Classical Music for String Orchestra

Originally composed for organ by African-American composer Florence B. Price in 1951. With its slow, expressive melodies, this piece is a great opportunity for younger orchestras to work on bow distribution

Colorful and graceful, this accessible arrangement begins in G major, transitions to G minor, then back to G major. Although Respighi composed the movement from his first suite in 1917, it captures a

American composer Basile Bares (1845-1902) began life as a slave child in New Orleans. He lived and worked for a piano shop owner who gave him opportunities to study music and tune pianos. Bares became

This energetic second movement from Bach's famed Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 has been skillfully arranged to be more accessible to the developing string ensemble. Remaining in the key of G major,

Composed in the late 1700s, this work comes from Joseph Bologne's only surviving opera, "L'Amant anonyme." Bologne is often compared to Mozart, and his compositions are energetic, refined, and delightful.

Originally written for solo piano, this captivating piece has become one of Coleridge-Taylor's most beloved works. With this arrangement, Grade 4 string orchestras can experience the beauty and warmth of

Ignatius Sancho (1729-1780) was born on a slave ship bound for the Spanish West Indies. He ended up in London in the service of a duke where he learned to read, write, and learn music on his own. Sancho was

Nicknamed "Prague" after the city of its premiere, Mozart's Symphony No. 38 followed quickly after the resounding success of his opera The Marriage of Figaro, which also premiered in 1786. This

This wonderful arrangement combines two of the better-known movements from the humorous "Carnival of the Animals" by Camille Saint-Saens. The quirky Fossils with optional xylophone is written to be more

Composed in rondo form, this work is big and bold, filled with spirited melodies in reminiscent of Russian folk and popular music. It's superb as a concert opener or closer.

This creative arrangement develops the iconic rhythmic motif from first movement of Vivaldi's Winter from "The Four Seasons." Arpeggiated patterns in the lower strings realize the implied harmonies

From one of Rameua's opera-ballets, this dance composed in rondo form is a true gem! A few moments of shifting for first violins and basses.