The Dragon King: String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts

$50.00 USD

The Dragon King: String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts

Name: The Dragon King: String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 81-STR1228
Price: 50.00 USD
Availability: InStock

By David Marlatt

Grade: 3

Item: 81-STR1228

$50.00

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The Dragon King, China's first emperor, was crowned in 221 BC. He unified the various states throughout the country and led with an iron hand. Some of the massive projects he ordered were the construction of the Great Wall of China, a new palace, and an enormous tomb containing the famous Terracotta Army. This work captures the grandeur and boldness of this leader and features the use of the pentatonic scale, giving this piece an Asian feel. (3:30)

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Series: Eighth Note Publications

Publisher: Eighth Note Publications

Page Count: 144

ISBN10: 1-55473-937-3

ISBN13: 978-1-55473-937-0

UPC: 685462019380

SKU: 81-STR1228

More about this title

About the Composer: David Marlatt

David Marlatt has built a reputation as a composer and arranger who brings historical narratives to life through accessible orchestral writing. His work for educational ensembles balances musical sophistication with performance feasibility, making complex cultural subjects engaging for student musicians.

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Why we love this

Marlatt captures genuine theatrical sweep without requiring advanced technique. The pentatonic scale gives this piece authentic Asian character while keeping it accessible to intermediate players, and the programmatic structure keeps student musicians engaged from the imperial procession through the tomb's grandeur.

What to expect

Monumental and measured, like watching a ceremony unfold across vast distances. The pentatonic scale creates an unfamiliar harmonic landscape that feels both stately and mysterious, evoking the weight of empire and the permanence of ancient architecture.

Who it's for

Grade 3 string orchestras ready for programmatic writing that expands beyond traditional European styles. This piece works for directors introducing students to cultural music influences and for ensembles building confidence in sustained, character-driven playing.

How to get the most out of it

Emphasize the clarity of the pentatonic melody by keeping accompanimental figures transparent; this scale's open sound needs room to breathe rather than dense harmonic padding.
Shape the piece's dramatic arc through dynamic control. The 3:30 runtime rewards sustained phrasing over frequent tempo shifts.
Balance the string sections carefully so each voice line remains audible. With multiple parts playing simultaneously, assign principal players to guide phrase shape.
Secure the unison passages early in rehearsal; they anchor the listener to the piece's Asian tonal center.

How to use it

Pair this with other world music selections to create a concert themed around cultural leadership or historical grandeur. Its moderate length and clear programming narrative make it ideal for a family concert where non-musician audiences enjoy the story as much as the musical execution.