New Music Friday: Sunday Afternoon

Sunday Afternoon is a whimsical piece that appeals to all ages. It is a musical bonbon that recalls a bygone era when Sunday afternoon, traditionally a time for leisure, was set aside for family fun. It pays musical homage to such time-honored traditions as a relaxing drive in the family automobile, a backyard barbecue, or a bracing walk in the spring woods. Its bouncy rhythms and upbeat melodies reference the feeling of wind rushing through our hair or the laughter of family members as games are played, and memories are shared.

Sunday Afternoon is targeted at advancing beginner and intermediate string ensembles and works for young and mature players alike. All parts are placed in the lower positions, and while there are appropriate challenges throughout the piece, it is intuitively scored and suitably “playable.” It is written idiomatically for strings, with interesting parts for all players. With its lilting, infectious themes, Sunday Afternoon is spirited, fun to play, and will be a favorite with audiences and players alike.