Chin, And All Creatures Sang for String Orchestra

Introduce your students to Russian classical music with "Pictures at an Exhibition" by Mussorgsky. "Promenade" links various pieces, while "Danse Caracteristique" features harmonics, syncopated accompaniments, and chromatic scales.

1. Promenade (Mussorgsky)

2. Dance Caracteristique (Rebikov)

For String Orchestra level 2.5

Chin, Haydn Symphony No.60 1st Movement
This arrangement for strings is faithful to the original work with the added features of sharing the melodic lines, a slight editing of a few bars of the bass part, a violin 3 part and a keyboard realization. It is also an excellent way to develop Classical style spiccato in more advanced players.

Two Italian Baroque masterpieces in contrast - Sarabande and Gigue. Simple melody with suspensions in Sarabande, orchestra showcases string crossings and quaver figuration in Gigue.

For String Orchestra Grade 2.5

After the snowy start, climbers get to work. The fast melody depicts their chiselling on an icy rock face. A calm middle section shows the view from the top before the chiselling continues down. Younger players will love this energetic piece with catchy tunes and strong harmonies.

For String Orchestra Grade 1.5

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.

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