These three miniatures are well suited for a lower or middle school orchestra or a school orchestra in the process of being set up. All pieces can be performed in the 1st position and are also suitable for younger ensembles after good rehearsals. The three miniatures are entitled "Intrada - Pastorella - March". Precise markings regarding tempo, dynamics, phrasing and the good, large, clean print facilitate rehearsal, as do the bar numbers. The pastorella contains pizzicato and mute, as well as a possible indication of harmonics in 2 1/2 bars of the 1st violin. Double stops should certainly be played divisi. The juxtaposition of duple and triple rhythms between the 1st/2nd violin and violoncello also has a separate effect. In the march, the parallel fourths and short parallel fifths are interesting.

Level of difficulty: easy. Duration: Intrada = 1:30 min., Pastorella = 1:30 min., March = 1 min., total time 4 minutes

Edwin B. Gahabka