Alexander Youngman – Sinfonietta for String Orchestra – Second Violins Digital Download

The first movement is a Fantasia, which contains elements of sonata, rondo, and fugue. The slow movement that follows ended up more turbulent and impassioned than the composer had originally anticipated, having been written at the time of the funeral of a friend. The final movement is in complete contrast, and is meant to be carefree and light-hearted. It began as a Tarantella, a lively dance, but during the course of its composition, the composer decided to try and incorporate a Welsh element into what is originally a Spanish Dance. As a result a well known Welsh tune emerges in the texture of the dance, in the beginning hidden away so that its first fragmentary statement may well be missed altogether. Gradually the tune becomes more insistent until it eventually dominates the final section of the movement, by which time only a tone deaf listener could fail to recognise it! For secondary schools, colleges and conservatories.

Biography

Youngman, Alexander

Alexander Youngman was the Director of Music at Rugby School from 1960 to 1980, and an Examiner of the Associated Board of Royal Schools of Music from 1962. He died suddenly in 1990 doing one of his favourite things, teaching young people. He was a very exciting pianist and could turn to the piano and play what anyone asked him from many different music styles. He was also an inspiring conductor, helping performers to share his vision of great music.