Arena of the Gladiators
by Joseph Compello
String Orchestra - Sheet Music

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

SKU: CF.FAS75

Composed by Joseph Compello. SWS FS. First-Plus String Orchestra (FAS). Set of Score and Parts. With Standard notation. 8+8+5+2+5+5+3+8 pages. Duration 2 minutes, 7 seconds. Carl Fischer Music #FAS75. Published by Carl Fischer Music (CF.FAS75).

ISBN 9780825891281. UPC: 798408091286. 9 x 12 inches. Key: E minor.

Arena of the Gladiators is fiercely reminiscent of its title, evoking gladiators fighting for their lives in huge, crowd-filled coliseums. Popular composer Joseph Compello draws on his classroom experience to write a piece that will not only be loved by students, but that is also within their technical limitations.
Arena of the Gladiators is a simple yet effective showpiece for a young string ensemble. While the melodies and harmonies are written in a modern sounding "contest style," the music contains only the pitches of the E-minor scale.Rhythmically, the music does not subdivide beyond eighth-notes in pairs; however, in order to give the composition a more sophisticated sound, rhythmic patterns do not always fall into conventional, common-time groupings. Overall, the rhythms should project a restless quality, while the melodies and harmonies should convey a foreboding mood.Since the piece is generally forte or louder, tone quality and overall balance between sections will need attention with young players. The contrasting section at m. 29 should be played legato, but not sweetly. Strive for an antique, dance-like quality.This arrangement has been recorded by Carl Fischer. The performance is available on-line free of charge. Thank you for selecting this composition. Your comments are always welcome.–Joseph CompelloGlen Arm, Maryland, 2012.