Wave Dancer
by Alan Lee Silva
String Orchestra - Sheet Music

Orchestra Cello, Contrabass, Piano, Viola, Violin 1, Violin 2, Violin 3 - Grade 2.5

SKU: CF.YAS163

Composed by Alan Lee Silva. Young String Orchestra. Set of Score and Parts. With Standard notation. 16+10+4+16+10+4+5+12 pages. Duration 2 minutes, 27 seconds. Carl Fischer Music #YAS163. Published by Carl Fischer Music (CF.YAS163).

ISBN 9781491143827. UPC: 680160901326. Key: C major.

Wave Dancer utilizes syncopated rhythmic drives contrasted with the lyrical sections to create a joyful and celebratory atmosphere for which Silva's music is known.
A jubilant F-Lydian introduction in two eight-measure phrases ushers in the AAB form of Wave Dancer. The harmonized, lyrical violin melody and the accented, syncopated phrases create a joyful and celebratory atmosphere from the opening measure. The driving C pedal point in the cellos propel the lilting violin phrases ontoward the main theme in C major at m. 17.The main theme (A-section) is a smooth, graceful melody based on a two-measure phrase constructed around the major scale; first, descending with a syncopated pause on the fifth degree of the scale down to the root and then ascending back up to the octave. Places to focus on in rehearsal are mm. 7 and 8 of each 8-measure A-section (i.e., mm. 23–24 and mm. 31–32). The syncopated rhythm is played precisely and accented, as well as lyrically and smoothly.The two-measure phrase in mm. 33–34 begins with an abrupt mp, from where it quickly builds and climbs the C-major scale to begin the B-section in mm. 35–44. In m. 35 the violins are played expressively and passionately with precise 3, 3, 2, eighth-note syncopated accents. The mid- and low strings are expansive and play their sustains strongly with a beautiful, full sound. The dynamics come down in mm. 43–44, and the B-section ends legato and connected. This gives way to a short four-measure interlude based a fragment of the A-melody.The introduction returns with more vigor and energy in mm. 49–56 as an interlude, and it leads to an abrupt key change up one step to D major at m. 57, giving the piece a boost in energy as the main theme recurs in mm. 57–64 and mm. 65–72.The build to the end begins at m. 73, featuring staccato patterns in Violin 1 that gradually ascend the D-major scale, accompanied by driving eighth-note roots in Violin 2 and Viola. The final statement of the two-measure main motif in mm. 77–78 prepares the ultimate full ensemble tonic chord in m. 79. The piece closes heroically with fortissimo unison sixteenth notes, leading to the final robust downbeat in m. 80.

About Carl Fischer Young String Orchestra Series

This series of Grade 2/Grade 2.5 pieces is designed for second and third year ensembles. The pieces in this series are characterized by:
--Occasionally extending to third position
--Keys carefully considered for appropriate difficulty
--Addition of separate 2nd violin and viola parts
--Viola T.C. part included
--Increase in independence of parts over beginning levels