The King's Fiddlers: Violoncello/Double Bass Harmony
The King's Fiddlers: Violoncello/Double Bass Harmony Sheet Music Preview

The King's Fiddlers: Violoncello/Double Bass Harmony

By Keith Sharp

Grade: 2

Item: 98-PC-DST6081_VC2
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Description
As the king enters his court, he hears the noble sounds of his fiddlers greeting him upon his arrival... This Elizabethan-style piece is sure to capture images of royalty as you transform your hall into a castle court. All instruments have interesting parts and low strings are divided into melody and harmony for directors who have need for increased performance flexibility. A sound choice for any occasion!

Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, The King's Fiddlers: Violoncello/Double Bass Harmony comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.

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Additional Details
Series: FJH Developing Strings
Publisher: The FJH Music Company, Inc.
SKU: 98-PC-DST6081_VC2

More about this title

About the Composer: Keith Sharp

Keith Sharp

Keith Sharp began his career as a string educator in Brisbane's regional schools in 1985, later establishing an ensemble-focused program at Brisbane State High School. His compositions for young string players have gained international recognition, with many works receiving "Editor's Choice" honors in major orchestral catalogs and now performed by student orchestras worldwide.

Sharp holds degrees in music education and has been recognized extensively for his contributions to music pedagogy, including AUSTA awards and community educator honors. He regularly appears as a guest clinician and composer at schools and music camps throughout Australia and beyond, and co-authored the beginner series Encore on Strings: Music Maestros.

Why we love this

Sharp constructs this piece with genuine flexibility in mind: divided low strings mean you can program it confidently whether your section has four or fourteen players. The Elizabethan court setting invites theatrical energy without requiring students to navigate complex harmonies, making it an ideal opener for a holiday concert or a festival showcase that celebrates orchestral color over technical virtuosity.

What to expect

Stately and ceremonial, with the warmth of Renaissance fair music. The piece evokes castle halls and royal processions through accessible melodies and transparent orchestration, creating an atmosphere of celebration that feels both elegant and genuinely playful.

Who it's for

Grade 2 string orchestras seeking a concert piece with quick preparation time and flexible instrumentation. Directors working with mixed-ability sections or smaller ensembles will appreciate the low string divisions that allow meaningful parts for all players regardless of section size.

How to get the most out of it

  • Balance the divided low string parts carefully during rehearsal; have melody players and harmony players alternate standing to hear both lines independently before playing together.
  • Lean into the period-style phrasing with slightly longer note releases at phrase endings, which strengthens the "court music" character without slowing the tempo.
  • Record a run-through early in rehearsal to help students hear how their individual parts contribute to the overall texture and maintain ensemble confidence.

How to use it

Open a concert with this piece to set a festive or formal tone, or pair it with other novelty selections for a themed program celebrating world music and historical styles. Its short duration and immediate audience appeal make it an excellent choice for community outreach events or school assemblies.

Skills your students will build

  • Phrasing and rubato in Elizabethan-style melodic writing
  • Ensemble balance with divided low string sections
  • Reading and executing period-appropriate articulation and bowings
  • Sustaining longer phrase lines at moderate tempos

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