Moments of Reflection - Austin Isaac

Click HERE to view a perusal score.

This piece was written in honor of Karen Vonbernewitz, who was a beloved middle school orchestra director in Prince William County, Virginia.

The work starts out with a brief introduction that combines harmonic and melodic elements of the two central themes before bursting with energy into the first theme in G Major.  The second violins and violas start with this upbeat melody and then transfer it to the first violins and cellos as we encounter rich harmonies outside of the key.  A slower tempo and key change to C major leads into the middle section with a more somber and reflective melody that is first stated with the violas and basses and then by the violins.  A tempo change brings us back to G Major to restate the main theme and then both are combined at the end with the double basses ending this piece, which is a nod to Ms. Vonbernewitz's great bass playing.  Throughout this piece, a variety of harmonies, tempi, rhythms, and textures are used to illustrate the many different types of reflection that we have as we honor her legacy.

String Orchestra 

4:04 minutes

Grade 3