Classical Music for String Orchestra

Largely known for his very effective etudes, Mazas also wrote a huge amount of attractive works for various chamber ensembles.  This work written in the early nineteenth century originally  comes

Ignaz Joseph Pleyel was a highly respected musician in his day and somewhat of an entrepreneur eventually running a world famous publishing house in Paris in the early nineteenth century.  This work,

Pleyel was once described by his teacher Haydn as his most illustrious student.  Indeed many of his works demonstrate a witty yet elegant compositional style. This arrangement of the Duet opus 8 no. 2

The lively allegro molto from Schubert's Sonatina Op. 137, no. 1. Originally composed for violin and piano, this familiar piece of solo literature has been arranged for

Albeniz wrote this piece originally for piano and it communicates all the brilliance and passion that one associates with Spanish music.  It alludes to an ancient legend in the bygone kingdom of

This arrangement, while faithful to the original work for three violins and basso continuo, includes an optional adaptation of the violin 3 part for viola, optional Grade 1 string parts, and an optional

It is generally accepted that Nicolo Paganini was the most extraordinary violinist who ever lived.  Indeed there are some works that only a few violinists in the world today can play.  This piece

Vivaldi wrote numerous concerti for a diverse range of instruments.  This was originally written for mandolin and strings. Some of the very ornate figurations have been slightly adapted whilst the

This rhapsodic work by Italian composer Vittorio Monti was dedicated to the glamorous French violinist Juliette Dantin. It captures the melancholic, sweet, dramatic and vibrant elements of Gypsy music, and

Originally written for wind ensemble and later arranged for pianoforte, these charming movements have been carefully placed to give the sense of a fully integrated work.  Indeed some elements of this

What a great way to introduce students to the delights of Early Music! Most of the rhythms are simple crotchets and minims with a few quavers in the first violin part. In keeping with performance practices

The Furies in Greek mythology brought the dead to the darker regions of the Underworld and appear frighteningly in the legend of Orpheus. Originally a caprice for cello, this work by the little known August

Pablo Sarasate (1844 - 1908) was a brilliant Spanish violinist and composer.  His works, although often fiendishly difficult, are very evocative and display a wide range of emotions and violin

Originally written for a string quintet, this marvelous work was also arranged by Boccherini for guitar and string quartet. Some performances even use castanets to enhance this manifestly Spanish work. It

Arcangelo Corelli (1653 - 1713) wrote music that everyone in his time tried to emulate. He effectively set the benchmark for musical composition in the Baroque period.  This arrangement draws on the

The overture to "Cesare in Farmacusa," an opera that tells of the boy Julius Caesar's journey by sea in a treacherous storm to Farmacusa, near Sicily. The plot abounds with pirates, gypsy lovers, and of

This is the second of the Haydn symphonies in a minor key. It is a classic Sturm und Drang and accordingly reflects strong changes of emotion. An excellent choice for expanding classical repertoire as well

The predominantly homophonic writing makes this an excellent introduction to Early Music. The second piece written by Arbeau was used much later by Peter Warlock in the well known "Capriol Suite". Bass drum

Johann Pachelbel is most famous for his Canon in D. However, he also wrote a huge number of works including concerti, keyboard suites and organ compositions. This beautiful Sarabande is built on a bass that

The English composer Martin Peerson (1571 - 1650) wrote "The Fall of the Leafe" originally for a virginal, a gentler version of the more robust harpsichord. The descending notes in the piece impart the