Dragon's Tail
by Sean O'Loughlin
String Orchestra - Sheet Music

Orchestra Cello, Contrabass, Piano, Viola, Violin 1, Violin 2, Violin 3 - Grade 1.5

SKU: CF.FAS93

Composed by Sean O'Loughlin. First-Plus String Orchestra (FAS). Set of Score and Parts. With Standard notation. 16+16+10+4+5+5+4+12 pages. Duration 3 minutes. Carl Fischer Music #FAS93. Published by Carl Fischer Music (CF.FAS93).

ISBN 9780825899003. UPC: 798408099008. 9x12 inches. Key: A minor.

This piece depicts the tail of the mythical dragon as it swings around to fend off its enemies. It is a cinematic piece with lots of musical imagery. The main themes are pointed and angular with lots of rhythmic drive, and students will get very excited about playing this well-written piece. It might be one of those pieces they will ask you to play every day!.
Dragon’s Tail is an intense composition for the developing string orchestra. While no specific story is attached, the music is very programmatic. The music is very reminiscent of the popular animated movies about dragons and other fantasy creatures.From the very beginning, the music is aggressive and intense. The pizzicatos in the second violin and viola parts support the accents in the first violin part. They then join the first violin to intensify the music and create a build up to m. 17. Over-exaggerate the dynamics from mm. 21–25 for maximum effect. A small motive of four eighthnotes follows at m. 32 and provides contrast to the lyrical melody at m. 36.A development section follows at m. 50. An elongated bass line supports little bursts of the eighth-note melody. This leads into a recapitulation of the opening gesture at m. 65. As the music continues to get more intense, remember to emphasize the dynamics to create the most musical experience possible. The music comes to a dramatic conclusion with an augmented gesture at m. 89 that drives to the end.