List Updates:

Personal List: 344 (+0)

Full List: 666 (+0)

Misc. Ideas:

Welcome! This is my inaugural blog post and through it I hope to inspire and provide my perspective on a monthly basis along with updates for the string lists. I have loved every step of creating these lists and I wish for everyone who can utilize them to feel the same way. I don't have too much to say for this first post, but I hope you spend some time to watch these highlighted suggestions:

String Orchestra Works of the Month:

Syrian Dances for String Orchestra – Kinan Azmeh (2023) ~6-6+

I came across this work while listening through all of Palaver Strings' recordings. The group is a very talented conductor-less ensemble in Maine that is dedicated to expanding music access and education to as wide a range as possible (already points in my book). They have done multiple commissions and play a very good + diverse collection of repertoire including the Syrian Dances for String Orchestra. The composer (Kinan Azmeh) is a clarinet player originally from Syria who also has many other great pieces. He describes the piece as being very similar to Bartók's Romanian Folk Dances: "I am trying to bring some more attention to these folk tunes from home without being direct about it, by presenting them in a new way. They are not exactly arrangements of scenic folk tunes but pieces inspired by them." All 4 movements are lovely with the 3rd movement being very fun and my personal favorite.

Nazca – Sergio Cervetti (2010) ~6

Another more recent work, Sergio Cervetti's Nazca is a beautiful five-movement tone poem for String Orchestra. I forget exactly how I found this, but the instantly captivating first movement along with a ghostly 4th and well-done 2nd, 3rd, and 5th, make this a beautiful work to listen to.

Two Aquarelles for String Orchestra – Frederick Delius (1932) ~5

Two contrasting movements make for a beautiful and contemplative work. I am personally a big fan of English string orchestra music, and this is no different. Some may rate this a good bit easier; the notes themselves are fairly easy, but I believe the musicianship required to play it is reflected more in the 5-grade range.