Thom Sharp

River Run

River Run by Thom Sharp is a quick-paced grade 3 string orchestra piece in E minor. The first A section has most of the orchestra providing a syncopated rhythmic underpinning while the first violins take the lead with a flowing melody. The first B section is scored in the relative major and features long, flowing independent melody in the upper three voices. When the A section returns, we hear the melody first in the first violins. Then the celli and double basses take the melody while the upper three voices provide a voiced counterpoint. The B theme returns, played in octaves by the violins while the lower voices provide a rolling arpeggiated accompaniment. The final A section features an ostinato figure in the first violins while the second violins and the violas take the melody. The texture thins out as the pace slows to the final cadence. (3:00)