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.
Telemann was a prolific composer, creating over 3000 works, including 100 concertos, 40 operas and numerous chamber music pieces. The Siciliano and Allegro movements from his violin sonatas showcase contrasting Baroque styles and are great for developing phrasing and articulation.
For String Orchestra Grade 3
Mozart composed over 30 violin sonatas during his lifetime. Among these works, only one sonata stands out for being entirely in a minor key. This particular sonata is known for its dark, brooding and energetic nature. It also features spiccato and martele articulations, which were crucial to the Classical style of music. This piece is appropriate for Grade 4 string orchestras.
"Arctic Fire" is a mesmerising composition that takes the listener on a journey of tonal surprises. The sound of the first violin harmonics is piercing and ethereal, evoking the image of blowing ice in a desolate Arctic landscape. The piece features effective textures and shifts in melody, with even the bass having a significant solo. It's a powerful composition that inspires musicians to let their imaginations soar.
For String Orchestra Grade 3
Join the Barcelona party! This piece captures the fun and energy of the Spanish city with catchy rhythms and authentic flavour. Your ensemble will love it.
The Cliffs of Moher, rising about 200 meters above the Atlantic on Ireland's west coast, are home to many birds and sea life, such as grey seals and dolphins. In this work, I aimed to capture the feeling of sea spray, the beauty of green pastures, and the vibrant atmosphere of nearby towns, using musical textures such as pizzicato, sustained notes, bass melodies, and a reflective violin solo.
Pleyel, a renowned musician and entrepreneur in early 19th century Paris, wrote a beautiful piece for two violins in the late Classical style. The piece follows the sonata form and features a brooding first theme contrasted with an impish second theme played in staccato quavers. The movement ends with a lively duel between the violins, adding vibrancy and passion to the piece. Your orchestra will love it!
For String Orchestra Grade 3.5
This music game is excellent for elementary programs, offering imaginative titles like “The Still Before the Storm” and “Fairy Floss”. It teaches students about keys, orchestral textures, and various techniques in an accessible way, promoting an early appreciation of music's tone color.
1. Gekko Echo
2. Still before the Storm
3. Jumpin' Jumbucks
4. Valse Sentimentale
5. Rickshaw Rally
6. Morning Star
7. Fairy Floss
8. March of the Stick Insects
9. Sunset Sarabande
10. Riding the Rapids
11. Hiccups
12. Sleepy Sandman
13. Ostinato Odyssey
14. A Stately Minuet
15. Bubbles
16. Fiddle Stick Fury
For String Orchestra Grade 1
The musette is a small French bagpipe that gained popularity in Louis XIV's time. It has a consistent G note for beginners. The "Air" is a beautiful tune from Handel's opera "Rinaldo". The set ends with a jolly bourree by the prolific composer Georg Philipp Telemann.
1. Musette
2. Air
3. Bouree
For String Orchestra Grade 2
