Dvorák's popular Polka from the Czech Suite op. 39 in a well playable arrangement for youth orchestra. Instrumentation, playability and keys are adapted and facilitated.

Level: medium - advanced.

'Aquarellen' (= watercolours) by Niels Wilhelm Gade (composed 1850) are ten romantic, atmospheric pieces for piano of quite different character. In the present version for small youth orchestra the individual characteristics are clearly emphasized and set apart from each other. The original keys are partly changed, playing techniques are adapted to special techniques of the orchestra.
An absolutely new arrangement, which helps this beautiful opus to its deserved fame.

1. Elegie -1:17, 2. Scherzo - 2:25, 3.Kanzonette -4:04, 4. Humoreske -5: 11
5. Barkarole - 1:50, 6. Capriccio - 3:48, 7. Romanze - 5:30
8. Intermezzo - 1:05, 9.Novelette -2:56, 10. Scherzo - 5:15

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'Aquarellen' (= watercolours) by Niels Wilhelm Gade (composed 1850) are ten romantic, atmospheric pieces for piano of quite different character. In the present version for small youth orchestra the individual characteristics are clearly emphasized and set apart from each other. The original keys are partly changed, playing techniques are adapted to special techniques of the orchestra.
An absolutely new arrangement, which helps this beautiful opus to its deserved fame.

1. Elegie -1:17, 2. Scherzo - 2:25, 3.Kanzonette -4:04, 4. Humoreske -5: 11

'Aquarellen' (= watercolours) by Niels Wilhelm Gade (composed 1850) are ten romantic, atmospheric pieces for piano of quite different character. In the present version for small youth orchestra the individual characteristics are clearly emphasized and set apart from each other. The original keys are partly changed, playing techniques are adapted to special techniques of the orchestra.
An absolutely new arrangement, which helps this beautiful opus to its deserved fame.

5. Barkarole - 1:50, 6. Capriccio - 3:48, 7. Romanze - 5:30

'Aquarellen' (= watercolours) by Niels Wilhelm Gade (composed 1850) are ten romantic, atmospheric pieces for piano of quite different character. In the present version for small youth orchestra the individual characteristics are clearly emphasized and set apart from each other. The original keys are partly changed, playing techniques are adapted to special techniques of the orchestra.
An absolutely new arrangement, which helps this beautiful opus to its deserved fame.

8. Intermezzo - 1:05, 9.Novelette -2:56, 10. Scherzo - 5:15

In 1747 and 1748 Handel wrote three Concerti a due cori, where the orchestra is divided in two choirs of woodwinds and a string choir with continuo. These concerts are mostly no independent compositions but have been arranged by Handel from several oratorio choirs and played as interludes in his oratorio performances.
It is possible to perform the most of the seven movements completely successive or particular.

In this version the first woodwind choir is orchestrated with flutes, oboes and bassoon 1. The second choir is played by two clarinets and bassoon 2. You will partly find an intensification by brass and timpani.

Level: medium-advanced

The present edition refers to Grieg's own instrumentation, published as op. 56 in 1892. The three-part prelude "In der Königshalle" begins with an interesting, metrically ambiguous theme, followed by a lyrical middle section. The recapitulation of the opening forms the conclusion. In the intermezzo "Borghild's Dream", a threatening image is built up that is contrasted by a sudden outburst. The "Huldigungsmarsch" is a warlike piece with memorable melody and tonal intensification. 

The version was facilitated by the choice of new keys and instrumental details.

Level: medium - advanced

This movement is one of the most famous classical melodies, as it is often used in film, television and advertising. Here is a version for youth orchestra, which retains the basic elements of the original, but works with simplifications (new keys, changed instrumentation).

Key: gMaj, Level: medium - advanced

Both arrangements for youth orchestra are based on 2 pieces for strings, which are originally vocal compositions. By addition of winds a colorful sonic image is formed. The key and the practicability of the second piece is facilitated by transposition.

Level: medium-advanced

A short piano piece in Latin American mode for small youth orchestra. The catchy main theme and several episodes alternate. The strings dominate, the wind instruments create additional colour and contribute to the increase. Latin percussion instruments mark the rhythm and convey local colour.

Level: medium - advanced 

Structure and layout correspond to the original (dynamics from pp to fff, large tempo increases towards the end). Some details are simplified (pitch in the vl., new key). All in all still a grandiose piece with a suggestive effect.

Key: cM, level: medium - advanced

Fauré wrote or revised the six short pieces for four-hand piano between 1893-96. Occasions were the birthdays or other events in the life of the little daughter of the composer, called "Dolly". The chosen 4 pieces were adapted in keys and playability to a youth orchestra.

