Schubert's Sonatina Op. 137, No. 1's Allegro molto movement, originally for violin and piano, has been arranged for strings, making it more accessible.
Composer Franz Schubert was a skilled violinist who wrote over 12 string quartets by age 19. His first three violin sonatas, including Sonata No. 1 in D major, D 384, were later published as Sonatinas in 1836. The charming piece of music is relatively easy to perform.
Schubert's "März 1816" sonata has an intimate atmosphere, perfect for a small ensemble. It features three movements: Allegro molto, Andante, and Allegro vivace. The Allegro molto is a lively and fast-paced movement, followed by a slower, more contemplative Andante. The piece concludes with a rousing Allegro vivace.
Imagine yourself sitting in a concert hall filled with the sound of a lively Allegro molto from Schubert's Sonatina Op. 137, No. 1. This delightful piece of music was originally composed for violin and piano and has been arranged for a medium-level string orchestra, making it accessible to a broader audience.
Schubert, a prodigious composer and a skilled violinist had already composed over a dozen string quartets at the young age of 19. He then began to write violin sonatas, and in 1816, he composed his first three violin sonatas, including Sonata No. 1 in D major, D 384. These sonatas were later published as Sonatinas in 1836 (Op. posth. 137) after the composer's death. The Sonatina No. 1 in D major, D 384, is a charming piece of music that requires relatively little virtuoso bravura from its performers.
The intimate atmosphere of this piece is perfectly suited for a small ensemble. Schubert wrote "März 1816" (March 1816) on the autograph score of this sonata, which has three movements: Allegro molto, Andante, and Allegro vivace. The Allegro molto is a fast-paced, lively movement that will get your toes tapping and your heart racing. The Andante is a slower, more contemplative movement that provides a peaceful interlude before the final Allegro vivace, which brings the piece to a rousing conclusion.
Overall, Schubert's Sonatina Op. 137, No. 1 is a delightful piece of music that showcases the composer's talent for creating beautiful melodies and his ability to write music that is both accessible and engaging.
Dig Tree and The Elegy reflect Australia's early explorers' unfortunate fate, while Goin' Overland captures the excitement of exploring the outback. The latter features various string techniques that highlight the Australian essence of the music.
For String Orchestra Grade 1.5
The music is filled with lively melodies and counter-melodies that dance around the orchestra. The middle section features a string quartet solo interrupted by tutti utterances. The work offers a wide range of textures, dynamics, and haunting tunes that will captivate both players and audiences alike.
For String Orchestra Grade 3.5
The Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) was a remarkable period in China’s history, characterised by extensive exploration and the expansion of trade routes to Europe, Africa, and the Indian Ocean, which resulted in a nearly doubled population. The Imperial Court became a hub for the arts, showcasing a diverse range of talents in literature, music, painting, sculpture, and ceramics. Artistic representations often depicted the calming lotus and dynamic horses, symbolising both serenity and strength, while music featured sustained notes and energetic rhythms that echoed these themes.
1. Lotus
2. Imperial Horses
Enjoy your food, move your body to the beat, and have fun! This amazing set of seven compositions even features a piece by Henry VIII. Intermediate musicians will appreciate the diverse range of musical styles from different regions of the Renaissance era. The homophonic writing style is ideal for developing precise intonation and consistent bowing techniques.
For String Orchestra Level 2
Experience a captivating musical journey to Kyoto with “Two Silk Screens from Kyoto” by Stephen Chin. This evocative string orchestra piece beautifully reflects Japanese culture through graceful melodies and intricate harmonies. Immerse yourself in its meditative ambiance, as the strings evoke vivid images of cherry blossoms and serene landscapes.
Stephen Chin: “These two pieces were inspired by my visit to Japan. They capture memories of the country's beauty, contrasting the elegance of cranes by a lake with the dynamic movements of samurai. I frequently used the Japanese scale, Hirajōshi, along with other pentatonic scales throughout the set.”
Lords of the Loch is a festival piece for string orchestra, quartet, and optional string ensemble. It's inspired by Finlaggan, a Scottish loch with islands once ruled by lords known for producing and exporting harps.
For String Orchestra(s) Grades 1, 3.5 & 4
Evaristo Felice Dall'Abaco and Antonio Vivaldi lived during the same era. Dall'Abaco's piece features an opening Prelude and a Ciaconna that includes variations on a fixed bass. This Baroque piece introduces players to various musical textures.
For String Orchestra Grade 3
