The Blessing: String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts
By Brendan Graham / By David Downes / As performed by Celtic Woman / Arranged by Robert Longfield
Grade: 2
Item: 35-PK00159016
$45.00
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Buy Extra Parts (Digital PDF Download)
| Product | Price | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| The Blessing - Full Score | $7.50 | |
| The Blessing - Violin 1 | $7.00 | |
| The Blessing - Violin 2 | $7.00 | |
| The Blessing - Violin 3 (Viola Treble Clef) | $7.00 | |
| The Blessing - Viola | $7.00 | |
| The Blessing - Cello | $7.00 | |
| The Blessing - Bass | $7.00 | |
| The Blessing - Piano | $7.00 |
Parts Added to Cart!
Description
From the powerful stage show Celtic Woman comes this simple song that translates wonderfully for strings. Bob Longfield's skilled setting for younger players features ample opportunities to teach expressive playing, rubato, and musical nuance. Dur: 3:35
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00159016
More about this title
About the Composer: Brendan Graham
Brendan Graham is an Irish songwriter and composer whose work spans both traditional Celtic music and contemporary compositions performed on international stages. His songs often draw from themes of spirituality, Irish heritage, and universal human experiences, making them accessible to audiences far beyond their cultural origins.
Why we love this
Robert Longfield's arrangement distills the emotional core of this song into a setting that young string players can execute with genuine musical maturity. The piece teaches rubato and expressive playing without requiring advanced technical facility, giving your ensemble immediate access to meaningful interpretive work.
What to expect
Serene and introspective, with the warmth of traditional Celtic melody rendered through orchestral color. The arrangement invites players into a contemplative space where individual voice leading matters as much as collective sound.
Who it's for
String orchestras at the intermediate level looking for repertoire that builds expressive musicianship alongside ensemble cohesion. Directors seeking pieces that engage younger players emotionally while keeping technical demands manageable.
How to get the most out of it
- Shape the melody through careful dynamic control rather than tempo shifts. The simplicity of the part writing demands that phrasing come from subtle volume changes and bow articulation.
- Establish a clear harmonic foundation with your lower strings; they anchor the rubato that upper voices will explore.
- Resist the urge to rush emotional moments. Brendan Graham's melody breathes best when performers give it space and allow silence to complete musical thoughts.
- Differentiate sustained notes from moving passages through bow speed and pressure. This creates the illusion of rubato even in metered sections.
How to use it
Program this as a concert closer or as part of a set exploring world music and cultural repertoire. Its modest three-minute-plus duration makes it ideal for variety programs or as a transition piece between heavier works.
Skills your students will build
- Expressive phrasing in simple melodic material
- Rubato and tempo flexibility within a steady ensemble
- Sustained tone production with dynamic nuance
- Listening to harmonic movement in upper and lower voices
- Emotional communication through minimal technical vocabulary