Beating the Rapids
From Buffalo River Suite

A spirited, almost fiddle-like tune begins our journey down the river, with cascading 8th notes in each section. The drama builds with a modulation to D, with figures representing the whitewater rush. The G major section returns, leading to another modulation to C and a beautiful viola solo, backed by the other principal strings. The entire orchestra plays the more romantic and restful theme with our successful trip down the river to camp. This adaptation by the composer adds winds and percussion to the original for string orchestra but is otherwise musically identical. (4:00)