The Sleigh (À La Russe): String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts
As performed by Richard Kountz / Arranged by James Kazik
Grade: 3-4
Item: 35-PK00381893
$65.00
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Buy Extra Parts (Digital PDF Download)
| Product | Price | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| The Sleigh (À La Russe) - Conductor Score (Full Score) | $7.50 | |
| The Sleigh (À La Russe) - Violin 1 | $7.00 | |
| The Sleigh (À La Russe) - Violin 2 | $7.00 | |
| The Sleigh (À La Russe) - Viola | $7.00 | |
| The Sleigh (À La Russe) - Cello | $7.00 | |
| The Sleigh (À La Russe) - Bass | $7.00 | |
| The Sleigh (À La Russe) - Piano | $7.00 |
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Description
The classic winter and holiday choral work transforms wonderfully into a terrific showcase for string orchestra. The festive, ethnic-dance style is filled with energy and enthusiasm for both players and audiences. Dur: 2:15
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00381893
More about this title
About the Artist: Richard Kountz
Richard Kountz (1896-1985) was an American composer and organist whose catalog includes substantial sacred choral works and arrangements that shaped mid-20th century school music programs. His output for educational ensembles reveals a gift for crafting pieces that balance musicality with accessibility, making serious compositional ideas available to young musicians.
Why we love this
Kountz's original choral writing translates beautifully into string color, and James Kazik's orchestration captures the ethnic dance vitality without sacrificing the robust simplicity that makes this work so effective. You get a piece that feels substantial enough to anchor a holiday concert while remaining playable by developing orchestras.
What to expect
Festive and propulsive, with the momentum of a Russian folk dance spiced with holiday warmth. The energy is infectious rather than sentimental, inviting audiences into the exuberance rather than asking them to reflect.
Who it's for
String orchestras in grades 3-4 looking for holiday repertoire that offers genuine musical substance. Directors programming winter or Christmas concerts will appreciate a work that respects the capabilities of developing ensembles while avoiding cuteness.
How to get the most out of it
- Clarify the rhythmic articulation of the string section early in rehearsal. The 'ethnic-dance style' depends on crisp attacks and unified release, not just correct pitches.
- Balance the violin lines against inner voices. Kountz often gives the melodic interest to first violins, but the accompaniment figures in violas and second violins need definition to drive the festive character.
- Shape phrases with dynamic arc rather than technical precision. The piece's energy comes from forward momentum and expressive curves, not metronomic exactness.
- Bring out section solos or divisi passages if they exist in your parts. Holiday arrangements at this level often feature exposed moments that build confidence in younger players.
How to use it
This sits comfortably in a holiday concert opening or as a contrasting lighter item sandwiched between more serious season's-greeting selections. At just over two minutes, it's efficient programming that gives orchestras a showcase without dominating stage time.
Skills your students will build
- Executing articulate string articulation in a rhythmic ensemble context
- Balancing melodic lines against harmonic accompaniment figures
- Responding to ethnic and dance-inflected rhythmic gesture
- Reading and performing divided viola and second violin parts