"Just Ourselves" (from "Lincoln and Booth"): String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts

A moment suspended in time. The orchestration accompanies what feels like overheard conversation: tender, apprehensive, weighted with unspoken knowledge of what's about to happen. There's beauty in the restraint, a sense of privacy being granted rather than violated.

String orchestras seeking repertoire with genuine dramatic heft and historical substance. This works equally well for high school ensembles capable of nuanced playing and community orchestras looking to program something beyond standard classical fare.

• Balance the emotional weight across the ensemble rather than letting one section dominate; this duet's power comes from unified restraint.
• Pay attention to the text and historical context during rehearsals so players understand they're accompanying an intimate conversation, not showcasing virtuosity.
• Shape phrases in long lines rather than breaking them into smaller gestures; the narrative arc depends on sustained lyrical momentum.

Consider pairing this with other music connected to American history or moments of historical significance, creating a thematic concert that appeals beyond the typical classical audience. It also serves as an excellent centerpiece for programs exploring narrative and drama in instrumental music.

• Sustaining long-line phrasing across changing harmonies
• Balancing ensemble blend when playing subdued dynamic levels
• Responding to historical context as a tool for interpretive choices
• Coordinating with a conductor's gestures that prioritize emotional shape over strict metric precision