Afternoon Games

Description

Violin 1, Violin 2, Viola, Cello, Contrabass, Piano — OLD SETTLERS' PICNIC is gratefully dedicated to the Oregon High School Orchestra (Oregon WI), directed by Leyla Sanyer, who commissioned the work.The 4-movement piece is based on a photo and a historical event that took place in this area of Wisconsin during the 1890's, detailing a festive day-long celebration honoring the settlers who arrived in Madison County, during the early 1800s. The celebration consisted of a morning parade, an early afternoon filled with games, an evening dance, and a gathering under the stars at night while tales were told of the early experiences, of tornadoes, and bear attacks, and the hard work of carving out a life in a brand new land. OLD SETTLERS’ PICNIC is a four-movement suite for String Orchestra with optional Piano; each movement is published separately. Composed with high school performers in mind, the suite was inspired by an 1890s photograph and descriptions of a Wisconsin town’s “Old Settlers” celebration. AFTERNOON GAMES are depicted with a Vivace scherzo in 6/8. The running and skipping leads to an extended fugue for a copycat game before returning to the opening theme.