Highland Celebration

Description

Violin 1, Violin 2, Violin 3, Viola, Cello, Contrabass, Piano — This Scottish-flavored, uptempo piece in has a lilting, jubilant-feel throughout. Highland Celebration isxa0 built around two rhythmic subdivisions: two groups of three eighth notes per measure and three groups of two eighth notes per measure. Have the ensemble distinguish between the two subdivisions by tapping each one separately. Make an exercise of the rhythm in mm. 1–2 in Violin 1 to facilitate playing the different rhythms precisely: (1 2 3 - 4 5 6) and (1 2 - 3 4 - 5 6). Rehearsing four- to eightmeasure sections under tempo will aid in tightening these rhythms and solidifying pitch.The sections to concentrate on are: mm. 17–24 and mm. 33–40 to make sure that Violins I and II and Cello are playing together; mm. 33–40, to focus on the Violin 1 and Violin 2 unisons and couplings; and mm. 57–62, where the quarter-note subdivisions are emphasized. The piece is book-ended with the introduction material which always begins quietly and builds. The ensemble at m. 79 starts with tutti scalar figures and increases in intensity to the final accented measures at m. 83. Written in AABA form with a double bridge at m. 45, the overall feeling is dance-like and festive. This is a sweeping new original composition in a subto Scottish style from popular composer Alan Lee Silva. Just another one of the pieces that always seem to flow effortlessly from his talented pen. This is an excellent piece for any contest or festival.

Preview Pages