoyable to listen to and perform. The middle 3/4 section is slightly slower featuring brass and saxophones and played legato. Then at the key change, it becomes more articulate and contrapuntal. The a tempo at m. 88 returns to the original thematic material, differing slightly from the beginning, and the coda has some added technical and challenging woodwind passages. The cymbal/triangle part has a lot of directions on choking, hi-hat sound, etc., that will add nice color to the piece if performed as indicated.
SKU: CF.CM9701
ISBN 9781491160091. UPC: 680160918690. Key: E major. English. Louisa May Alcott.
Evening Lullaby is based on the poem Lullaby by Louisa May Alcott. This poem describes nature's response to the evening and narrates how various creatures are soothed to sleep by the evening's quiet melody. When performing, please bear in mind the lilting feel of the 3/4 time signature. Placing emphasis on the strong beat (beat 1) should create the soothing, rocking motion needed for the lullaby. Within each phrase, connect the lines while performing the rise and fall of the dynamics. In respect to dynamics, be careful not to exceed mezzo-forte while always maintaining energy in the tone. Regarding the harmonic texture, be intentional to blend and balance each section with tall vowels and steady vibrato as suspensions are prevalent throughout the piece.  .Evening Lullaby is based on the poem Lullaby by Louisa May Alcott. This poem describes nature's response to the evening and narrates how various creatures are soothed to sleep by the evening's quiet melody.When performing, please bear in mind the lilting feel of the ¾ time signature. Placing emphasis on the strong beat (beat 1) should create the soothing, rocking motion needed for the lullaby. Within each phrase, connect the lines while performing the rise and fall of the dynamics.  In respect to dynamics, be careful not to exceed mezzo-forte while always maintaining energy in the tone.Regarding the harmonic texture, be intentional to blend and balance each section with tall vowels and steady vibrato as suspensions are prevalent throughout the piece. .
SKU: BR.OB-5226-17
ISBN 9790004331354. 9 x 12 inches.
SKU: BT.DHP-1064190-140
9x12 inches. English-German-French-Dutch.
In 1906 Bohemian violinist and composer Frantisek Drdla (1868-1944) composed the delightfully charming piece entitled Souvenir. This piece for violin and piano is one of the most popular compositions by Drdla. Wil van der Beek has produced this arrangement for Flute and Concert Band which remains faithful to the original version. The texture of the work allows the soloist to show off both their technical and musical talents and its charm makes it an ideal encore item at any concert.Wil van der Beeks Bearbeitung von Souvenir für Flöte und Blasorchester wird der Originalkomposition des böhmischen Geigers und Komponisten Franz Drdla vollkommen gerecht. Sowohl in musikalischer als auch in technischer Hinsicht kann der Solist - über den gesamten Umfang seines Instruments- sein ganzes Herzblut in die Musik einfließen lassen. En 1906, le violoniste et compositeur tchèque Frantisek Alois Drdla (1868-1944) compose une pièce délicieuse au charme unique, qu’il intitule Souvenir. Cette pièce pour violon et piano compte parmi ses compositions les plus célèbres. Wil van der Beek en a réalisé un arrangement pour Fl te Traversière et Orchestre d’Harmonie qui reste fidèle la version originale.La texture de l’œuvre permet au soliste de dévoiler ses talents techniques et musicaux.
