
Fiesta Barcelona By Stephen Chin
Join the Barcelona party! This piece captures the fun and energy of the Spanish city with catchy rhythms and authentic flavour. Your ensemble will love it.
A thrilling adventure with spies, detectives, and super sleuths trying to stop world domination. The catchy tune and unique harmonies will delight students. The piece features pizzicato, harmonics, and string crossing. Structured in rondo form, each section of the orchestra makes an appearance.
For String Orchestra Grade 2.5
As you embark on this thrilling adventure, be prepared for a world where nothing is as it seems. The atmosphere is charged with mystery, and every clue you find only leads to more questions. However, you are not alone in your quest to stop world domination. The world's most skilled spies, super sleuths, and detectives have joined forces to uncover the truth, and they are all having a great time doing it!
As your journey progresses, you'll be treated to a catchy syncopated tune that will have you tapping your feet in no time. The music is a delightful blend of harmony and dissonance, with hints of chromaticism adding to the sense of intrigue. The piece is full of technical challenges, with pizzicato, harmonics, and string crossing all making an appearance.
The work is structured in rondo form, with each orchestra section taking turns to shine. As you listen to the piece, you
For String Orchestra Grade 2.5
Join the Barcelona party! This piece captures the fun and energy of the Spanish city with catchy rhythms and authentic flavour. Your ensemble will love it.
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
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
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
Introduce your students to Russian classical music with "Pictures at an Exhibition" by Mussorgsky. "Promenade" links various pieces, while "Danse Caracteristique" features harmonics, syncopated accompaniments, and chromatic scales.
1. Promenade (Mussorgsky)
2. Dance Caracteristique (Rebikov)
For String Orchestra level 2.5
This work is a companion to “Bells of Ghengis Khan”, featuring insistent rhythms and pounding fifths that create a sense of impending conflict. The middle section depicts soldiers reflecting upon their loved ones before the battle resumes, with victors’ shouts heard towards the end. The piece uses techniques such as harmonics, tremolo, and pizzicato to add richness to the tone colours.
For String Orchestra Grade 1.5
The legend of Excalibur is an exciting tale that captivates young minds. King Arthur's sword, Excalibur, emerges from the waters, followed by a sword dance. The mysterious theme reappears before a thrilling finale. Written for advanced and elementary players, it's a fantastic piece for a string festival or an advanced orchestra.
For String Orchestra Grade 3 & 1.5 (advanced and optional elementary strings)
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