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.
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.
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.
No need to wait years to perform Grieg's "Holberg Suite" with your ensemble. This arrangement is true to the original but with less tricky figurations. It features off-string work, trills, accented quavers, light legato bowing, martele and pizzicato to make the performance sparkle!
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.
Two great pieces for young players! "Guitar Lullaby" is based on a familiar melody with a wide range. Hold the instrument like a guitar. "Chit Chat" is a catchy call and response piece with syncopated rhythms.
Haydn's second symphony in a minor key is a classic Sturm und Drang piece with strong emotional changes. It's great for expanding classical repertoire and practising playing techniques in G minor.