Mephisto Masque

Originally composed for full orchestra, this string arrangement channels the sly spirit of Mephistopheles, making it an ideal highlight for any Halloween concert. A slow, expressive introduction opens into a lively D minor polka that whirls toward a dazzling frenzy of sixteenth notes. Technique is built with manageable but skill-appropriate shifts in all parts except second violin, simple double-stops, brief artificial harmonics for first violin, and short solo moments for violins and cello, including an exciting violin cadenza. Dark, energetic, and a little devilish, this piece brings a dramatic spark to any program.