Fugal Suite for Strings (Grade 3.5)

Beautiful harmony and varied textures shine through formal complexity in Palestrina’s Missa ad Fugam, presented here as Fugal Suite for Strings. Rhythmically independent parts will challenge high school and collegiate orchestra students to keep accurate time. The arrangement includes seven movements/sections: Kyrie, Sanctus, Pleni Sunt Coeli (violin-viola-cello solo trio), Hosanna, Benedictus (violin-violin-viola trio), Agnus Dei I and Agnus Dei II. In the finale, the first violins split into separate lines, resulting in 6-part counterpoint; and divisi in the upper parts further varies the texture before the final cadence. The provided keyboard reduction will aid in rehearsal, and may also be included in concert performance. Total duration: 7 minutes 20 seconds.