

The Swans of Lir is an Irish legend about young children turned into swans by dark forces. The melody and accompaniments in "The Lake" reflect their helplessness, while "The Rejoicing" celebrates their eventual transformation back into children. The piece is scored for strings, recorders and percussion and is perfect for large concerts or festivals.
The Swans of Lir is a timeless and captivating Irish legend that tells the story of a group of young children who were transformed into swans by a wicked stepmother's curse and condemned to spend 900 years floating in a lake near their father's castle. The story is filled with tragedy, loss, and redemption themes and remains one of the most famous legends in Irish mythology.
The piece's first section, "The Lake", is a soulful and melancholic melody that perfectly captures the sense of sadness and hopelessness that the children feel as they are forced to live out their lives as swans. The lush accompaniments in this section add to the haunting effect of the piece and create a sense of depth and richness that is truly captivating.
In the second part of the piece, "The Rejoicing", the curse is finally broken, and the swans are transformed back into their human form. The music in this section is more upbeat and energetic, reflecting the joy and excitement of the moment. The piece is scored for strings, recorders, and percussion and features a series of memorable melodies that are shared around the ensemble.
Overall, The Swans of Lir is a perfect massed performance for a large concert or festival and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser with its haunting melodies and captivating story.
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.
Mazas, a renowned composer, is known for his effective etudes and chamber ensemble works. This duet for two violins, dating back to the early 19th century, showcases the late Classical and early Romantic styles. The music is characterized by sharp rhythms and lyrical melodies, making it an excellent choice for a String Orchestra at level 3.5.
Get ready for an adventure! This dynamic piece takes you on a journey where the high-pitched first position harmonics, sul ponticello, and arco/pizz create a sea-faring atmosphere. The repeated quavers keep the sense of a voyage underway. Each section of the ensemble eagerly awaits their turn to play the gorgeous melodies that abound in this dynamic work.
For String Orchestra Grade 3
The circus is thrilling! The Carousel waltz shares the melodic line. In Siberian Tigers, players can project a robust tone and imagine the majestic tigers. Happy-Sad Clowns contrasts major and minor tonalities.
1. Carousel
2. Siberian Tigers
3. Happy-Sad Clowns
For String Orchestra Grade 1
This piece is filled with poignant melodies and a haunting main theme that returns towards the end. The rhythmic drive, varied modes, and string crossings make it enjoyable for players. The exquisite sonorities and spellbinding action will dazzle the audience and leave them wanting to dance.
For String Orchestra Grade 3.5
Canon in D by Johann Pachelbel is a beautiful piece for string orchestra. This arrangement includes optional adaptations to suit different instruments and grade levels. A universally cherished work, now more inclusive!