Explore unique, intriguing themes with these dynamic, expressive, and conversational compositions.

(Excerpted from the Performance Notes)

"Grounded" is a sweet, simple rock 'n' roll piece for strings. The arranger says, "I was grounding myself in regard to form, rock ''n roll styles, and classical-meets-pop phrasing—hence the title." This piece utilizes simple rock motifs, as seen in its 16th-note disjunct cello figure, ample use of harmonics and occasional open strings, the long glissando in the first violin (mm. 88–89), and quarter-note ostinato syncopations in the lower voices (viola, mm. 13–14, for example). This piece has two main sections, and is a blend of ABACA form and theme and variations.

"Grounded" should be played lightly and sweetly, with subtle vibrato in all voices. The flautando bowing in the flowing B sections (mm. 42–56, for example) offers contrast to the more brilliant-timbred detache A section. The first violin should use a generous amount of bow in the B passages. The mood during these passages is reflective and a touch somber, while the A section is nostalgic in an imaginative, cheerful sense.

Grounded

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Sleepy in nature, but with the energy of sleeplessness in the middle, "Crazy in October" takes on two main motifs: a country-western style legato verse and a fun rock 'n' roll chorus. The form is pop in nature with verse/chorus structure, but yet hinting at a dominant that is never fully realized.

Crazy In October

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