

On a stormy night, a carriage leaves for an unknown destination. Chased by someone, urgency intensifies with repeated quavers. Different string ensemble sections are highlighted—a warm middle section followed by an even greater sense of urgency. The journey ends quietly, igniting players' imaginations.
For String Orchestra Grade 1.5
The music here is a thrilling composition that tells the story of a carriage leaving in the middle of the night towards an unknown destination, with the tempestuous weather making the journey even more treacherous. To add to the danger, someone is in hot pursuit of the person in the carriage, making everything more urgent and intense.
The music is filled with suspense and tension, with the repeated quavers creating a sense of unease and turbulence that perfectly captures the mood of the situation. Throughout the piece, each section of the string ensemble is highlighted at various points, showcasing their unique talents and adding to the overall dynamic nature of the composition.
After a warmer middle section, the pace of the music picks up again, increasing the sense of urgency and bringing the story to a dramatic climax. Finally, the journey concludes softly as the carriage disappears into the gloomy night, leaving the listeners with mystery and intrigue. Overall, this masterpiece allows the listeners to use their imagination and immerse themselves in a thrilling tale.
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.
A captivating rendition of the popular birthday song with an exciting introduction, a slower version in a minor key, a lively variation, and a familiar major key ending. It's perfect for learning chromaticism and the G minor key.
Hand-picking cotton is a gruelling task. 19th-century rural Americans sang to support each other. This piece starts with different players for each bar, evoking the image. The "Praising Song" celebrates the end of a tough day. An elementary ensemble will shine playing the double quavers, pizzicati, and syncopated beats.
1. Cottonfield Calls
2. Praising Song
For String Orchestra Grade 1
Mozart's Ave Verum Corpus and Alleluia from "Exultate Jubilate" are two of his most cherished liturgical compositions. All the difficult melismas have been adapted without losing the original excitement.
1. Ave Verum Corpus
2. Alleluia from Exultate Jubilate
For String Orchestra Grade 3
This is an excellent intro to Early Music. Arbeau's second piece was later used in "Capriol Suite" by Peter Warlock. To add authenticity, improvise and add bass drum or tambour parts.
1. Bransle
2. Pavan
3. Ballo Furlano
For String Orchestra Grade 1.5