Le Bal du Morvan

5 lively, varied pieces for medium ability string orchestra (AB grade 3+) based on traditional melodies from the Morvan region of France. Great fun to play, ideal for concert use. Provided with extra parts: Violin 3 (transcription of Viola), Violoncello 2 (transcription of Doublebass) and Piano/keyboard reduction for rehearsal use. 1. Scottisch de Marmagne 1'45" - lively 'jig' 2. Valse Lente 2'03" - haunting melodic waltz 3. Bourrée 1'42" - a rousing reel 4. Vielle Valse 1'50" - the sound of the vielle (hurdy-gurdy) 5. J. Scottisch B. 3'23" - Bach visits the Morvan! The Morvan is an unspoilt region of central France, on the western edge of Burgundy. Over the centuries the traditional music of the Morvan has thus been enriched by 'foreign' influences hence their titles – Scottisch, Mazurka, Waltz, etc. The main instruments on which these meolodies were played are the vielle à roues (a kind of hurdy-gurdy), the cornemuse (small bagpipes), the accordion and the violin. In these arrangements I have attempted to preserve the character of the melodies, whilst giving them another guise in various styles and variations. While making this collection of arrangements, I found myself wondering what Beethoven, Bach or Bartók might have made of the Morvan: I hope you can find their influence in some of these pieces!