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Image by Weston MacKinnon

Talon  & Tether

2025 • Grade 3 String Orchestra • 3'

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A tug-of-war between instinct and control

Image by Sterling Lanier

Score Video

Image by James Lee

Description

Talon & Tether soars with the fierce energy of a falcon in flight. Driving rhythms, sharp contrasts, and sweeping melodies create a dramatic soundscape that captures the tug-of-war between instinct and control. With bold textures and a shifting pulse, this piece invites performers to unleash both power and finesse in equal measure.

Pedagogical Techniques

  • Meter layering - Triple (3/4) and imposed duple in a predictable pattern for a successful experience

  • Chromatic Inflections & Shifting Tonal Centers - The piece is primarily in E minor with chromatic inflections (F♮/F♯ and D/D♯) and passes through the tonal centers of B♭, D, and B before returning to E minor.

  • Exploration of Bowing Techniques - Marcato, Legato Slurs (some across strings), Open + Fingered Double Stops

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