Mutch The Miller Suite - String Orchestra

COMPOSER : Peter Simons
ISMN : 9790570004102
A new addition to the string orchestra repertoire.
Scored for:
Solo Violin
Violin 1
Violin 2
Viola
Violoncello
Double Bass

A four movement work.

1. The Windmill
This movement starts with the effect of the sails turning slowly around at the break of day. The strings play the two-note motif passed around each section and coupled with the changing dynamics, portray the movement of the sails turning slowly.

The music becomes progressively faster as the sails speed up before launching into a
canon where the instruments represent the sails of the mill continuously turning and chasing each other whilst the flour is being ground.
 
2. Mutch The Miller
This movement portrays the Miller and his journey to the market to sell the flour.
He wakes up early and lifts the heavy bags onto his cart and starts his long journey at the break of day towards the market.
His job is very physically demanding, and the years have taken their toll on his body.
Ultimately, he is a very poor but contented man.
 
3. Market Street
This movement represents the market square with customers coming and going and the buying and selling of the produce in the square.
In the heat of the day the Miller has a siesta, due to his early start and the physical demands on his body.
The market then picks up again and is even busier with customers everywhere until he eventually sells his last bag of flour.
 
4. Miller's Hoe Down
At the end of the Month, he meets his friends for a celebration after working tirelessly at the mill.
The Miller and his friends laugh, talk, sing, dance and drink, spending their hard-earned money and celebrating into the night before returning to the hard milling life.
This evening is the part of the month the Miller and his friends looks forward to
and keeps their spirits high so they celebrate like it’s their last night together.