Tarantella (Loreta Fin) for String Orchestra

This energetic original work is written in the Southern Italian dance-style. It is in compound duple time, and uses A minor tonality. Inner parts need to pitch the G# leading notes carefully, as do the celli, with extended 4th fingers. These occor mostly in simpler rhythms, to allow the hand time to open out. String crossings should be smooth, keeping the pulse steady on the dotted quarter notes. Take care with bow lengths and placement in bar 21 and similar (violin 1 and 2). The B section is in C major, making the piece ideal to teach relative majors and minors, as well as Ternary Form. The accelerando in the final A section makes for an exciting ending. The piano part is essential for the off-beat accompaniment and would even sound better if played on a Piano Accordion or Keyboard with Accordion voice.

Grade: 3

Duration: 2:50

Instrumentation: Violin 1, Violin 2, Violin 3, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Piano