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.
A musical arrangement for strings, percussion, and voice with four memorable Australian folk tunes that are easy to sing along to. The vocal part can be sung by a soloist or choir, and the lyrics are included. The piece can also be played as an instrumental work.
For Full Orchestra and Voice Grade 3
Grieg's music is rooted in Norwegian folk songs. The "Watchman's Song" has a ghostly section conveyed through tremolo. A melancholic waltz follows, evoking a troll's cave. The contrast of keys and playing styles can refine any ensemble.
1. The Watchman's Song
2. Waltz
For String Orchestra Grade 2.5
This enchanting tone poem creates a peaceful atmosphere with its soft melodies and forest whispers. The sweeping beauty of the noble theme leads to a faster section with contrasting themes and variations. The string section uses various techniques to create a dynamic sound, featuring a brief solo quartet. The piece ends with a reference to the opening melody and the sound of a waterfall. Musicians will enjoy using their imagination to bring this musical landscape to life.
For String Orchestra Grade 3.5
Pablo Sarasate (1844-1908) was a brilliant Spanish composer and violinist known for his expressive and technically challenging pieces like "The Carmen Fantasy" and "Zigeunerweisen". While retaining the original's virtuosity, this arrangement is accessible to younger musicians.
For String Orchestra Grade 2.
Brahms adapted 21 Hungarian Dances for two pianos and later for a symphony orchestra. The 1st Dance has a brooding nature, while the 2nd Dance is characterized by wild changes in tempo and mood. Either could make a rousing finale.
1. Hungarian Dance No. 1
2. Hungarian Dance No. 2
For String Orchestra Grade 3
The music is a journey through the Mists of England, the lush green fields of Ireland, Wales's sublime beauty, and Scotland's invigorating highlands. The tunes and textures are vibrant, wistful, and unforgettable, making them perfect for any performance. Your players will be humming them long after the rehearsal is over.
Listen to #1 – Mists of the Winter Solstice
Listen to #2 – Road to County Derry
Lux Angelis is an advanced string orchestra piece with optional grade 1 and 2 strings, keyboard, and percussion. It represents light pervading the universe through harmonics and suspended chords. The seventh interval symbolizes the seven days of creation, while the two sections portray the challenges of dark forces. The piece ends with a chorus of angels bathed in light, symbolizing light's resilience.
