The Rock Canyon
by Alan Lee Silva
String Orchestra - Sheet Music

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

SKU: CF.CAS53

Composed by Alan Lee Silva. FS - SWS. Concert String Orchestra. Set of Score and Parts. With Standard notation. 24+24+6+15+10+10+4+20 pages. Carl Fischer Music #CAS53. Published by Carl Fischer Music (CF.CAS53).

ISBN 9780825869761. UPC: 798408069766. 8.5 X 11 inches. Key: A major.

The Rock Canyon Club is a rollicking hoedown piece written in three sections (fast, slow, fast). It begins its jubilant ride with an exciting sixteenth-note-driven theme in the opening bar. The overall approach is a lively "edge of your seat" fiddling style, and each section of the string orchestra is featured in this animated Americana piece.
A rollicking hoedown piece written in three sections (fast, slow, fast), The Rock Canyon Club begins its jubilant ride with an exciting sixteenth-note driven theme in the opening measure. The overall approach is a lively “edge-of-your-seat” fiddling style, and each section of the string orchestra is featured in this animated Americana piece.The violins state the A-melody at m. 9, first in unison, then in close pentatonic harmony. The low strings accompany in a country-dance style with occasional open-fifth voicings in the accompaniment. In m. 17, the B-melody begins in the upper strings and is traded off in one-measure phrases. Observe the articulations in mm. 25–32 and mm. 94–97 to create a crisp, cohesive statement. In mm. 67–69, play legato, as the tempo slows and the dynamics soften, leading to the slow section.The 24-measure slow section at m. 70 features a tender violin solo over subtle triads. The violins soar with their legato melody at m. 78, as the ensemble builds in this lush setting. Measure 92 is the button to the slow section with a violin solo over warm, rich harmonies. Violin I sets the original tempo (m. 93, beat 4), and the hoedown-feel resumes. The lively fiddling returns and drives from m. 98 to the end, culminating with a “bookend” ending, starting in m. 114 (see mm.1–4). The final tutti line slows slightly with energetic double stops in the violins and violas on the last ensemble chord in m. 117.

About Carl Fischer Concert String Orchestra Series

This series of pieces (Grade 3 and higher) is designed for advancing ensembles. The pieces in this series are characterized by:

• Expanded use of rhythms, ranges and keys but technical demands are still carefully considered
• More comprehensive bowing techniques
• Viola T.C. included
• Careful selection of keys and degree of difficulty for advancing musicians