Intensity
by Sean O'Loughlin
String Orchestra - Sheet Music

Orchestra String Orchestra - Grade 1.5-2

SKU: CF.FAS49

Composed by Sean O'Loughlin. Carl Fischer First Plus String Orchestra Series. Score and Parts. With Standard notation. 8+8+5+2+5+3+5+8 pages. Carl Fischer Music #FAS49. Published by Carl Fischer Music (CF.FAS49).

ISBN 9780825866791. UPC: 798408066796. 8.5 X 11 inches. Key: E minor.

As the title implies, this pieces is driving and aggressive. Sean manages to provide students with music they enjoy playing, and yet leave the teacher with enough opportunities to instruct within the music's framework.
Intensity is a high-energy piece for string ensemble that will work well for opening or ending a concert. The music is well suited for teaching a marcato style of bowing. The piece also features the melody for each instrument of the ensemble.The music launches right from the first note. Bring out the punches in the cellos and basses to color the melody. The first section should drive through to the hits in m. 17. The music softens a bit at m.19, then adds a countermelody in the first violin at m.27. Each of these sections builds to m. 35, where the high and low strings trade hits. The cellos and basses take over the melody at m.43 and are answered by the violins and viola. Make this transition between sections as seamless as possible, so that it sounds like one instrument playing the entire melody. A full presentation of the melody returns at m. 56 that leads into the concluding section at m.64. Like the beginning, bring out the punches in the cellos and basses to keep the energy moving forward. Over exaggerate the dynamics at m. 70 to leave room for the forte at m. 72 and the exciting finish.