Herbert Ware's String Orchestra
This important early work of Elgar's no doubt owes a good deal of its effective use of the strings to his own intimate knowledge of the violin, and his youthful experience as conductor of a local band of modest size and attainment. It has achieved a very wide popularity, and there can be but few orchestras, amateur or professional, which have not at least attempted it.
There are two main tunes in the first movement, which begins with a dainty, tripping, figure on the violas; it is heard in the last movement again. The second of the chief melodies also reappears there. The second movement, short, is always regarded as the gem of the Serenade. Its main tune is a long flowing melody which the first violin plays; there is a short contrasting section and the melody is repeated in fuller and richer form. The last movement opens with a fine flowing tune, and, as mentioned above, the opening and the second tune of the first movement are heard again.
As to the precise origin and etymological significance of the word 'Cassation' there is considerable uncertainty. According to some, it is akin to 'cessation,' with the implication of a concluding or farewell piece. Others have associated it (rather fantastically, as one might think) with the German Gasse, a lane, as implying open-air music. But there seems to be no general agreement on the point among the experts.
As to the kind of composition which it denotes, there is, however, no doubt, namely, an instrumental work of a light character, and in several movements, akin to the Serenade and Divertimento. The well-known and charming example from which the movement now to be played has been taken was composed by Mozart at the age of twelve!
