NEW CLASSICAL ARRANGEMENTS Especially for Orchestra Friday, August 22, 2025
recommended by Austin Swack, Instrumental Education Specialist
Finale from Symphony in D Major W. 27 by J.C. Bach/arr. Robert Debbaut, Grade 5
Tripartite sinfonias of this era were stylistically akin to the Italian opera overtures first heard in the 17th Century. The typical format was for a lively allegro, followed by a lyrical slow section, and then a rousing finale, most often in rondo form. This work certainly conforms to this formula. Originally for pairs of oboes, bassoons, horns, trumpets, and timpani, the adaptation for strings was rather easy, as only the brass and timpani parts deviate – and only slightly – from the melodic and harmonic elements. The work was originally published in 1782 after Bach’s death in a composite score as Six Grand Overtures.
Larghetto and Allegro Op. 6 No. 3 by G.F. Handel/arr. R. Scott Whittington, Grade 5
Written in 1739, George Frideric Handel’s Concerti Grossi Op. 6 are among the most popular pieces he composed for strings. The stately Larghetto and spirited Allegro ma non troppo of the Concerto No. 3 in E minor make a delightful pairing. Originally scored for two solo (ripieno) violins and cello with accompanying strings and basso continuo, the Larghetto and Allegro have been adapted and re-scored for string orchestra. All parts are within the abilities of intermediate-level groups and are a wonderful way to introduce elements of Baroque style.
Symphony No. 4, Second Movement by Johannes Brahms/arr. Michael Hopkins, Grade 4
Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) composed his Symphony No. 4 in E Minor, Op. 98 in 1884. The symphony’s premiere was in October 1885. Michael Hopkins’ arrangement of the second movement is designed to make Brahms’ masterpiece accessible for an intermediate level string orchestra. The introduction, principal and secondary themes, a portion of the development section and recapitulation, and the coda are included in this abridged arrangement. The time signature has been modified from a slow 6/8 to 3/4, and the key has been changed from E major to D major. The arrangement features sections for solo quartet contrasting with the tutti and captures the rich textures, rhythmic vitality, and Romanticism of Brahms original work. Your students will enjoy performing this beautiful work by one of history’s greatest composers.
Bolero for Strings by Maurice Ravel/arr. Cameron Law, Grade 4.5
“Bolero” is probably the best-known work of the French Impressionist composer Maurice Ravel (1875-1937). The piece was commissioned by Ida Rubenstein in 1928 and performed at the Paris Opera that same year. “Bolero” has a hypnotic rhythm and a simple melody that repeat over and over for nearly 15 minutes, with the orchestra gradually increasing in volume and intensity. Ravel’s genius is evident in his orchestration where he assigns a different sound color to each iteration. Cameron Law’s version of Ravel’s “Bolero” reduces the duration of the piece by two thirds while still maintaining the long buildup of volume, intensity, and heavy orchestration. The arranger has masterfully scored a large symphonic work for string orchestra while maintaining the integrity of the original Spanish/Cuban dance. Violins, violas, and celli all get to try their hands at this famous melody.
Scherzo from String Quartet D. 956 by Franz Schubert/arr. Robert Debbaut, Grade 5
The String Quintet in C major (D.956, Op. Posth. 163) is Schubert’s final chamber work. It is sometimes called the Cello Quintet because unlike the standard string quintet, which includes an extra viola, this work adds an extra cello. Completed just two months prior to the composer’s death, it did not receive its first performance until 1850. The third movement Scherzo – itself close to eleven minutes in length – comprises two large sections, with a repeat of the first section to create a “fast-slow-fast” format. This version for advanced string orchestra condenses the performance time to about five minutes while retaining all the essential melodic mastery of Schubert.
Danse des Sauvages by Jean Philippe Rameau/arr. Pasquale Tassone, Grade 3
A string orchestra arrangement of the famous Rondeau from the Opera “Les Indes Galantes” by Jean-Philippe Rameau. The opera was a type of “opera-ballet” with the story taking place in exotic locales – in this case the Gallant Indies. In addition to being a prolific composer, Rameau was also an important music theorist of his time.
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About the Author:
Austin Swack joined the Stanton’s team after a decade of teaching band in Texas public schools, where his ensembles were consistently recognized for superior performance. He is equally at home with beginner and advanced students and has extensive experience programming for ensembles at all ability levels. Additionally, he is a versatile arranger as well as an experienced clinician and adjudicator. In his free time, Austin enjoys running, cycling, and cheering on the Blue Jackets!