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
Evaristo Felice Dall'Abaco was a renowned composer who lived during the same period as the legendary Antonio Vivaldi. As two of the most prominent musicians of their time, they were undoubtedly aware of each other's immense talent.
Dall'Abaco's piece opens with a Prelude that showcases the rich tapestry of part-writing that is characteristic of the Late Italian Baroque style. The harmonies and textures of this section are truly breathtaking and set the stage for the rest of the piece.
The following section of the piece, Ciaconna, is a continuous set of variations on a fixed bass. Dall'Abaco's clever alterations of the bass line figurations while preserving the intrinsic harmony of the piece is a testament to his musical genius.
Overall, this beautiful work familiarizes players with a variety of textures found in Baroque music. It is a must-listen for anyone who appreciates the intricacies of classical music and the artistry of the composers who created it.
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.
Brahms adapted 21 Hungarian Dances for two pianos and later for a symphony orchestra. The 1st Dance has a brooding nature, while the 2nd Dance is characterized by wild changes in tempo and mood. Either could make a rousing finale.
1. Hungarian Dance No. 1
2. Hungarian Dance No. 2
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
Intense and emotional, the music evokes feelings of desperation, anxiety, and frenzy. The dark tones of G minor and rapid rhythm create a menacing atmosphere. The hammering rhythm eventually overtakes a noble melody played by the cellos.
For String Orchestra Grade 3.5
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
The Iching, a series of texts created by Emperor Zhou in the 9th century BC China, helps interpret thoughts and dreams. Its orchestral representation features an energetic section that paints a vibrant life in ancient China and concludes with thrilling cascades of repeated sixteenth notes.
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 2nd Violin & Strings Monti arr. Chin