SKU: BT.GOB-000919-140
Harrie Janssen composed Analecta Varia in memory of Henk van Lijnschooten (1928-2006). He has been of great influence on the Dutch music for wind instruments. As a conductor and as a member of the jury, but above all as a prominent composer. Consists of eight sound studies that can also be performed separately. In each part a particular orchestral aspect is the central point. The eight parts 1. Choral: ensemble in monophonic texture. 2. Air: relatively free line patterns combined with a constant pulse. 3. Pavana: constant rhythmicity culminating in an orchestral tutti. 4. Lullaby: dissonant harmonyabove an organ point in a filigree instrumentation. 5. Chaconne: color and virtuosity combined with a rigid pasacaglian theme. 6. Interlude: antithesis woodwind/brass and followed by a synthesis of the before. 7. Fugue: ensemble in a polyphonic texture. 8. Epilogue: final canto in a preponderating strong dynamic, where a constant euphony has to be pursued. Analecta Varia bestaat uit acht klankstudies die ook afzonderlijk utgevoerd kunnen worden. In iedere deel wordt een bepaald orkestraal facet centraal gesteld. Harrie Janssen componeerde Analecta Varia ter nagedachtenis aan Henkvan Lijnschooten (1928-2006). Henk van Lijnschooten heeft zich bijzonder verdienstelijk gemaakt voor de Nederlandse blaasmuziek, als dirigent, jurylid maar vooral als zeer toonaangevend componist. 1. Chorale: Samenspelin een homofone textuur. 2. Air: Relatief vrij lijnenspel gecombineerd met een constante puls. 3. Pavana: Constante ritmiek culminerend in een orkestraal tutti. 4. Lullaby: Dissonate samenklankenboven een orgelpunt in een filigraine instrumentatie. 5. Chaconne: Kleur en virtuositeit gecombineerd met een rigide pasacaglia thema. 6. Interlude: Tegenstelling Hout/Koper en een synthese hiervan.7. Fuga: Samenspel in een polyfone textuur. 8. Epilogue: Slotzang in een overwegend sterke dynamiek, waarbij een constante welluidendheid nagestreefd dient te worden.
SKU: HL.370494
ISBN 9781705147009. UPC: 840126994025.
The First String Quartet in C major, Op. 37, was written in the autumn of 1917 and earned Szymanowski the first prize in a competition organized by the Ministry of Religious and in a competition organized by the Ministry of Religious and Educational Affairs in January 1922. The First String Quartet is notable for its clar and simple construction. The first movement is in the formof a sonata allegro; the Andantino semplice (in modo iuna canzone) in the middle is a cross between ternary and variation form. The final Scherzando alla burlesca also keeps to the form of a sonata allegro. The combinations and proportions of formal factors and the treatment of thematic material betray a fairly conventional adoption of classical models. Similarly, the expressive and structural use of melodic material shows a respect for traditional norms. Szymanowski created, in other works from the same period, his own individual type of melodic line, which was strongly expressive and achieved its effect chiefly by its tonal qualieties; nevertheless in this Quartet he returns to a fluid, cantilena-like, symmetrically shaped melodic line, which runs along in broad phrases of a concentrated, reflective character. Melody becomes the chief factor in the development of the form, both in thematic usage and in the application of a more polyphonic texture. Harmonic and tonal means are considerably simplified in the Quartet []. Most of the writing is linear, or horizontal, with individual treatment of each part, the parallel continuation of the four sound planes, almost a matter of principle. The functions of the particular instruments in realizing these planes are constantly changing,which accounts for the even greater variedy of tone-colour. The decision to forego experiment with forms and sonorities is reflectedin the overall approach to musical expression. The predominant atmosphere of restrained emotion, quiet lyricism and serenity is strongly suggestive of classical aestetic models. (Based on Zofia Helman Commentary on Szymanowski Complete Edition, Vol. B6) (II) The ''Second String Quartet'' represents an interesting attempt to revert to classical form coupled with the new harmonic and tonal vocabulary worked out previously in the ''Slopiewnie'', ''Stabat Mater'' and ''Mazurkas''. It was also the first time the composer had used folk elements in the framework of a major classical form. The ''Second String Quartet'' is in a special category among Szymanowski's works. Though it dates from the composer was still occupied with folk music, it nevertheless shows him returning to classical models, but at the same time using an aesthetic of subjective expression, which gives the work its own individual stamp. The ''Second String Quartet'' synthesis of the various directions in which Szymanowski was attempting to develop. The sonority and texture used in the first.