

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
Georg Philipp Telemann (1681 - 1767) was one of the most productive composers in history, having composed an astonishing number of works during his lifetime. His exceptional output includes 1043 cantatas, 46 passions, 40 operas, over 100 concertos, 700 orchestral suites, and volumes of chamber music. He is recognized in the Guinness Book of Records as the most prolific composer of all time, a testament to his unparalleled creativity and dedication to his craft.
The four movements presented here are an excellent representation of Telemann's mastery of elegant compositions and his ability to create captivating melodies. These pieces showcase a range of string techniques such as martele crotchets, zig-zag bowing, and lifted upbows, which are ideal for developing ensembles. By practising these techniques with Telemann's music, musicians can improve their skills and further appreciate the beauty of his work.
For String Orchestra Grade 1.5
Handel's famous works, "Largo" and "Hallelujah Chorus," are presented together. "Largo" explores Baroque arioso sonorities, while the Hallelujah Chorus is the most renowned chorus ever written. All parts have been adapted to retain the original antiphonal effect between the chorus and orchestra.
1. Largo
2. Halleluja Chorus
For Grade 3.5 String Orchestra
"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
This music game is excellent for elementary programs, offering imaginative titles like “The Still Before the Storm” and “Fairy Floss”. It teaches students about keys, orchestral textures, and various techniques in an accessible way, promoting an early appreciation of music's tone color.
1. Gekko Echo
2. Still before the Storm
3. Jumpin' Jumbucks
4. Valse Sentimentale
5. Rickshaw Rally
6. Morning Star
7. Fairy Floss
8. March of the Stick Insects
9. Sunset Sarabande
10. Riding the Rapids
11. Hiccups
12. Sleepy Sandman
13. Ostinato Odyssey
14. A Stately Minuet
15. Bubbles
16. Fiddle Stick Fury
For String Orchestra Grade 1
Latin-American music is vibrant! This piece is an extended tango that will make musicians sway. The title, "Reminiscences of Buenos Aires," evokes images of non-stop dancing in the Argentinean capital. String effects such as pizzicato, tremolo, glissando, and lifted-down bows add colour to this pulsating score. Invite audience members to dance while you play for a unique experience.
For String Orchestra Grade 3.5
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
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.