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
This piece has three movements that explore different aspects of heat. It uses various techniques, such as pizzicato, legato melodies, staccato quarter notes, and double eighth notes, which are easy to manage for young players. It's a fun piece for any occasion!
1. Sparks
2. Smoke
3. Fire
For String Orchestra Grade 1
This is a shorter version of a musical piece for string orchestra, based on a longer version for massed strings. The piece is inspired by Samuel Coleridge's poem "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner", which tells the story of a ship at sea that experiences misfortune after an albatross is killed. The work expresses feelings of loss and grace. The faster section of the piece depicts the ship being tossed around by the rough ocean.
For String Orchestra Level 4
As you journey through a tropical rainforest, you can experience wonderment and awe reflected in these three miniatures. Each piece offers a different mood and tone colour for players to explore. The techniques used in these miniatures, including pizzicato, sustained notes, double quavers, and left-hand pizzicato, are easy to tackle, even for young musicians with limited experience.
1. Leaping Frogs
2. Creeping Vines
3. Fun at the Falls
For String Orchestra Grade 1
Pachelbel's most famous work is "Canon in D," but he also composed many other pieces, including concerti, keyboard suites, and organ compositions. The Sarabande features a circle of fifths bass with varied sections. Bohm's Rigaudon is a lively Baroque dance.
1. Sarabande
2. Rigadoun
For String Orchestra Grade 1.5
Pleyel, Haydn's student, had exceptional musical talent. The Duet Opus 8 no. 2 is a delightful and accessible piece highlighting different parts of the ensemble, showcasing diverse musical techniques like spiccato quavers, slurred string crossings, and martel crotchets. It's a great starting point for those who want to appreciate Classical music.
This piece of music is intended for a string orchestra with a difficulty level of grade 3.
Nicolo Paganini was an exceptional violinist, and this particular piece is the final one in a series of caprices that represent the pinnacle of violin technique. It has inspired other great composers such as Rachmaninov. This arrangement preserves the melody, harmony, and structure, allowing players of all levels to experience and appreciate the beauty of Paganini's work.
For String Orchestra Grade 3.5
Grieg's music is rooted in Norwegian folk songs. The "Watchman's Song" has a ghostly section conveyed through tremolo. A melancholic waltz follows, evoking a troll's cave. The contrast of keys and playing styles can refine any ensemble.
1. The Watchman's Song
2. Waltz
For String Orchestra Grade 2.5
