Ahuras

Xerxes meets James Bond - and multicultural (world) music meets rock - in this fast and fantastical original composition for string orchestra and (optional) drum set. Your journey takes you to the ancient Persian empire, where the Zoroastrian gods (Ahuras) wage a musical battle of good versus evil. Featuring the cello section, and written in C minor, this bold and unique piece offers an opportunity for all sections of the orchestra to shine by interweaving several melodies at the same time, while demanding intense energy and focus throughout the entire composition. Double stops in the middle and lower strings, challenging fingerings for first violins, dotted eighth-sixteenth note patterns, syncopated rhythms, and dynamic variations will require a great deal of practice but will result in a great deal of satisfaction and enjoyment for intermediate and even advanced high school string orchestra students. The percussion (drum set) part is optional but highly recommended.