Format: Conductor Score & Parts
Contributors: By Johannes Brahms / arr. Michael Hopkins (BMI)
Series: Highland String Orchestra
Level: 1.5
Grade: (1.5)
The great composer Johannes Brahms (1833–1897) composed the Academic Festival Overture Op. 80, during the summer of 1880 for the University of Breslau, which was awarding him an honorary doctorate in music. In the overture, Brahms included popular student songs from the time. This arrangement of themes from the overture, by Michael Hopkins, includes three of the student songs. After a brief, march-like introduction in mm. 1-10, the first college song is Wir hatten gebauet ein stattliches Haus (We have built a stately house) in mm. 11-23. One of Brahms' original themes is presented in mm. 23-35. This leads to the second student song, Was kommt dort von der Höh (What comes from afar?), a light and playful 2/4 song in mm. 35-57. The arrangement ends with the triumphant graduation song Gaudeamus igitur (Therefore, let us rejoice). Featuring all sections of the orchestra on melodic themes this arrangement is a great piece for teaching bow distribution, alternating pizzicato and arco, repeated down bows, and using full bows.