Ripcord
String Orchestra - Sheet Music

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

SKU: CF.FAS79

Composed by George Sweet. SWS FS. First-Plus String Orchestra (FAS). Set of Score and Parts. With Standard notation. 8+8+2+5+5+5+3+8 pages. Duration 2 minutes, 37 seconds. Carl Fischer Music #FAS79. Published by Carl Fischer Music (CF.FAS79).

ISBN 9780825891328. UPC: 798408091323. 9 x 12 inches. Key: G major.

This piece takes off right from the start. It contains some very pleasant contemporary sounds not usually found in pieces of this difficulty level, and students will be eager to play it again and again, thanks to composer George Sweet's string education expertise. George is fast becoming one of the most popular composers of music for school string orchestras around the country.
Ripcord refers to a cable that, when pulled, sets an action in motion. A ripcord could be used to release a parachute, start the descent of a hot-air balloon, or start a small engine. With a pull of the cord, the piece begins! After an introductory fanfare, the main theme is presented by the first violins in m. 9. Make sure that the staccato note in this theme is played short so that the following accent receives enough weight. A contrasting legato B-section occurs at m. 25 with the new melodic material presented by the first violins and celli. After a more driving repeat of both sections, new material is presented in m. 59. Make sure that the piano dynamic in m. 58 is low enough to allow a dramatic crescendo to this new section. The accented entrance of each part in mm. 66-68 should be strong enough that they create a stacking of voices or "pyramid" effect. The introductory fanfare returns at m. 77 and drives the piece forward to its conclusion.