Forgotten Ritual

Ominous and foreboding in character, this piece was written to provide students with an engaging introduction to a variety of eighth-note rhythmic patterns. Unlike much of the repertoire written for beginning string ensembles, it offers each instrument section an opportunity to shine. The violins and violas present the primary melody at both the opening and closing of the work, while the cellos and contrabasses take center stage in the middle section with a contrasting secondary theme featuring pizzicato technique.