Playing chamber music is one of the most demanding yet rewarding activities for musicians. Young musicians should be encouraged to participate in playing chamber music as soon as they are able. Journeys in Style (Volume 1 & 2) is written for young players, and the anthology contains twenty arrangements of music both recognized and obscure.
Organized chronologically, the anthology reflects the rich history of music spanning the seventeenth to the twentieth centuries. Journeys in Style represents a varied palette of music from early partitas of Frescobaldi (1583-1643) to miniatures of Bartok (1881-1945). It contains beloved pieces from well-known composers as well as a Rag of Scott Joplin (1868-1917). It also provides music from women composers such as Barbara Strozzi (1619-1677), and Teresa Carreño (1853-1917) both highly esteemed musicians in their day, but pretty much unknown today. Florence Price (1887-1953), who has, in recent years become much more represented in concert programs, is also included. For historical context, each arrangement includes a short descriptor as well as the date of composition. It is hoped that Journeys in Style will help fill the gap of much-needed chamber music for young string players.