Path to the Pacific

Description

Violin 1, Violin 2, Violin 3, Viola, Violoncello, Contrabass, Piano — From the opening driving cello melody to the final ensemble flourish, Path to the Pacific is an exciting and rewarding piece for young players to play.The accents in the cello during the lively introduction at m. 1 are integral to the feel of the melodic line and provide an engaging technical challenge. The AAB form begins as the piece decrescendos to the quiet ‘A’ section at m. 9, featuring violin 1 with a singing, lyrical melody.The robust, joyous ‘B’ section is played with intensity, but still legato. The return to the ‘A’ material at m. 37 features the Cello. The 2nd statement of the ‘B’ material at m. 45 is highlighted by a refreshing tonal shift to the key of E then back to the key of ‘G’ before the crescendo to the fermata in m. 58.The active cello theme from the introduction returns in the A Tempo section at m. 59 at a piano dynamic. This begins the build to the maestoso section at m. 71. Measures 63-70 are the most aggressive bars of the composition. Strive for rhythmic precision when approaching the quintal harmony in m. 63-64, the accented figures in m. 65-67, and the triplet figures in m. 68-69. A rich, resonant tone from the full ensemble will make the maestoso section in m. 71 move powerfully to the final bar. From the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Ocean, Path to the Pacific reflects the open, airy and picturesque qualities of the American West. These textures are painted through the use of light syncopation, key modulations and triplets that will certainly challenge your developing string players to become stronger musicians.