The Iron Road Lively

The Iron Road Lively"The Iron Road", composed by Eric B. Davis, gets its name from The West Highland Railway in Scotland that goes from the city of Glasgow north to the beautiful and scenic highlands. In Gaelic, the name of this railway translates to 'Iron Road to the Isles,' hence the name of the piece. It is written for a young orchestra, requiring basic slurs and hooked bows yet staying in first position. The main theme, which is played in upper and lower strings, as

A short violin solo at the end represents the plaintive lament of one very homesick sailor

and a contrasting middle section in 4

An easy piano part (required)

cello arpeggios

It utilizes harmonics in violins and a switch from duple to triple meter to add musical color and interest

finally ending in a fiery burst of energy as the familiar melodies reprise one final time to deliver a big finish

Perfect for the developing string orchestra

Islands developed their own unique cultures over time

The rhythmic challenges this piece presents will seem fun to solve by your students

The original composer is unknown

This stirring

trills representing buzzing insects