Ideal for a festival orchestra with players at different levels, this piece is based on the medieval melody "L'Homme Arme", depicting a sword-wielding warrior. The middle section features a violin solo as a lullaby reflecting the armed man's war experiences. The final section celebrates the armed man walking in the light of peace and liberty with the South African song "Simbayama".

For 4 string orchestras and untuned percussion - Grade 3.5, 2, 1.5 & 1

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

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

The Gloria from the Latin Mass is a joyful and energetic piece for orchestra and two-part choir, inspired by the homage to God. It is easy to play, with alternative instruments covering several parts. Male voices can sing the two vocal parts an octave lower. Each orchestra section is featured in the interludes, and the piece concludes with a lively flourish.

For full orchestra and 2-part choir - Grade 3

The Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) was a remarkable period in China’s history, characterised by extensive exploration and the expansion of trade routes to Europe, Africa, and the Indian Ocean, which resulted in a nearly doubled population. The Imperial Court became a hub for the arts, showcasing a diverse range of talents in literature, music, painting, sculpture, and ceramics. Artistic representations often depicted the calming lotus and dynamic horses, symbolising both serenity and strength, while music featured sustained notes and energetic rhythms that echoed these themes.

1. Lotus

2. Imperial Horses

Pleyel, a renowned musician and entrepreneur in early 19th century Paris, wrote a beautiful piece for two violins in the late Classical style. The piece follows the sonata form and features a brooding first theme contrasted with an impish second theme played in staccato quavers. The movement ends with a lively duel between the violins, adding vibrancy and passion to the piece. Your orchestra will love it!

For String Orchestra Grade 3.5

This rhapsodic work by Vittorio Monti captures the vibrant elements of Gypsy music and has been popularized in film and pop music. The arrangement includes two versions: one showcases each orchestra section, while the other features a solo violin supported by accompanying strings.

Listen to the two versions included in this product below:

Czardas – Version 1 – Showcase Strings   Monti arr. Chin

Czardas – Version 2 – Solo Violin, Optional Solo 2^nd Violin & Strings    Monti arr. Chin