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.
Pablo Sarasate (1844-1908) was a virtuosic violinist and a talented composer from Spain, born in the year 1844. His musical creations are known for their emotional depth, technical brilliance, and ability to evoke various moods and sensations. Some of his most popular works include "The Carmen Fantasy," a series of Spanish Dances, and "Zigeunerweisen" (Gypsy Airs). These pieces are renowned for their complexity, challenging even the most accomplished violinists. However, this particular arrangement preserves the expressive and virtuosic elements of the original work while making it more accessible and playable for younger musicians.
For String Orchestra Grade 2.
Beijing's summer gardens are a wondrous place for a nocturnal stroll. "Jasmine Nights" and "Dragon Fire" are two musical pieces that capture the essence of the city's beauty and excitement.
1. Jasmine Nights
2. Dragon Fire
For String Orchestra Grade 1.5
Martin Peerson's "The Fall of the Leafe" depicts a beautiful autumn day with descending notes. Susato's "Battle Pavan" was part of court entertainment and featured a call-and-response style.
1. The Fall of the Leafe
2. Battle Pavan
For String Orchestra Grade 2.5
These quirky pieces are trinkets that can spark young musicians' imaginations. They cover many techniques, such as pizzicato, staccato, harmonics, and rapid eighth notes, which can help beginning orchestras build their skills in a fun way. The memorable tunes often shared around the orchestra will indeed have your students begging for more!
1. Busy Bikes
2. Sanpan in the Clouds
3. Elephants and Fleas
4. It's Raining Diamonds
5. Very Dark Elves
6. Tibetan Trinkets
7. King Bruce's Spider
8. Nullarbor
9. Dragon Crusher
10. Magical Mandolines
11. Fuji
12. Ice Train
For String Orchestra Grade 1
Ghost ships have been a mystery for centuries, dating back to ancient Greek mythology. The music piece starts with an eerie opening and transitions into an alluring theme, played by the first section, which is later repeated by other sections. The "Sailor's Dance" is an energetic and attractive tune featuring a group of soloists before a stirring conclusion.
1. Ghost Ship
2. Sailors Dance
For String Orchestra Grade 1.5
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
This piece uses dynamic change and harmonics to evoke the beauty and mystery of the stratosphere.
Dedicated to Stephen's wonderful wife, Ann. Grade 3.
This music piece tells the legend of how the Kookaburra got its laugh. It was created for the Cooloola Shire Symphony Orchestra in Queensland, Australia, in collaboration with elders from the Nations in the area. The composition features a full orchestra, narrator, and didgeridoo. It's an engaging introduction to the orchestra for young listeners, with the didgeridoo blending well with the orchestra.
For Full Orchestra, Narrator and Didgeridoo Grade 4
The Wars of the Roses was a conflict between Lancaster and York from 1455 to 1487. Composer Walter Frye wrote music during this time, including "Alas, Alas, Alas is my Chief Song," which inspired this Fantasia. The piece depicts the storms of battle and blends antiquity with contemporary style.
Fantasia on a Theme by Walter Frye (d. 1474)
for String Orchestra (Grade 3) by Stephen Chin
