SKU: CF.YAS162

ISBN 9781491143803. UPC: 680160901302. Key: A minor.

Virgo is a lush and dramatic piece for string orchestra that reflects upon lost loved ones. In the case of the composer, it is a remembrance of his late brother whose astrological sign was virgo. It is an emotional harmonic journey with well-place dissonance tied together by a memorable motive. Musically, this piece is pure emotion and will stretch your young musicians to strive for musical elegance.
Virgo is a lush and dramatic piece for string orchestra that is intended to reflect upon lost loved ones. In the case of the composer, it is a remembrance of his late brother, Scott Andrew Sweet. The title of the piece refers to the astrological sign ofthe composer’s brother, who was born on September 19, 1970. Virgo is dedicated to his memory.The piece utilizes many close-knit intervals and dissonances and care should be taken throughout the work to ensure that these intervals blend evenly into a singular sonority. The piece begins with an introduction that utilizes portions of the A-theme which is presented in full at m. 10 by the second violins. The theme is repeated at m. 18 and moves to a brief B-section at m. 26. The B-section utilizes inverted “pyramid” chords, and each voice should enter with a slight accent so that the rhythmic structure of the pyramid is audible. The A- and B-sections are both repeated with slight variation and are followed by a C-section at m. 58. This section utilizes melodic counterpoint between all voices, and care must be taken to maintain a strong individual presence from voice to voice. These voices lead to a dramatic arrival on beat 3 of m. 68. From this point, the C-section decreases in intensity, coming to restat m. 82. The introductory material returns at m. 84 with pizzicato accompaniment and leads to a final statement of both A- and B themes in a more developed and intense fashion. A delicate and restrained coda appears at m. 113 and brings the piece to a close.

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