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Air for Buenos Aires: String Orchestra Conductor Score

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Air for Buenos Aires Cover Image

Air for Buenos Aires: String Orchestra Conductor Score

By Chris Thomas

Grade: 3

Item: 98-ST6536S

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Description
Feature a guitar soloist or any member of the orchestra (or even a combination of players!). Inspired by the Tango-influenced music of Astor Piazzola, this work paints a portrait of a sleepy, late night in Brazil as a lone tango dancer walks the streets. Every member of the orchestra has the solo printed on the back of their section part, giving directors incredible flexibility with choosing a soloist or combination of soloists. A powerful and beautiful work.

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Additional Details
Series: FJH String Orchestra
Publisher: The FJH Music Company, Inc.
UPC: 241444593196
SKU: 98-ST6536S

More about this title

About the Composer: Chris Thomas

Chris Thomas

Chris Thomas writes music across film, television, theme parks, and concert stages. His accolades include a Hollywood Music in Media Award, two American Prize finishes (2nd place in Composition), a Global Music Award, and the Gold Medal at the Park City Film Music Festival. His concert works have graced Carnegie Hall, the Sydney Opera House, and the Hollywood Bowl, while his film scores have earned Emmy nominations and international recognition, including an Academy Award shortlist for The Woman Rebel.

Beyond the concert hall, Thomas has composed for major studios including Sony, ABC, FOX, CBS, and HBO, serving as composer, orchestrator, and conductor. His theme park work spans iconic destinations from Knott's Berry Farm to international venues. In 2019, Thomas delivered a TED Talk centered on his Symphony No. 1 (the Malheur Symphony), sharing insights into his creative process and musical vision.

Why we love this

The built-in flexibility to feature any combination of soloists transforms a single piece into multiple performance opportunities. Thomas crafts a cinematic soundscape that captures the introspective mood of late-night tango culture, giving orchestras a chance to explore rhythmic nuance and ensemble color alongside showcase moments for your best players.

What to expect

A slow-motion tango unfolds under city lights, introspective and slightly melancholic. The orchestration evokes that singular moment when a solitary dancer moves through quiet streets, turning everyday surroundings into a stage. The music breathes with restraint, letting silence and space become part of the narrative.

Who it's for

String orchestras at the intermediate level seeking repertoire that combines engaging musical storytelling with pedagogical flexibility. Directors looking for a single piece that offers genuine performance choices and solo opportunities for multiple ensemble members will find this especially useful for festival programming and recital concerts.

How to get the most out of it

  • Experiment with your soloist choices in rehearsal before committing. A single string player, a violin and cello pair, or even a full section can work; let the first read-through guide your instinct about who tells this story most effectively.
  • Balance the tango-influenced rhythm with the lyrical melody. Keep the pulse steady but not mechanical, allowing the soloist breathing room without losing the work's inherent forward motion.
  • Attend carefully to dynamic contrast between sections. The backdrop must support the soloist without overwhelming the late-night, intimate atmosphere the piece establishes.

How to use it

Program this as a centerpiece in a concert exploring world music traditions or cultural narratives. Its moderate difficulty suits it well alongside lighter works or faster-paced pieces, allowing audiences a moment of stillness. It also functions beautifully as a contest or festival entry, where the flexibility to feature different soloists keeps the piece fresh across multiple performances.

Skills your students will build

  • Ensemble balance when accompanying a featured soloist
  • Tango rhythm and syncopation
  • Dynamic control in lyrical passages
  • Stylistic playing informed by Latin American music traditions
  • Leadership and ensemble awareness for designated soloists

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