Classical Music for String Orchestra

From the comic opera filled with pirates, Turkish princes, kidnapping and daring rescues, Mozart's The Abduction from the Seraglio is the piece of music that generated the (possibly fictional) "too

The Adagio movement of Rachmaninoff's second symphony is considered by many to be one of most beautiful melodies ever written. A continuing favorite in today's concert halls (as well as film and TV), it

As heard in the Oscar-winning movie "The King's Speech," one of Beethoven's most beloved movements accompanied the dramatic moments of this monumental film. Robert Longfield's accessible adaptation for

A medley for string orchestra, including excerpts from: Piano Concerto No. 22; Piano Concerto No. 20; Confutatis (from Requiem, K. 626); and Symphony No. 25.

The best-known piece of the young composer George Butterworth is a pastoral setting based on two English folk-song melodies, The Banks of Green Willow and Green Bushes, and is similar to

One of Boccherini's most famous pieces, this joyful minuet comes from the third movement of his "Quintet in E Major." Robert's version is ideally scored for string ensembles and will make a super program

As heard in the Disney classic "Fantasia" where it served as accompaniment for ostriches, hippos, elephants and alligators, this work continues as a staple of the of light Classical repertoire taken from

One of opera's most famous scenes is now available in this skilled adaption for strings, with the powerful tribal dance scene from "Samson and Delilah."  After opening with an evocative violin solo,

A unique format to this iconic work allows multiple groups to be combined for a powerful concert finale. Parts for both intermediate and developing groups are carefully arranged to be used as a spectacular

Here's a delightful movement based on a theme from French composer Saint-Saens, originally written for violin and orchestra. It features the familiar "habanera" rhythm throughout, and Robert's superb new

Written in 1768 when he was just 12 years old, Mozart's first opera was a marvel to many, but suspect to others (jealous composers) who claimed it was actually written by his mentoring father, Leopold. This

The grand style of a Tchaikovsky symphonic march is ideal for developing string groups with this impressive ensemble piece from Robert Longfield. Lots of dynamic and style changes in a comfortable march

This well-known a cappella choral work of Bruckner is beautifully re-scored, and gives a wonderful opportunity to experience expressive playing for string orchestra.

Based on the famous Canon in D by Pachelbel, this work helps students reinforce basic rhythms using half, quarter, and eighth notes in a well-designed ensemble setting.

Clearly one of Mozart's most well-known and beloved compositions, this overture will be sure to thrill both your audience and students, from the immediately recognizable opening statement through the

This is a simplified arrangement of Mozart's early overture. Possibly Mozart's first "real" opera, this piece works very well for young orchestras, with lots of juicy, fun passages for all the

One of Mozart's most famous operas and one of his last works, "The Magic Flute" continues to be performed worldwide each year. From its iconic, majestic opening three chords, Mozart's overture is a

Here's a suite of three of the most charming arias from "The Magic Flute": The Bird Catcher's Aria, Either Girlfriend or Young Wife and Pa-pa-pa-pa. They're instantly recognizable and

Based on the Renaissance rigaudon, this terrific ensemble work is filled with teaching opportunities and performance options. Set in G major, it features a bit of chromaticism, just right for young

This valuable addition to the string world comes from three piano pieces. The writing calls for solo passages for violin and cello and the melodies and harmonies are pure Ravel! Includes, Menuet sur le