Tag: chamber

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#NewTuneThursday: Bonnie Prince Charlie

Welcome to #NewTuneThursday!

This has always been such a fun medley to play!

Based on a set of traditional Scottish tunes, this 5.5 minute long work is a sweeping journey of melody, color, and heart. Beginning somberly with a single violin, it soon opens up and begins driving forward. Each consecutive tune increases in tempo and ferocity until the set ends in a passionate, victorious rendition of the title tune, “Bonnie Prince Charlie.” Though the melodies reflect the ageless tunes on which they’re based, the chords and harmony parts are all original, bringing the classic fiddle sound into a fresh, modern light.

This work took a long time to put together, in the sense that I grew up “fiddling around” on each of these traditional tunes, and others. So I guess this medley is sort of a microcosm of my joyful foray into traditional Celtic music throughout my youth. I eventually had an opportunity to use the ending arrangement of “Bonnie Prince Charlie” with another song that I was playing with a band. And from there, it just evolved into this awesomely fun work!

There are currently two versions of the sheet music available:

In the recording below, you’ll hear the version for string trio (2 fiddles and viola). Enjoy!

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“Bonnie Prince Charlie” can be performed by an early-intermediate ensemble. Stay tuned for our new work of next week…

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#NewTuneThursday: Intrepid (a Fantasy for Oboe/English Horn Soloist and Chamber Ensemble)

Welcome to #NewTuneThursday!

Evoking the driving forces of metamorphosis and migration, INTREPID is a cinematic Fantasy for soloist on oboe and english horn, with small chamber orchestra accompaniment. It is rich in color and texture, persistently forward-moving on its sweeping journey.

Completed in 2015, this work consists of a rather unusual ensemble, as it was written for a very specific group in mind. But, in fact, I love how this unique texture plays into all the richness of color and harmony as well as transparency. This is definitely one of my favorite works; I love the melody and harmonies… someday I hope to re-record it with an expert group. 🙂

For now, enjoy the debut recording below:

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“Intrepid” can be performed by an intermediate to advanced group. Get the sheet music here! And stay tuned for our new work of next week…

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#NewTuneThursday: Gypsy Wanderer

Welcome to #NewTuneThursday!

Today’s tune holds a special place in my heart. 🙂

“Gypsy Wanderer” is an original, 4-movement sonata for solo violin and piano.

[C]ompleted in April of 2013, the originating sketches for this four-movement work existed as early as 2008, and were a part of Wallin Huff’s first graduate lessons in composition, while studying under Dr. Mark Carlson. “Gypsy Wanderer” is a unique addition to Wallin Huff’s repertoire in that it is an early exploration of patterns, color, and formula.

The nature of the four movements can be described in affect as follows: I. Irreverently: dance-like and fluid; II. Grave: surreal and sublime; III. Con brio: diligent and determined; IV. Rapide: passionate yet controlled. The work is riveting and soulful in its earthy and irreverent, rhythmic and harmonic wanderings.

I have had the privilege of playing this sonata, in whole and in part, several times, and each time I play it I discover something new about it as a violinist. The unexpected dichotomy of approaching a piece (especially one of my later works) as a musician versus a composer continues to fascinate me. 🙂

I am immensely grateful to sisters Maria Wozniakiewicz and Karolina Rojahn for their excellent and pristine performance of this work on the Navona album, “Soul of the Machine.” And, of course, many thanks to Parma Recordings and all others who contributed to make this album possible!

Enjoy Maria’s and Karolina’s performance of “Gypsy Wanderer” below!

“Gypsy Wanderer” can be performed by anyone with advanced ability. Get the sheet music here! And stay tuned for our featured work next week…

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#NewTuneThursday: Face in the Moonlight

Welcome to #NewTuneThursday!

This little song for mezzo-soprano, string quartet, and piano was written back in 2002. I recall originally composing its melody and words by hand while on one of my music tours (“Pittsburgh Melody” was another such song, written while we were, quite literally, driving through Pittsburgh…).

In 2003 I took a chance and entered “Face in the Moonlight” into that year’s BMI John Lennon Song Writing Contest and surprised and thrilled to find that it was selected as a State Finalist Winner! It was certainly a boost of encouragement to me. 🙂 Likewise, some years later, a friend of mine who was acting as a missionary in Israel wrote me a note to let me know that she had introduced her congregation to this song, and that it had become a favorite.

I hope you also find enjoyment, listening to this charming tune. 🙂

“Face in the Moonlight” can be performed by anyone with intermediate ability. Get the sheet music here! And stay tuned for our featured work next week…

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ESOTERICA is Here!

My newest full-length album is finally here!!!

Just in time for Christmas– with two brand spankin’ new holiday songs to get you in the mood! 😉

ESOTERICA invites the listener to journey through arcane mists of time and diverse worlds of sound. From one of Wallin Huff’s earliest works, “Pegasus,” to her latest work, “Weeping Willow,” this album is woven together from the threads of intimate chamber music, sweeping orchestral works, and even some modern electronica. With “Now Winter Nights Enlarge,” a scene of bacchanal youth during Wintertime Festivities excites the imagination, while “Christmas Wayfarer” follows original adaptations of traditional winter carols across a thrilling journey across the world. “Wings of the Four Seasons” retells a traditional Japanese tale by way of treble-and-alto string trio; “Butterfly Lullaby” soothes troubled nightmares with the Native American symbolism of the butterfly as bringer of Hope; “Introit” and “Song of the Golden Spiral” transport to alternate planes of reality entirely. A mystical aura breathes throughout ESOTERICA, surrounding the spirit with wonder.

It’s available — at a reduced cost — for direct download from my store right now; iTunes, Spotify, GooglePlay, etc., should be up shortly.

Enjoy!

☆*･゜ﾟ･*\(^O^)/*･゜ﾟ･*☆

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INTREPID: Fantasy for Oboe/English Horn Soloist

Announcing the completion of my latest work, INTREPID, a Fantasy for Oboe/English Horn Soloist and Chamber Ensemble – specially written for my talented friend, Terry Halvorson!

I am so happy with the way this piece turned out, and I can’t wait to hear it live. More details on that to come… 😉

For now, enjoy this riveting demo recording!

https://soundcloud.com/sarah-wallin-huff/intrepid-fantasy-for-oboe-english-horn-soloist

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Videos from TMC Chamber Strings Concert!

Videos from our Chamber Strings concert on Halloween night 2013 are now up for your enjoyment! I love working with these kids–they’re so dedicated and talented, with fabulous attitudes! Enjoy!

Plus… Some photos!