SKU: CF.CAS90

ISBN 9780825899195. UPC: 798408099190. 9x12 inches. Key: C major.

Free Spirit offers a fresh new sound from composer Sean O'Loughlin. It has a uniquely American sound to it with open chords contrasted with lush flowing melodies that interplay back and forth in a struggle for supremacy that is finally settled with both co-existing together in the end for a wonderful punctuated ending.
Free Spirit is a dynamic composition for the more advanced string ensemble. Full of lyrical and rhythmic passages, the music is a great way to showcase the musicianship of your ensemble.The rhythmic motive at the beginning serves as a connecting thread throughout the com- position. The rhythmic accents are added in m. 5 to increase the intensity and provide a slightly different color to the music. Some interplay follows at the section at m. 13. A lyrical melody then starts to soar over top of the rhythmic motive at m. 27. Bring out the contrast in the different styles simultaneously. The rhythmic energy fades away at m. 36 and gives way to a lush, haunting passage. The rhythmic motive quickly returns at m. 42 for some further development alongside the lyrical melody. A slight departure from the tonal center at m. 53 brings us back to a full presentation at m. 62. Some imitation and counterpoint lead us back to a recapitulation of the central musical ideas at m. 85. The lyrical melody returns as an echo of its former self at m. 100. This leads to a final build-up section at m. 110. Keep the accents punchy and crisp throughout this passage. This climaxes at a tutti gesture to end the piece with fire.

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