for String Orchestra
by Matthew Hallaron

The New American Dictionary of Music defines the term rhapsody as "a work in the style of a Fantasy or Improvisation, often - esp. in the later 19th c. - heroic or emotional."

Rhapsody is a new work by Matthew Hallaron, written for string orchestra with parts for solo violin and solo cello. What started as a short orchestral nocturne quickly became a theme and variation of sorts, although it is not as formal as a traditional set of variations might be (making it more like a "fantasia"). It is a work in five parts, to be played through without breaks. These parts are:

1. Nocturne
2. Primal
3. Adventure
4. Elegy
5. Driving

This work is currently being rehearsed under the baton of Amy Novick by the Lincoln Park High School String Ensemble and Intermediate Orchestra, with both groups combining to play its world premire on May 19th, 2006.

Matthew Hallaron is a Chicago-area composer with a Master's degree in music composition from the University of Iowa. He writes contemporary yet still melodic pieces backed by rhythmic energy for a variety of ensembles, including full orchestra, brass, strings, choir, and piano works. He plays bass and piano and has accompanied soloists and ensembles this year at Lincoln Park.

A midi-realisation (by the composer) of the piece is available here in MP3 format:

• Part 1 - 3:22 (3.98mb)
• Part 2 - 1:57 (2.35mb)
• Part 3 - 2:14 (2.65mb)
• Part 4 - 3:59 (4.72mb)
• Part 5 - 2:46 (3.34mb)

These MP3s use variable bit rates with a 44.1 kHz sampling frequency. To download these MP3 files: on the song links above, right-click and select "Save Target As..." (Windows) or option-click and select "Download Linked File" (Mac) to save the files to your hard drive.

These works are copyrighted © 2006 Matthew Hallaron (ASCAP). All rights reserved.
These MP3 files are intended for personal use only. They may not be reproduced, reused, rebroadcast, resold, or redistributed in any way without permission of the composer. Modification or any other use of these files without the strict permission of Matthew Hallaron is prohibited. You may provide links directly to this page. However you may not post these MP3s, or links to the MP3 files themselves, on any other website.