Suite Versailles: Viola
By Brian Balmages
Grade: 3.5;4
Item: 98-PC-DST6486_VA1
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Description
This four-movement suite is based on French folk songs and was specifically written for groups that may not be ready for St. Paul's Suite or Capriol Suite, but still want to be able to dig into a substantial piece. In addition to the variety of styles, keys and time signatures, the last movement playfully pays homage to Holst's The Dargason. A fabulous addition to the repertoire!
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Additional Details
Series:
FJH String Orchestra
Publisher:
The FJH Music Company, Inc.
SKU:
98-PC-DST6486_VA1
More about this title
About the Composer: Brian Balmages
Brian Balmages has established himself as a composer and conductor whose work spans orchestral, band, and chamber music with equal facility. His compositions have been performed by everyone from professional symphony orchestras to elementary school ensembles across prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Sydney Opera House.
Recognized with the A. Austin Harding Award from the American School Band Directors Association and the 2020 NBA William D. Revelli Composition Contest, Balmages holds membership in the American Bandmasters Association. He received the inaugural James Madison University Distinguished Alumni Award and was commissioned by the University of Miami to compose for the inauguration of its sixth president. His music appeared in the 2013 Presidential Inaugural Prayer Service. As a conductor, he maintains regular engagements with all-state ensembles, university groups, and professional orchestras worldwide, and currently serves as Director of MakeMusic Publications and Digital Education for Alfred and MakeMusic.
Why we love this
Balmages understands what works for developing string orchestras without resorting to simplification. This suite gives your group the satisfaction of performing a four-movement work with genuine stylistic variety and musical substance, making it an ideal stepping stone to more complex repertoire. The nod to Holst in the finale adds a layer of musical sophistication that audiences and students alike will appreciate.
What to expect
The work draws its warmth from French folk melody and traditional harmony while maintaining a contemporary compositional voice. Each movement unfolds with clear character and purpose, building from lyrical passages to rhythmically driven sections that keep young players engaged and eager to master the details.
Who it's for
String orchestras at the Grade 3.5 to 4 level who have moved beyond opening-year repertoire but are not yet ready for the technical and stylistic demands of St. Paul's Suite or Capriol Suite. This suite works equally well for middle school and early high school ensembles seeking a contest or festival piece with real educational value.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the folk song melodies across your violin sections during the opening movement to ensure the thematic material sings over the accompanying figures.
- Give careful attention to the key changes and time signature shifts throughout; mark rehearsal letters clearly and isolate these transitions in sectional rehearsals.
- The final movement's homage to The Dargason works best when the rhythmic energy remains buoyant; avoid dragging through what might feel like familiar harmonic territory.
- Record a run-through at performance tempo early in your rehearsal schedule so students hear how the stylistic variety coheres across all four movements.
How to use it
Program this as a full concert selection or break it into movements across multiple concerts within a season. It makes an excellent choice for a winter or spring festival or contest, giving your ensemble a substantial work to develop over several weeks while still maintaining time for other repertoire.
Skills your students will build
- Reading multiple key signatures and time signatures across four movements
- Sustaining melodic line through accompanimental textures
- Coordinating rhythmic precision in ensemble figures
- Interpreting stylistic contrasts from lyrical to playful passages
- Building stamina and focus across a larger multi-movement work