Northwestern Skies

Description

Violin 1, Violin 2, Violin 3, Viola, Cello, Contrabass, Piano — From the opening fanfare to the final ensemble gesture, Northwestern Skies is an engaging musical journey with expressive ensemble phrases and challenging section features. The A theme at m. 9, a recurring heroic statement, provides an opportunity to develop solid tone production and intonation in sustained forte passages. The B theme at m. 17, enters quietly and features singing, legato lines and delicate accompaniment. The connected countermelodies in both the A and B sections should be balanced under the main melody. Morexa0instrtuments arexa0added to the melody in m. 25, building to the return of the A theme in m. 33.The lower stringsxa0carry the C theme in m. 49, supported byxa0 tutti figures in the upper strings. All sections come together in m. 56 to a ritardando into the Maestoso section, setting up a grand ensemble statement in m. 57-58. The movingxa0legatolines at m. 59 and the aggressive figures at m. 61 propel the piece to its final build.The Coda section at m. 65 begins with a variation of the B melody in thexa0violas and then the violinsxa0over a dominant pedal point in the lower strings. Commanding tutti statements of the A theme at m. 69 end the piece with power and excitement. Alan Lee Silva's Northwestern Skiesis lyrical and fresh, with his signature open and expressive style. Young string orchestras will sound rich and full with this sweeping composition.

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