Prairie Lullaby

Description

Violin 1, Violin 2, Violin 3, Viola, Violoncello, Contrabass, Piano — The musical effect ofxa0Prarie Lullabyxa0should be graceful and serene, evocative of a peaceful night on the open plains. To that end, players will need to strive for an unlabored rhythmic flow, smooth bowing and a clear, steady tone as close toxa0p as possible.Beginning at m.39, the violin and viola parts are markedxa0pizzicato. If young players are unable to return quickly toxa0argo at m.53, they may make the bow preparation easier by taking a full measure rest at m.52. This option is marked in the parts and score.Thexa0divisixa0notes at m. 69 are provided for ensembles which lack violas. Ensembles with violas may have them play the lower notes while the second violins play the upper notes.Percussion, which is completely optional, should be very subdued. Choose a bell mallet which allows the tones to be heard just above the strings. the woodblock part is intended to imitate the "clip-clop" sound of a horse's hooves. Two different sizes of woodblocks or temple blocks are needed. Finding two suitable sounds on one woodblock is difficult. Again, the right mallets are very important. The suspended cymbal should be played with brushes if the string ensemble is small. If the suspended cymbal with brushes cannot be heard above a large number of strings, then sticks should be used instead.The percussion part can be performed by one player, provided the instruments and mallets are set up properly and the player has the skill to make the transitions smoothly. Note the optional rest at mm. 53-54.Performance time with the repeat is two and a half minutes.