Entrance music and conclusion of the ballet opera premiered in 1735. The complete work, which was very novel at the time, features a sequence of images with independent themes, each treated differently - dramatically, tragically or comically.
The opening is an extended French overture in G major in the style of Jean-Baptiste Lully, the ending a chaconne with several thematic sections. The instrumentation, which is quite thin in the original (mainly strings), is colorfully enriched and differentiated by the addition of various wind instruments and timpani.
 

About a very simple cadence in ostinato a very manifold colourful chain of variations arises. It is interrupted by a little "Trio" of the woodwinds in the middle of the piece and continued in the Da-Capo by new variations. A very large increase of the tutti orchestra with the whole brass represents the conclusion. Particulary important: the piano part as an exciting task for your piano player. Altogether a charming and - in a not to fast tempo - well playable piece.

Level: medium - advanced

The splendidly festive processional music in striding 3/4 time is taken from the opera "Mlada" (ca. 1890), whereby the original uses a multi-voiced choir in the middle and the final section. In this purely instrumental version for youth orchestra, Rimsky-Korsakov's opulent instrumentation is reduced to a normal instrumentation for symphony orchestra. The key of Eb maj has been retained, as it is quite convenient. A few simplifications and voice corrections have been made. Most important is the use of 3 trumpets (good players), which emphasize the brilliance of the piece, and good brass overall.

level: advanced

Rossinis lively ouverture in a playable version for youth orchestra. The difficult original key has been facilitated, little drawbacks have been retouched and thereby defused. However the overall character of this great piece has been fully maintained. 

Level: advanced.

The wellknown Ouverture to "William Tell" in a facilitated version. The difficult sections of the original have been adjusted, also the keys. The overall character of this great piece has been fully maintained. Very useful for the main part or the end of your concert!
Level: advanced.

The solo of the bass was substituted by an unison of all strings and by adequate instrumental figurations. The scoring for chamber-music ensemble was extended to an orchestra, the key was facilitated. The result is an arrangement, which is in color and vitality equal to the original, but much more easy to play.

Level: easy - medium

The most famous piece of 'Le Carnaval des animaux' for youth orchestra. The melody of the solo cello is played by all strings in three octaves, sometimes shifted by winds. The original piano passages were substituted by adequate instrumental figurations. The scoring for chamber-music ensemble was extended to an orchestra, the key was facilitated. The result is an arrangement, which is in color and vitality equal to the original, but much more easy to play.

Level: easy - medium

The repeated main melody was maintained in the characteristic original xylophone (cue notes in the clarinet). Many piano passages were substituted by adequate instrumental figurations. The scoring for chamber-music ensemble was extended to an orchestra. The result is an arrangement, which is in color and vitality equal to the original, but much more easy to play.

Level: easy - medium

The little introduction is followed by a majestic march. Cancelled were the 12 first bars of the original, the chromatic figuration of the pianos (roaring of the lion) is substituted by facilitated strings. The scoring for chamber-music ensemble was extended to an orchestra. The result is an arrangement, which is in color and vitality equal to the original, but much more easy to play.

Level: easy - medium

Shown are the swift animals of the steppe. Instead of the consistent sixteenth notes in the original, you will find corresponding eighths notes in unison.The scoring for chamber-music ensemble was extended to an orchestra, the key was facilitated. The result is an arrangement, which is in color and vitality equal to the original, but much more easy to play.

Level: easy - medium

An effective little piece for your Christmas concert. Also useful as an encore.

Level: easy - medium.

In the 1891 publication of the "Gesamtausgabe", the ten numbers of the Rosamunde music were preceded by that overture, without any proof it was ever Schubert's intention to associate it with the rest of the Rosamunde music. This version has no cuts and uses the original keys. Little retouching of the voice leading and instrumentation make this arrangement also playable for a good youth orchestra.

Level: advanced

Composed in 1848 after reading Arabic texts (translation F. Rückert) for piano four hands. The hero - an owl-mirror-like figure - concludes his merry life after numerous adventures in remorse and penance.
The present version of the varied, colorful pieces for youth orchestra is based on the instrumentation of Carl Reinecke. The keys and some details have been lightened, the characteristic tonal shape has been preserved.
 

Level: advanced

A Furiant is a rapid and fiery Bohemian dance in changing 2/4 and 3/4 time. Here it is in 3/4 with frequently shifting accents (hemiolas) and the central of the three dances inside the opera.

Level: medium.

The three dancing interludes inside the opera are played successively. They are the climax of a public festival. The third piece (Skocnà)  is danced by a circus troup and often known as the Dance of the Comedians.
Powerful melodies and significant folklore rhythms has introduced these pieces also in the concert hall. 

Level: medium - advanced.

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