"Drought" for String Orchestra, by Alison Harbottle https://youtu.be/L8eNuDpwW3I

Grade: 4 Duration: 5'26"

While this piece doesn’t appear difficult on the surface, the challenge here lies in the ensemble work. Full of effects and unusual harmonics, Drought brings to mind images of baking plains and still summer days. Opening with a viola solo, the viola section states the melody first and then passes it around, even briefly to the basses. Take plenty of time, there’s no need to rush the tempo, make lots of space to create a still feeling.

Hard copy: https://tinyurl.com/Drought-print