As a member of the Russian National School the composer choses 3 folk tunes, which he combines in a skillful manner to a great orchestral piece. The framework is an elegic melody, in the middle we find a fugato which is lead to an impressive climax beside other melodies.

Level: advanced

The selection of five movements from  "Jeux d' enfants" - original twelve pieces for piano four hands - correspondes to the "Petite suite d' orchestre", op. 22 by Bizet. As a result from adapted keys and a more contoured instrumentation e.g. by percussion the existing sections will become even more attractiv for your young orchestra!

Included: Marche, Berceuse, Impromptu, Duo, Galop.

Level: advanced.

A great medley about seven well known themes by Ludwig van Beethoven (Missa solemnis, Symphony No.3, Pathetique, Sonata op. 27,2, Symphony No.7, Symphony No.1, Symphony No.9). Built as a classical four-movement symphony. Particularly impressive is the reinforcement by the choir, which gives a festive atmosphere to the piece.  

Level: advanced

Video: Beethoven-Musikschule, Mödling

Prelude & Aragonaise from "Carmen"

Level: advanced.

Toreadors from "Carmen"

Level: advanced.

Prelude from L'Arlesienne 1

. Level: advanced.

Carillon from L'Arlesienne 1.

Level: advanced.

Four pieces from L'Arlesienne 1.

Level: advanced. 

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Farandole from L'Arlesienne 2.

Level: advanced.

Pastorale from L'Arlesienne 2.

Level: advanced.

Four pieces from L'Arlesienne 2.

Level: medium - advanced.

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"January - At the Fireside" from "The seasons", op.37b

A little corner of peaceful bliss,
the night dressed in twilight;
the little fire is dying in the fireplace,
and the candle has burned out.
(Alexander Pushkin)

Beautiful melodies in changing instrumentation and shimmering chords  determine the beginning. In the middle the fire is flaring, sending out sparks.  A string tremolo accompanies the descending figuration of the winds. At the end the fire's glow goes out slowly, the figuration gets higher and more quietly.

Dvorak opens the first collection of his Slavic dances opus 46 with a Furiant (fast dance in three-four time with inserted hemiolas).
The arrangement for youth orchestra is based on the original, but brings some relief through a new key (B flat major instead of C major), slightly changed instrumentation and setting.

Level: advanced

The 2nd dance from op. 72 is a Starodávny (slow dance in 3/4 time, "in the old style"). The original E minor was changed to G minor, numerous simplifications in instrumentation and setting facilitate the arrangement.

Level: advanced

For the fifth dance from op.72 Dvorak chooses a "Spacirka". The first part is solemnly walking, followed by a cheerful jumping dance. Both groups can be heard twice in a row. In this arrangement the keys were simplified (Bb minor to B minor, F sharp minor to G minor) and some changes were made to the setting and instrumentation. This makes this version much easier to play than the original.

Level: advanced

After the great success of the Slavonic dances op. 46 from 1878, Dvorak composed a new series in 1886. Here from it the last piece, a Sousedská (medium-fast Bohemian folk dance in 3/4 time). The present arrangement uses a new key (G instead of A flat), slight changes in instrumentation and setting contribute to simplification.

Level: advanced

The first movement from Dvorák's Czech Suite op. 39 has the title Preludium - Pastorale. The bucolic main theme, played by always changing instruments, remembers to a shepherd's pipe. Often you will find open fifths in the bottom part, which sound like a bourdon. This version for youth orchestra was facilitated by easier keys and enhanced instrumentation. 

Level: advanced

The Sousedská is a semi-slow Bohemian dance in three quarter time. It has a calm, swaying character and it is usually danced in a pair. This arrangement is in the original key and facilitated by an extended instrumentation and other details.

Level: advanced

The Romanza is the slow movement of Dvorák's Czech Suite op. 39, A calm flowing theme in nine-eight time is introduced in the high flute and pulling through the whole piece. Parallel thirds sometime provide a lovely sweet character, the accompanying eights form the soft foundation. The original key was retained, the English horn was replaced by the first clarinet. By little changes of the instrumentation the mouvement was facilitated.

Level: advanced

The Furiant, final movement of Dvorák's Czech Suite op. 39, in new key, with facilitated playability and some changes of instrumentation. Therefore this mouvement will also playable for an advanced youth orchestra and captivates by rhythmic activity (partly hemiolas) and melodic ideas. A fantastic tailpiece for your concert! 

Level: advanced,

Here a retexted version of the Coronation Anthem Zadok the Priest according to baroque contrafaction. It is one of the four anthems, which were composed commisioned by King George II for his coronation in 1727.

This is a large-scale piece in three parts with magnificent increase and splendid last part, which remembers to the Hallelujah choir from Messiah. The facilitated version for youth orchestra and choir is surely an enrichment for your Christmas concert! 

Level: advanced

This arrangement is based on the original piece in many ways. The vocal part of the Siciliana has been transferred to the solo horn (Asax). Some essential facilities make this version playable for a youth orchestra.

Level: advanced

New audio example

Not as well known as No. 1, 5 or 6 but no less lively and colourful. In the facilitated version this Hungarian Dance - original in Fsharp minor - will be successful also for your orchestra!

Level: advanced.

First movement from the Suita op. 98.

Level: advanced.

This arrangement is a really new discovery for your next Christmas concert. The original is written for string quartet. It is a collaborative work of the Russian composers Glazunov, Lyadov and Rimsky-Korsakov.
The version for youth orchestra retains the keys and many details. The individual sections are based on the strings and enhanced by several timbres and wind mixtures. Some passages will be highlighted by pure wind instrumentation with the result of a more clear structure.
This arrangement is suitable for an advanced youth orchestra. Amaze your audience with an effective but mostly unknown composition of typical Russian character.

Level: advanced.

Second movement from the Suita op. 98.

Level: advanced.

Movements 1 - 5 from the Suita op. 98.

Level: advanced.

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This march from 1901, which Edward VII wanted for his coronation celebrations, is underlaid with the words "Land of Hope and Glory" and became almost more popular than the official British national anthem God Save the Queen (King). Here is a version for youth orchestra, whose instrumentation is based on the original. Some parts have been combined, others added. All in all, the piece is relieved, but does not lose any of its outstanding tonal effect.

Level: advanced

Two excerpts from the ballet suite with some main themes and the peculiar coloring (Original title "Gitanería (Gypsy Music)". The keys were lightened and some instrumental nuances were changed with regard to a youth orchestra. Of particular note is the quasi-solo piano, which serves a significant tonal function in both movements.

Third movement from the Suita op. 98.

Level: advanced.