This piece gradually expands harmony from a unison note, highlighting interesting texture. Younger musicians learn dissonance through gentle tonal clashes, while elementary players explore different bow speeds and lengths. It's a great introduction to the power of a string orchestra.
For String Orchestra Grade 1
As the notes of this piece are played, harmony gradually expands from a single note, creating an interesting texture that captivates the listener. The gentle tonal clashes provide an opportunity for younger musicians to familiarize themselves with the concept of dissonance. Moreover, the constantly changing dynamics allow elementary players to experiment with different bow speeds and lengths, further enhancing their musical abilities. This piece serves as a perfect introduction to the sustaining and enveloping power of a string orchestra, as it showcases the beauty of each individual instrument and the harmonious blend they create as an ensemble.
For String Orchestra Grade 1
"Two pieces, one idea: work hard, play hard. "The Volga Boatmen" has a shared melody and well-crafted counter-melodies. "Two Guitars" is fun and infectious, exploring spiccato quavers."
1. The Volga Boatmen
2. Two Guitars
For String Orchestra Grade 2.5
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
Originally written for wind ensemble and later arranged for pianoforte, these charming movements have been carefully placed to give the sense of a fully integrated work. Some elements of this work are similar in vein to Mozart's famous "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik." Advanced intermediate players will enjoy the challenges of spiccato quavers, martele crotchets, measured tremolo, and lifted upbows, which are a must for developing precision and clarity in a more advanced string ensemble.
For String Orchestra Grade 3
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.
Georg Philipp Telemann (1681 - 1767) is recognized as the most prolific composer of all time. He composed over 3000 pieces during his lifetime, including 1043 cantatas, 46 passions, 40 operas, over 100 concertos, 700 orchestral suites, and volumes of chamber music. The following 4 movements exemplify his elegant style and ability to craft appealing melodies, making them an excellent resource for ensembles to practice useful string techniques.
For String Orchestra Grade 1.5
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
The French court of the 17th and 18th centuries was renowned for its grandeur and beauty, envied by all composers in Europe. These three works embody that spirit.
1. Marche pour la Ceremonie des Turcs
2. Les Baricades Misterieuses
3. Tambourin
For String Orchestra Grade 3
Vivaldi wrote many concertos for different instruments, including one for mandolin and strings. The composition's formal structure remains unaltered, but some intricate figurations have been tweaked. The music creates a dialogue between the orchestra's sections as they share the melody. The Baroque string crossings and harmonic progressions make the piece enjoyable to play.
For String Orchestra Grade 3
