

The Midnight Serenade starts with faint calls of the night. The haunting melody is shared throughout the piece over a waltz-like accompaniment. Dark Train is a dynamic composition based on a simple three-note ostinato, with whistle effects that excite younger players.
1. Midnight Serenade
2. Dark Train
For String Orchestra Grade 1
As the sun sets and the darkness envelops the world, the Midnight Serenade awakens. The haunting melody, which is first heard by the second violins, sends shivers down the spine and sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The lilting waltz-like accompaniment adds a touch of elegance to the eerie melody, creating a unique and captivating atmosphere.
Dark Train is a powerful and driving composition that is based on a simple three-note ostinato. The repetitive pattern creates a sense of urgency and momentum as if the train is rushing through the night. The whistle effects that can be heard throughout the piece add a layer of realism and excitement as if the train is passing by right in front of the audience.
Overall, these two pieces are a testament to the power of music to evoke emotions and transport the listener to another world.
1. Midnight Serenade
2. Dark Train
For String Orchestra Grade 1
"Good-bye Budapest" is a traditional Hungarian czardas-style music piece. It begins with a haunting melody and languid strings, which then transition into a joyous free-for-all with various orchestra sections taking turns. A melancholic solo violin rendition is followed by the return of the czardas in D major, culminating in a ferocious presto. The music showcases a range of emotions, from introspection to frenzied joy and melancholy to ferocity.
For String Orchestra Grade 3
'Heart in The Highlands', inspired by Robert Burns, evokes Scotland's rugged beauty with pizzicato, harmonics, dotted rhythms, and drones.
These works are perfect for the beginner string ensemble player. They continue the earlier publication titled "A Dozen Dazzlers." They feature unison, simple parts and call-response writing and prepare the players for the greater demands of a full-string orchestra. All parts have been meticulously crafted for ease of playing and to focus on essential ensemble skills such as pizzicato, legato, staccato, and harmonics. These attractive pieces will ignite the students' imaginations.
Carl Bohm (1844 - 1920) was a renowned composer and teacher for violinists. His famous pieces, "Moto Perpetuo" and "Galop," showcase double semiquavers and highlight the cellos in the latter. The work is shared around for everyone to shine.
For String Orchestra Grade 2.5
Beijing's summer gardens are a wondrous place for a nocturnal stroll. "Jasmine Nights" and "Dragon Fire" are two musical pieces that capture the essence of the city's beauty and excitement.
1. Jasmine Nights
2. Dragon Fire
For String Orchestra Grade 1.5
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
This is an excellent intro to Early Music. Arbeau's second piece was later used in "Capriol Suite" by Peter Warlock. To add authenticity, improvise and add bass drum or tambour parts.
1. Bransle
2. Pavan
3. Ballo Furlano
For String Orchestra Grade 1.5