A Simple Song (from Mass): String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts
By Leonard Bernstein / Arranged by Robert Longfield
Grade: 3-4
Item: 35-PK00147571
$45.00
Pickup currently not available
Buy Extra Parts (Digital PDF Download)
| Product | Price | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| A Simple Song (from Mass) - Conductor Score (Full Score) | $7.50 | |
| A Simple Song (from Mass) - Solo Flute | $7.00 | |
| A Simple Song (from Mass) - Violin 1 | $7.00 | |
| A Simple Song (from Mass) - Violin 2 | $7.00 | |
| A Simple Song (from Mass) - Viola | $7.00 | |
| A Simple Song (from Mass) - Cello | $7.00 | |
| A Simple Song (from Mass) - String Bass | $7.00 | |
| A Simple Song (from Mass) - Piano | $7.00 |
Parts Added to Cart!
Description
Actually a theatre work written for the opening of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Bernstein's "Mass" includes this captivating melody that has emerged as the stand-out song from this monumental production. Robert Longfield has created an outstanding rendition for strings, brilliantly scored for concert or festival performances. Includes solo part for flute or violin. Dur: 4:15
A Simple Song (from Mass): String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts isn't in MakeMusic Cloud just yet...but it could be. Let us know you'd like to see it, and you'll help shape what comes next. In the meantime, start a free trial and dive into thousands of interactive titles your students can play along with today.
Request This Title
Tell us you want it.
Start Your Free Trial
Explore everything that's ready to play right now.
Sample Audio
No sample audio found.
Sample Video
No sample videos found.
Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00147571
More about this title
About the Composer: Leonard Bernstein
Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990) was an American composer, conductor, and educator whose career spanned classical composition, musical theatre, and groundbreaking television documentaries. He achieved rare prominence in all three domains, conducting major orchestras while simultaneously creating works for Broadway and concert halls that reached millions. His ability to write accessibly without sacrificing musical substance made him a natural mentor to generations of musicians.
Why we love this
Bernstein's melodic gift shines in this arrangement, which Longfield has scored with enough textural clarity that younger orchestras can succeed without drowning in orchestration. The solo flute or violin part adds a layer of elegance that appeals to students who might resist a purely ensemble piece, and the 4:15 duration fits perfectly into concert programs without overstaying its welcome.
What to expect
Serene and unhurried, with a simplicity that rewards attention. The melody has the quality of a hymn or folk song, supported by string harmonies that feel both lush and transparent. There's an underlying optimism in Bernstein's voice here, reflective but never sentimental.
Who it's for
Intermediate string orchestras seeking repertoire with genuine melodic substance and approachable orchestration. This works equally well for concert programs, festival performances, or as a centerpiece in a diverse program that pairs classical warmth with contemporary sensibility.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the solo line so it floats above the string texture rather than fighting through it; the strings are the foundation here, not competition.
- Give the opening measures space to breathe. Resist the urge to push tempo; let the melody establish itself before energy builds.
- Mark clear sectional entrances in parts so students see the architecture of the piece. Bernstein's phrases are logical, and players respond better when they understand where they fit.
- Treat dynamic changes as directional rather than mechanical. A crescendo toward a particular chord or cadence sounds more musical than a gradual swell.
How to use it
Program this as a palate cleanser between heavier works, or use it to open a concert where you want to establish lyrical beauty immediately. It pairs well with other 20th century American works and serves as an excellent choice for spring concerts or any performance aiming for emotional directness.
Skills your students will build
- Phrasing and line continuity in a melody-driven context
- Balancing solo and ensemble textures
- Dynamic control at moderate volumes
- Sustaining tone quality across longer melodic passages
- Rhythmic coordination in homophonic writing