This is an absolutely gorgeous piece, and a good arrangement of it. It is a piece that students should know and appreciate. Long and lyrical, harmonically complex, contrapuntally rich. But, the technique required to play the piece beautifully and give it justice (things like vibrato, independence, and confidence in pitch) are absolutely crucial. Don't let the eyes be bigger than the stomach when programing this; don't put it in front of kids until they're ready.

AISI Level - 6/10

AQ Level - 10/10

Interest Allocation - Interesting parts for all instruments (Melody and countermelody in upper voices, continuo in the Vlc/Db)

Key area: C Major

LH:
~ Chromatic alterations in ALL parts (including chromatic lines proper, chromatic scale must be taught, Allen W-U's chromatic alterations exercise, etc.).
~ Accidentals include: F#, C#, G#, and Bb,
~ Entirely in 1st position for all instruments (w/chromatic alterations).

Intonation and Balance:
~ EXTREME INDEPENDENCE IN ALL PARTS IS REQUIRED and the counterpoint will likely also create intonation issues.
~ Very dissonant NHTs. These WILL be intonation issues.
~ 2nd Violins and Violas must be extremely independent (sole independent countermelody lines are essential, and a recipe for disaster without STRONG inner voices)

RH:
~ VERY LONG NOTES: MUST SAVE BOW. This will be a major issue and WILL effect not only the tone and flow of the piece, but also the intonation, rhythm, pitch confidence, and sense of independence generally. THIS TECHNIQUE IS THE CRUX OF WHETHER THE GROUP IS READY FOR THIS PIECE.
~ Long slurs in upper voices
~ Tenuto accents
~ Large leaps (although, usually an 8va)

Tone and Expressivity:
~ Crescendi and diminuendi within slurs.
~ Again, long slurs will have a drastic effect on tone AND expressivity if students are underprepaired.
~ Baroque style generally.

Rhythm & Texture:
~ Highly polyphonic
~ Syncopations (especially via suspension)

Meter: 4/4

Tempo: Largo @ q = 60

Road Map: Repeats, 1st and 2nd endings ( )