String Ensemble grades 1/2-2
This piece is carefully poly-techincal (there are parts for players of all abilities) and is intended
to include as many players as possible.
It may serve for a finale for a concert, for example, as everyone in the string program can join in.
There are solo passages for 1st and 2nd violins, viola, cello and bass.
(although these could be taken by sections).
The tutti music is relatively challenging for 1st and 2nd violins (slightly easier), violas, cellos and basses.
3rd violins never go beyond 1st position.
4th violins and 2nd cellos play open strings only.
The piano part is marked for rehearsal only and is a condensed version of the strings' music.
In an emergency, it could be played in concert to cover weak or absent sections.
Playing all of the notes in the piano part is not intended to be a practical proposition.
The title is a quote from Leonard Cohen,
"When things get really bad, just raise your glass and stamp your feet and do a little jig. "
This piece lasts about four minutes.