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Molly on the Shore for Violin and Piano: Violin, Solo with Piano, Solo with Piano

$7.95 USD
$7.95 USD
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Molly on the Shore for Violin and Piano Cover Image
Molly on the Shore for Violin and Piano: Violin, Solo with Piano, Solo with Piano

Molly on the Shore for Violin and Piano: Violin, Solo with Piano, Solo with Piano

By Percy Aldridge Grainger

Item: 36-M164891
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Description
Percy Grainger's (1882-1961) love for music of the simple rural folk of the British Isles led to a series of forty-three pieces that he grouped into a series called "British Folk-Music Settings", including MOLLY ON THE SHORE, Irish Reel from British Folk Music Settings, No. 1. Grainger produced at least six versions of this folk tune arrangement of two contrasting Irish Reels (TEMPLE HILL and MOLLY ON THE SHORE from "The Complete Petrie Collection of Ancient Irish Music"), starting with the original 1907 version for string quartet or string orchestra. That same year, Grainger also produced this version for violin solo and piano. Reprint edition. A wholly unique version "freely arranged for violin and piano" by Fritz Kreisler is also available from the publisher.

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Additional Details
Series: Master String Series - LudwigMasters
Publisher: Keiser Productions, Inc.
ISBN10: 8-89-563316-4
ISBN13: 979-8-89-563316-8
UPC: 660355110245
SKU: 36-M164891
Instrumentation: Violin and Piano

More about this title

About the Composer: Percy Aldridge Grainger

Percy Grainger (1882-1961) was an Australian-born composer and pianist who became obsessed with preserving the music of rural communities across the British Isles and Scandinavia. He made hundreds of field recordings and collected folk melodies, which he then reimagined through his distinctive compositional lens. Rather than presenting folk tunes straightforwardly, Grainger layered them with unexpected harmonies, rhythmic vitality, and orchestral color that honored their origins while making them his own.

Why we love this

This piece captures the infectious energy and rhythmic drive of Irish reels in a form that's genuinely gratifying to perform. Grainger's arrangement balances accessibility with character; the violin line sits comfortably for intermediate-advanced players while the piano part provides harmonic warmth and rhythmic anchor without overshadowing the melody. It's the kind of encore or recital piece that audiences recognize and enjoy immediately, yet it never feels lightweight.

What to expect

Molly on the Shore radiates the joy and social vitality of an Irish dance gathering. The reels tumble forward with infectious rhythmic energy, accented by moments of gentle lyricism that suggest the storytelling tradition behind folk music. It feels both rooted in tradition and fresh, inviting the performers to inhabit the music's celebratory character.

Who it's for

Intermediate to advanced violinists with collaborative pianists are the ideal audience for this arrangement. It works equally well for recital soloists, students preparing concert repertoire, or chamber musicians looking to add a spirited folk-inspired piece to their programs.

How to get the most out of it

  • Anchor the reels' forward momentum with a clear pulse; these melodies thrive on rhythmic vitality rather than legato phrasing, even in longer note values.
  • Balance the violin's lyrical passages against the piano's supporting texture; the piano should sit slightly back to let the melody sing through cleanly.
  • Explore the character of the two contrasting reels within the piece. Allow Temple Hill and Molly on the Shore to breathe as distinct musical ideas before they blend.
  • Pay attention to the natural phrasing breaks that suggest where the folk melody breathes. These often differ from strict musical notation and create an organic, conversational quality.

How to use it

Program this as a standalone recital encore or as part of a mixed chamber concert exploring folk-inspired classical music. It pairs naturally with other Grainger arrangements or with repertoire from other composers who drew on folk traditions. Its relatively compact length and immediate appeal make it ideal for student recitals and community concerts.

Skills your students will build

  • Characterful phrasing in folk-inspired melodies
  • Rhythmic independence and forward momentum in reel settings
  • Collaborative balance between soloist and accompanist
  • Ornamentation and stylistic inflection appropriate to Irish music idiom
  • Transitional clarity between contrasting thematic sections

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