Arches

Description

Violin 1, Violin 2, Viola, Cello, Bass, Piano — Arches is a piece for the developing string orchestra that derives its title from the national park in Utah. I visited the Arches National Monument in June of 2003 during a cross-country trip. The "Delicate Arch" is the recognizable landmark from this beautiful national park. In order to see this remarkable natural formation up close, you have to hike a trail of over two miles. The music in this piece is inspired by my journey to see the arch. Once there, you are treated to a vast panoramic view of the golden Utah landscape that leaves one breathless.Arches is an effective piece in teachingxa0pizzicato playing as a melodic device. Most often,xa0pizzicato is used as an effect or punctuation mark to larger melodic ideas. There is a brief arco section to provide contrast and build up to the dramatic return of the mainxa0pizzicato melody. Each section in the ensemble has a statement of the melody. It is important to think linearly in addition to vertically when playing thesexa0pizzicato lines. Forward motion is of up-most importance in terms of making musical phrases out of thesexa0pizzicatoxa0lines.