Overlords

Description

Violin 1, Violin 2, Violin 3, Viola, Violoncello, String Bass, Piano — Overlords is an intense work for string orchestra. The music is well suited to teach both axa0marcato and legato style of bowing. The piece also features the melody on each instrument of the ensemble.The piece starts out with a vigorous melodic idea that will become the main melody later on. Please play with axa0marcato style here and throughout when this melody appears. There are slight hints of dissonance to provide some intensity to the diatonic figure. The celli and bass answer this figure with accented notes opposite of the melody. Be sure to bring out all of the accents on beat 4 of each measure. The main melody first appears in m.9 in the first violin part. The celli and bass briefly take over the melody at m.15, then present a full melody at m.21. Make sure the dynamics are played as marked to provide the most contrast possible. There is plenty of loud playing in this piece, so cherish the softer moments for a complete musical experience. There should be a lighter, softer feel at m.37 in the violins and viola. Keep the intensity on the accents, but with a gentler touch. The energy increases at m. 53 and provides a build-up back to the main melody at m. 61. Keep the intensity high all the way through to the exciting ending. Sean O'Loughlin's Overlords is an intense piece for developing groups, running the full gamut of tone color, with each section getting a chance to play the most important melodic material. Aggressive and fun to play, Overlords sounds much more difficult than it is!

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