Most first year string students will feel comfortable playing ABOVE THE BLUE HORIZON sometime within the first ten months of instruction. The ranges are limited and several markings have been added to help guide them, including (H3) for a high third finger position and ( , ) for lifting the bow to prepare for the next articulation. A piano part is included and is completely optional to making this piece sound full and complete. An optional violin 3 is also provided to support the viola voice. The cello is doubled with the double bass throughout to offer added strength for younger ensembles.
ABOVE THE BLUE HORIZON makes use of 9ths and 13ths within the fundamental framework of the root and third of each chord. The main theme is played in unison before the development section written in simple counterpoint. The work steadily builds before the da capo Fine conclusion. This work will easily challenge but not overwhelm your first year players and is a very good piece to play for contest or festival adjudication. New and exciting sounds!
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