Leaving Home (from Avatar: The Way of Water) (arr. Paul Murtha): String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts
By Simon Franglen / Arranged by Paul Murtha
Grade: 3-4
Item: 35-PK01293371
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Description
Immerse yourself in the magical world of Avatar: The Way of Water with "Leaving Home," arranged for string orchestra by Paul Murtha. Let the haunting melody and evocative harmonies transport you to the breathtaking landscapes of Pandora. Perfect for intermediate-level string ensembles (Grades 3-4), this arrangement mixes the essence of sadness at leaving home with a sense of wonder at worlds yet to be discovered.
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK01293371
More about this title
About the Composer: Simon Franglen
Simon Franglen has become a defining voice in contemporary film scoring, particularly for James Cameron's visionary projects. His work on Avatar: The Way of Water demonstrates his gift for creating music that feels both intimate and expansive, supporting emotional storytelling while honoring the scale of the cinematic world.
Why we love this
Paul Murtha's arrangement captures the bittersweet core of Franglen's original without sacrificing the sweeping, cinematic quality that makes the theme unforgettable. String orchestras at this level rarely get material this emotionally sophisticated yet technically accessible, making it a genuine standout for concert programming.
What to expect
The opening unfolds like a moment of stillness before departure, with the melody rising gently over warm harmonic support. A wistfulness permeates the piece even as it builds toward moments of wonder and acceptance, capturing both the ache of leaving and the thrill of the unknown.
Who it's for
Intermediate string ensembles ready to explore music with emotional depth and cinematic scope. Directors seeking repertoire that resonates with students while building their ability to shape long, sustained musical phrases and manage complex harmonic textures.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the sustained harmonic foundation with the principal melody line; the accompaniment should breathe underneath rather than compete for attention.
- Shape phrases toward the moments of harmonic shift rather than playing straight through. These transitions carry the emotional weight of the arrangement.
- Let the divisi passages in the middle register create depth without becoming muddy. Clarity in the inner voices will reveal the harmonic richness.
- Engage with the film's visual narrative through your conducting. The sense of farewell and discovery should color your tempo choices and dynamic contours.
How to use it
This works beautifully as a concert centerpiece that speaks to students and audiences alike without relying on pop arrangements or novelty appeal. Consider pairing it with other film scores or contemporary compositions to frame a program around emotional storytelling through orchestral color.
Skills your students will build
- Sustaining long melodic lines with consistent tone quality
- Balancing principal and secondary material in divided string sections
- Responding to harmonic movement through dynamic and tonal shaping
- Maintaining ensemble cohesion across sustained passages