In our new Strings syllabus, we’ve broadened the repertoire, to introduce new styles and composers, and embrace diversity. To this end we’ve commissioned new compositions and arrangements of pieces that speak to jazz, world, folk, pop and film styles for each grade, as well as traditional classical music. In this blog, we explore some standout pieces from our new Strings repertoire lists!
Colors of the Wind (from Pocahontas)
This beautiful melodic arrangement of the popular song from Disney’s Pocahontas is bound to be a favourite for those taking Viola Grade 1. The piece explores the beauty of nature and invites candidates to explore all the colours of the wind… and their instrument!
Et Dodim Kala (Trad., arr. Kierszka)
For Grade 2 Viola, a new option is ‘Et Dodim Kala’: a fun fast-paced klezmer piece, which is a great introduction to the Eastern European genre. Perhaps you notice how this piece sounds different to traditional Western classical music, with lowered (minor) 7th and 10th notes, introducing the candidate to a new musical mode and tradition.
Do You Want to Build a Snowman? (from Frozen), Anderson-Lopez & Lopez, arr. Walshaw
If you’re familiar with the 2013 Disney film Frozen, or even if you’re not, you’ll likely have heard the signature song ‘Do You Want to Build a Snowman?’. Now for Grade 2 Violin, this catchy song has been arranged by Walshaw to transport you to the fictional kingdom of Arendelle. It even includes some more advanced techniques, such as double stopping!
An Irish Lullaby (Trad., arr. Wilkinson)
A new option for Grade 3 Harp is ‘An Irish Lullaby’, a traditional folk song, arranged by composer Garry Wilkinson. This soothing piece, originally for celtic harp, gives the player an introduction to Irish folk music with the major Ionian mode and the style of an Irish air, which is a slow, free-rhythm instrumental melody with emotional depth.
Mazurka (no. 5 from Miniatures) (F. Ronchini)
Ferdinando Ronchini (1865-1938) was an Italian cellist and composer, known for his compositions for cello. His compositions have not been as performed, remembered and appreciated as other Italian composers in the nineteenth century that wrote for cello, such as Verdi, Busoni and Rossini. This Mazurka, which is a lively Polish dance, is nonetheless a great addition to the Cello syllabus for Grade 4.
Danzón Gloria (Omar Puente, arr. Ilario Ferrari)
For Grade 5 Violin you can now play this Latin dance, ‘Danzón Gloria’. It’s a feel good, vibrant piece with a memorable melody, originally by Cuban violinist Omar Puente, and arranged by Italian band leader and composer Ilario Ferrari.
Usti Usti Baba (Trad arr. Wilson)
Sitting in our World Music pathway, Usti Usti Baba, a new piece for Grade 7 Violin, is an example of Eastern European folk music. Traditionally wedding music, the original Romani lyrics translate to ‘Wake up, wake up, father, the drums are beating, they're coming for my sister’ [on her wedding day]. It is an exciting, upbeat piece with trills and a fast-paced central section which ascends to the highest notes of the violin.
La Captive (Amy Beach)
You may have heard of Romantic American composer Amy Beach – we’ve referenced her in a previous blog on Women Composers in Trinity College London Syllabuses. ‘La Captive’ is a new addition to the Double Bass Grade 8 repertoire list. It is a moving piece to be played ‘Largo con molto espressione’ (‘Slowly with much expression’), and also sul G, played solely on the G string, similarly to the original violin composition.
You can find more Strings pieces recommendations by watching back our webinar from 8 July, where Trinity Lead Senior Examiner, Anna Dryer-Beers puts forward her favourite selections!
Inspired by some of the pieces we’ve mentioned today and want to try them out for yourself? eBook versions of the new violin repertoire books are available to purchase from the Trinity store now! Print copies of the violin repertoire books are also available from the Trinity shop. For other instruments, you can check out the new repertoire by selecting the instrument on the Strings page of our website.
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