The Marauder's Tale: Viola
By Anthony Granata
Grade: 3
Item: 00-PC-0019473_VA1
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Description
The Marauder's Tale, by Anthony Granata, is a musical story depicting the famous marauders of maritime history who traveled the world. Students will follow our seafaring marauders on an epic journey that begins with a beautiful "Espressivo e Largo" introduction that depicts images of the open oceans. The "Più Mosso" transition alludes to the exciting tale yet to be told, until finally we arrive at the "Moderato" section. Here, an original and fun maritime folk song is heard, evocative of the traditional folklore and sea shanties of this long-lost era. Set in the key of E minor, the piece utilizes various eighth and sixteenth-note patterns but also provides opportunities for your musicians to play legato. With a catchy melody and an exciting ending, this piece is sure to be a hit for concerts and festivals. (4:20)
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Additional Details
Series:
Belwin Concert String Orchestra
Publisher:
Alfred Music
SKU:
00-PC-0019473_VA1
More about this title
About the Composer: Anthony Granata
Anthony Granata teaches middle school orchestra in Westport, Connecticut, and began composing at age twelve. After temporarily stepping away from writing music to focus on his teaching career across multiple grade levels and disciplines, he returned to composition with a specific purpose: creating pieces that illuminate technical and musical concepts for his young string students.
A violist who performs regularly, Granata shaped his musical foundation entirely through the Norwalk public school system's string program. He holds a degree from Western Connecticut State University and is currently pursuing certification in school administration while remaining deeply invested in advocating for public school music education.
Why we love this
Granata crafts a narrative arc that actually serves the music rather than overshadowing it. The piece moves through distinct emotional territories—spacious and reflective, then restless and propulsive, finally settling into a maritime folk melody that feels both fresh and authentically rooted. For festival and concert programming, this combination of musical substance and programmatic engagement gives young orchestras something genuinely rewarding to perform.
What to expect
The piece unfolds like a journey across open water, beginning with contemplative serenity and building toward energetic adventure. The maritime folk melody carries the weight of centuries of seafaring lore, played with a directness and warmth that feels both playful and rooted in real tradition.
Who it's for
Grade 3 string orchestras preparing for concerts or festivals will find a piece that combines technical growth with genuine musical storytelling. The work balances accessibility with enough variety to keep players engaged and audiences invested.
How to get the most out of it
- Shape the opening "Espressivo e Largo" with generous vibrato and careful dynamic control; treat it as a chance for your section leaders to model expressive string playing.
- Prepare the "Più Mosso" transition by isolating the rhythmic figures in sectional rehearsals; the energy shift here depends on precision rather than tempo alone.
- Lock the maritime folk melody melody in the "Moderato" section by having all players articulate the same syllable or word to unify phrasing across parts.
- Emphasize the rhythmic precision of those eighth and sixteenth-note patterns early; once secure, the legato passages will feel more musical and intentional.
How to use it
This works beautifully as a standalone concert feature or festival entry, where its narrative structure and accessible Grade 3 scoring allow younger orchestras to compete with confidence. It pairs well with other programmatic works in a thematic concert devoted to exploration, journeys, or historical storytelling.
Skills your students will build
- Sustaining vibrato across extended expressive passages
- Navigating tempo transitions and maintaining ensemble cohesion through "Più Mosso" shifts
- Executing rhythmic accuracy in mixed eighth and sixteenth-note patterns
- Balancing legato articulation with rhythmic clarity
- Maintaining intonation in E minor across multiple octaves and positions