There are 6 movements in this concerto gross and all parts gets the tune at some point. All parts shift out of first position and there is some use of 4th position.
This suite is in three movements, Chaconne, Intermezzo and March. It is an arrangement of Holst’s first suite for military band. On one occasion the first part goes up to 8th position and there is quite a bit of 5th position. Running passages get passed between the parts, there are semiquaver passages involving string crossing, double stops and many contrasting articulations to watch our for.
This well loved concertino has changes of tempo that need to be well managed. Some legato bowing, understanding of suspensions and trills all feature in it.
This mixed ability arrangement, in the form of a Concerto Grosso, needs good listening and ensemble. The voices imitate and answer each other and knowing where the important voice lies is crucial. It is excellent for developing playing in the upper half of the bow. The first part goes into 4th position and all the quartet parts have running passages. The main four parts, each with solo moments, are grades 6-8 while there are two (optional) easier parts around grades 2-4.
This Suite is in three short movements. The first has a slow introduction followed by a melody with pizzicato accompaniment. The second movement also has a slow introduction but this time to a rhythmic motif passing between the instruments. The last movement is slow and tranquil.
The parts are equal rhythmically while the range of notes is higher in the first two parts where there is some use of tenor clef.
