Classical Transcriptions for String Orchestra Wednesday, November 18, 2020
recommended by Megan W., Orchestra Specialist
Classical transcriptions help you teach memorable music at the level of your orchestra. Build technique and confidence in your beginner through advanced orchestras. Each piece has been chosen with our T.O.P criteria – What does it Teach? What is the value in Orchestration? What is the value in Performance?
Themes from “The New World” by Antonin Dvorak/arr. Doug Adams, Grade 1
Doug Adams’ arrangement of themes from Symphony No. 9 in E minor by Antonín Dvorák will introduce your beginning strings to selections from this well-known symphony. While technical obstacles have been eliminated, this piece provides teaching opportunities for dynamic shading and contouring as well as diverse articulations. A perfect choice for contest, festival or the concert stage.
TEACH: simplified but recognizable, use 4th fingers
ORCHESTRATION: accessible classic medley, add piano and percussion for fuller sound
PERFORMANCE: introduction to Dvorak or familiar Dvorak themes
Anvil Chorus (from Il Trovatore) by Giuseppi Verdi/arr. Jeremy Woolstenhulme, Grade 2
Set in e minor, this is a perfect performance piece and it reinforces myriad teaching concepts along the way. The anvil part will be popular – all hands will go up when teachers ask for volunteers to play it. Use brake drum or bass drum.
TEACH: trills, 16th notes, double stops in lower strings
ORCHESTRATION: percussion adds to the story telling themes
PERFORMANCE: opera music
March from Second Suite Op 28, #2 by Gustav Holst/arr. Deborah Baker Monday, Grade 2
This vibrant arrangement belongs in every middle school orchestra library and is a great fit on concerts any time of year. It will become an instant favorite with students and audiences! Not only is it a superb performance piece, it serves as excellent teaching material to develop ensemble precision, articulation techniques, and phrasing of long melodic phrases.
TEACH: march style, staccato, phrasing long melodies, precision
ORCHESTRATION: band music for strings, add percussion to complete the march style
PERFORMANCE: introduction to Holst or familiar Holst march
A Beethoven Celebration arr. Andrew H. Dabczynski, Grade 1.5
“A Beethoven Celebration” by Andrew H. Dabczynski is an arrangement that offers beginning strings an opportunity to play some of the greatest themes Beethoven ever composed. The opening to Symphony No. 5, a theme from Symphony No. 3, and “Ode to Joy” from Symphony No. 9 are presented as a medley that will bring depth to any concert program and significant growth to students’ musicality.
TEACH: accidentals in low strings, tempo changes, moving eight notes
ORCHESTRATION: easy orchestration for introduction to popular themes by Beethoven
PERFORMANCE: recognizable medley
L’Italiana in Algeri Overture by Gioachino Rossini/arr. Andrew H. Dabczynski, Grade 3+
Here is an appealing string arrangement of Gioachino Rossini’s famous work. Careful scoring and performance options make this Overture an entirely playable grade 3+ piece, yet appropriately challenging. Rossini’s light-hearted and engaging melodies make this a perfect selection for concert or festival programs.
TEACH: start with pizzicato, divisi, pick-ups in melody, sforzando, articulation and exaggerated dynamics
ORCHESTRATION: test skills to musically
PERFORMANCE: show stopper
Orient Et Occident by Camille Saint-Saens/arr. Deborah Baker Monday, Grade 3.5
This brilliant march in grand concert style works beautifully for strings! A powerful melodic line combines with strong rhythms and moving harmonic shifts as the piece unfolds. After a wonderful exchange of the opening themes, the piece moves into an energetic coda with a riveting ending. A perfect performance piece at concert or festival as well as an ideal change of pace for any program!
TEACH: divisi, large chords, bow technique
ORCHESTRATION: strong melodic lines and harmony for all parts
PERFORMANCE: fast and fun
Suite from Carmen by Georges Bizet/arr. Robert D. McCashin, Grade 3.5
This fantastic and playable suite of themes from the popular opera “Carmen” includes the Opening Bugle Call and March of the Dragoons, the famous Habanera, the beautiful Entr’acte to Act III – Intermezzo, and the soaring, spirited music of the Final Act. A great way to showcase your students playing some of the most famous and enjoyable opera music in the repertoire!
TEACH: grace notes, rhythmic challenge
ORCHESTRATION: opera music – learn about the characters
PERFORMANCE: lesser performed selections from the famous opera
Lake in the Moonlight (from Swan Lake) by P.I. Tchaikovsky/arr. Robert Longfield, Grade 3
This well-known theme from Tchaikovsky’s ballet “Swan Lake” is beautiful, mysterious, and filled with emotion. Arranged for string orchestra with a solo violin, “Lake In The Moonlight” provides opportunities for playing cantabile and espressivo. A wonderful new presentation of a classic symphonic melody!
TEACH: emotional playing from Romantic period
ORCHESTRATION: solo violin
PERFORMANCE: familiar ballet
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About the Author:
Megan W., originally from Pittsburgh PA, is happy to call Columbus and Stanton’s Sheet Music “Home.” As a musician, Megan has played in marching and concert bands, youth orchestras, full orchestras, small ensembles, and a few choirs. Her interests include fiddling, reading, writing, martial arts and yoga.