Danza Fuoco: Viola
By Kirt Mosier
Grade: 4
Item: 00-PC-0019839_VA1
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Description
Danza Fuoco is an exciting "fiery" dance that was inspired by the use of 7/8 rhythms and multi-meters. This piece was commissioned by Peter Lipari to commemorate Joliet Township's celebration of 120 years of orchestra. Every instrument is active throughout this work and takes the listener on an exciting journey through multi-meter South American dances to thought-provoking melodic beauty.
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Danza Fuoco: Viola comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.
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Additional Details
Series:
Highland String Orchestra
Publisher:
Alfred Music
SKU:
00-PC-0019839_VA1
More about this title
About the Composer: Kirt Mosier
Kirt Mosier combines excellence in both conducting and composition, bringing infectious energy to orchestras and audiences across the globe. His performances span iconic venues from Carnegie Hall to the Sydney Opera Hall, and his compositional voice has earned national recognition, including awards for "Baltic Dance" (1993) and "American Reel" (2004). Beyond the concert hall, Mosier has commissioned original ballet scores, taught orchestration at the university level, and served as artistic director for the Youth Symphony of Kansas City while maintaining his role as associate conductor of the Lee's Summit Symphony.
Mosier's impact extends into music education innovation. He founded and directed the Digital Media Technology program at Summit Technology Academy, where his students have achieved national recognition in studio recording and video production. Known equally for his motivational speaking and his ability to inspire musicians at all levels, Mosier brings a rare combination of artistic rigor and genuine joy to every project.
Why we love this
Mosier writes for string orchestras with genuine understanding of what makes young players excited to rehearse. The 7/8 and multi-meter foundation here isn't academic window dressing; it drives the rhythmic energy that keeps every section engaged. This is a piece that sounds and feels mature while remaining technically accessible at Grade 4.
What to expect
Propulsive and alive. Danza Fuoco pulls you through South American landscapes with infectious rhythm before pausing to reveal something genuinely moving. The meter shifts feel natural rather than jarring, and every player knows they're driving something larger forward.
Who it's for
String orchestra conductors teaching advanced Grade 4 students who are ready to tackle rhythmic complexity without sacrificing musical reward. This works for festival and contest preparation, as well as for concert programming where you want to demonstrate student growth.
How to get the most out of it
- Establish the 7/8 meter early through isolated rhythm section drill work. Have all players tap the pulse on their bows (or fingertips) before playing to internalize the seven-beat cycle.
- Balance the melodic passages against the rhythmic drive. The "thought-provoking melodic beauty" Mosier mentions requires space and clarity, so prevent the dance sections from overshadowing sustained lines.
- Layer entrances carefully during meter shifts. Mark these transitions in parts so every musician understands when the beat reorganizes from one meter to another.
- Let the South American dance character breathe in the body language. Conductors should model the rhythmic vitality through clear, confident gestures that honor both the fiery sections and the lyrical moments.
How to use it
Open a concert with this to signal that the evening will showcase sophisticated musicianship. Its contest and festival credentials make it ideal for mid-season festival entries. It also pairs well alongside traditional concert repertoire, offering stylistic contrast without technical regression.
Skills your students will build
- Reading and conducting 7/8 meter with security
- Navigating multi-meter transitions (shifting between different time signatures)
- Balancing rhythmic vitality with sustained melodic lines
- Ensemble coordination across independent rhythmic parts
- Stylistic interpretation of contemporary South American-influenced music