Doppler Effect
by Sean O'Loughlin
String Orchestra - Sheet Music

Orchestra Cello, Contrabass, Piano, Viola, Violin 1, Violin 2, Violin 3 - Grade 2

SKU: CF.YAS177

Composed by Sean O'Loughlin. SWS FS. Young String Orchestra. Set of Score and Parts. With Standard notation. 16+4+16+10+10+10+4+12 pages. Duration 3 minutes, 37 seconds. Carl Fischer Music #YAS177. Published by Carl Fischer Music (CF.YAS177).

ISBN 9781491146576. UPC: 680160904075. 9 x 12 inches. Key: G major.

The term "Doppler effect" describes the aural phenomenon of pitch produced by a moving source changing relative to position, like a siren passing you on the street. Sean O'Loughlin uses this fascinating concept to construct an original composition that uses instances of this effect. A broad melody acts as a connective element in the piece, with a multitude of teaching opportunities for dynamics and musicality.
The term "Doppler effect" is defined as the shift in frequency of acoustic or electromagnetic radiation emitted by a source moving relative to an observer as perceived by the observer. Yes, it is when the siren comes at you at one pitch and leaves you at another pitch. I found this a fascinating concept to construct an original musical composition with. There are plenty of instances of this effect, but I also created a broad melody to act as a connective element to thework. There are also a multitude of teaching opportunities for dynamics and musicality.The opening material should be played very mysteriously and by exaggerating the dynamics. Make the change from p to f as big as you can. The whole opening section builds up to a big arrival at m. 15. From there, we're off to the races with a rhythmic version of the effect. Again, bring out the range of the dynamics for maximum effect. The main melody appears at m. 30 and should be played with much lyricism as a contrast to the pulsing rhythmic activity underneath. The rhythmic pulse evaporates at m. 38 to leave a warm chorale-like section. A big presentation follows at m. 46. The chorale-like section returns at m. 54. Keep that same warmth of sound as before. The next big event happens at m. 67, where the Doppler effect is in full force. Exaggerate those dynamics and bring out the ascending lines in the celli. This leads to a climactic arrival at m. 92 where the main melody is augmented with lush power chords supporting the sound. The rhythmic energy returns at m. 98 to drive the music to a heroic ending.

About Carl Fischer Young String Orchestra Series

This series of Grade 2/Grade 2.5 pieces is designed for second and third year ensembles. The pieces in this series are characterized by:
--Occasionally extending to third position
--Keys carefully considered for appropriate difficulty
--Addition of separate 2nd violin and viola parts
--Viola T.C. part included
--Increase in independence of parts over beginning levels