Classical Music for String Orchestra

The rigadoon was a seventeenth century dance enjoyed in both England and France, and this Henry Purcell work is one of the earliest examples. The stately tune is accessible for even the youngest of players.

Choose this simple arrangement of a classic Baroque dance as a "first concert" work for your beginning string group. Set in the key of G, the piece offers each section a chance to play the melody in very

When "The Rite of Spring" was first performed in Paris in 1913, it created shock waves not only in the theater where it was performed, but throughout the world of music. It is one of the most revolutionary

Beethoven’s Romance in G Major was originally penned as a solo violin work with orchestra. In this arrangement, it has been craftily reworked for two violins and string orchestra. It

This stunning arrangement captures the expanse and beauty of Rachmaninoff's original full orchestra version. Deeply moving harmonies seem to melt into each other as the famous melody weaves its way through

Also known as Waves of the Danube, this piece was originally composed for piano and published in Bucharest in 1880. It gained a following in the United States over 60 years later in film and

This beautiful romanza from the Italian opera "L'elisir d'amore" (The Elixir of Love) is sung when it appears that a love potion, purchased to win the heart of the lady Adina, is working. This arrangement

Written by Jean Joseph Mouret, a contemporary of J.S. Bach, this memorable theme, widely recognized from its use on Masterpiece Theater, provides an excellent string orchestra selection. Recorded by

The famous theme from Purcell's Rondeau, also well-known from Britten's use in The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra, is expertly arranged to engage all sections of the orchestra while

Mouret's famous work is arranged here like a Baroque concerto grosso, allowing you to feature soloists at an early grade level. Hooked bowings, slurs to adjacent notes, and some low-two finger patterns for

This lively rondeau from Bologne's Six String Quartets, op. 1 is a classic seven-part rondo in G major, D major, and G minor. As was typical of the Classical style, the melody is heard mainly in the first

Approach this lighthearted work with a classical style. The "dash of Mozart" is not facetious, for there is in fact a short Mozart quote hidden within - it lasts only for a brief moment, hence the "dash."

Completed the last year of his life, the Mozart "Horn Concerto in D Major" is full of the exuberant melodic material and spontaneous creativity for which much of Mozart's output is known. This movement of

This classic work was extracted from a larger scored work that Joseph Haydn wrote while in the service of Prince Nicholas Esterhazy. The original work excludes the original wind parts, and playing the

This Schubert classic has been skillfully adapted to ensure all of the dramatic dynamic shifts and moments of sudden explosive emphasis are retained. Years of wonderful performances of this edition are in

This highly energetic work will add sparkle to any concert. Featuring the entire Allegro section from the original overture, students will practice Baroque style, dotted rhythms, and successive 16th-note