Race to the River W.A. Mozart

Race to the River W.A. MozartEarly in 1781, during the American War for Independence, Colonial General Nathaniel Greene and British General Lord Cornwallis covered over 250 miles across North Carolina with their armies in an attempt to reach the Dan River. The Race to the Dan was a pivotal moment in the war as Nathaniel Greene outmaneuvered Cornwallis to reach the Dan River first and restock his army. Greene was then able to severely weaken Cornwallis army a month later at the

Middlebury is an old shaped note tune that first appeared in the early 1800's in Davisson's Supplement to the Kentucky Harmony

and one might even think they hear the sound of bagpipes after the pizzicato section

and repetitive dissonant ostinato patterns

This movement of the concerto stands alone very well

Modern harmonies highlight a bold melodic idea that appears as a thread throughout the entire work

The driving opening creates the plane’s lift-off and then the cello section plays the joyful melody

very playable setting for full string orchestra

Pisces (the Fish) = 4/4 time

The essence of the American West is captured in this sweeping

Piano is optional

A slow reflective opening contrasts with more energetic later sections

Ursa Major (the Big Bear & Big Dipper) = Detache quartet notes