Watching the extraordinary Lunar Eclipse this week reminded me that Halloween is fast approaching! I keep being asked by teachers to write more ‘character pieces’ for their Intermediate–Advanced pupils. So here are two recent additions to Mary’s Music Cupboard, both suitable for concerts around Halloween, plus a couple of old favourites.
Halloween, Grade 7+ is a short, quirky, darkly atmospheric piece for violin and piano, with lyrical espressivo moments, swooping chromatic passages, and lots of rhythmic interest. The players have to keep their wits about them, so it is fun to rehearse – and it makes a good violin/piano duo piece for advanced pupils who want to perform together. Duration: 2½ - 3 mins, depending on tempo.
Gritto Perpetuo is a short ‘moto perpetuo’, playable by an Intermediate string quartet (or string ensemble without double bass), but also suitable for a more advanced group. It has the feel of flight/pursuit and a dramatic ending. Score and Parts available separately. Duration: 1½ - 2 mins, depending on tempo.
The First Repertoire for Violin collection (grade 2-4), for violin/piano, contains two pieces which work well for Halloween, and which can be purchased as individual items:
Lean, Mean Tango – which again is popular as a pupil violin/piano duo Score. The Violin part is available separatly.