Berceuse 000,  Mi - A - Ou (2:30),  Le Jardin de Dolly (4:35),  Le Pas Espagnol (7:16)

Level: medium-advanced.

Here is a version for youth orchestra, which keeps the basic elements of the original, but at the same time works with simplifications (new keys, changed instrumentation).

Level: medium - advanced

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The original, the "First Suite in Eb for Military Band", was composed in 1909, making it one of the first and also most important works for the wind orchestra (26 voices & timpani and drums).
The version for youth orchestra replaces some instruments and adds a five-voice string section. This results in some new timbres, while the basic structure is always preserved.
In the chaconne the individual sections are clearly emphasized, the given articulations are taken over and the final dynamics are impressively worked out.

Level: medium - advanced

Mendelssohn composed the music to the drama "Athalie" (Jean Racine) op. 74 between 1843-1845. The best known piece inside is the "War March of the Priests" which is featured relatively homophone. A martial main theme is interrupted by a lyric subsidiary theme.The end of the piece is a recapitulation of both ideas in a glamorous forte.

Level: medium - advanced.

The most famous march of the great master of the 'Grande Opera' in a facilitated version for youth orchestra. A new key, reduced instrumentation and other items make this  superb composition to an effective opener or final piece of your concert.

Level: medium - advanced

The 1st movement of the Piano Sonata KV 332, already composed quite orchestrally in the original, in a version for youth orchestra. The key was changed from F major to G major for easier performance.
Also included in the four-movement arrangement "Mozart meets Beethoven".

Level: medium - advanced

Small miniatures like serious, contemplative, cheerful or animated in character, well coloured in instrumentation. Suitable as a whole - also for christmas - or as single pieces, perhaps as an encore. Facilitated  in relation to the original.

Included: Religious Chant, Christmas Carol, Plainte, Humorous Song, Legend of the Birds, Cradle Song, Dancing Song, Dancing Chorus.

Level: medium - advanced

Gustav Holst, March, from Suite No 2 for youth orchestra.

Score & Parts: Flute 1 & 2, oboe, clarinet 1 - 3 Bb, Bassoon. Horn 1 & 2 F, Alto Sax 1 & 2 Eb, tenor sax Bb, trumpet 1 & 2 Bb, trombone. Percussion. Violin 1, violin 2, violin 3, viola, cello, doublebass, piano.
Level: medium - advanced, Duration: 05:22

Notice: violin 3 and piano not visible inside the score!

Level: medium - advanced

The famous final movement from the Piano Sonata KV 331 in a facilitated key (G major instead of A major). The percussion instruments indicated in the original version were introduced for real (triangle, tambourine, bass drum, cymbals).
Also included in the four-movement arrangement "Mozart meets Beethoven".

Level: medium - advanced

Inside: Promenade 1 & Bydlo, Promenade 2 & The Old Castle, The Hut on Chicken Feet, The Great Gates of Kiev.
More info at the single pieces.

Level: medium-advanced.

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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.
 

Arrangement of the original piano piece in colourful instrumentation. The buoyant and joyful festival march is a great opener just for your concert!

Level: medium - advanced

Whether both composers have met each other is questionable. When Beethoven came to Vienna in 1790 to introduce himself to Mozart as a new student, Mozart was probably travelling (Potsdam). When Beethoven finally moved to Vienna in 1792, Mozart had already died.
The present arrangements of single movements from Mozart's and Beethoven's piano sonatas were composed during my studies in Freiburg in 1970 (Beethoven Year). They were pure instrumentation studies and were never performed. Recently I had the idea of reworking these pieces and combining them. The movements are similar in character and structure to a four-movement symphony, but the keys have been chosen and adapted to each other. It would certainly be a successful contribution for the Beethoven anniversary in 2020.
Inside: Mozart, Allegro aus KV 332, Beethoven, Allegretto aus op. 14,1, Beethoven, Largo appassionato aus op. 2,2, Mozart, Alla Turca aus KV 331

According to Hans Joachim Moser, Reinecke belongs stylistically "to the circle of the Schumanians", i.e. to the musicians who identified with Robert Schumann's artistic goals in the sense of a romantic classicism.

The selection arranged for youth orchestra from the total of fourteen piano pieces includes the picture titles below. The maximum instrumentation is necessary especially for the last picture.keys and movement technique were adapted to the playing ability of a youth orchestra. The pieces are very suitable for a Christmas concert.

The Shepherds in the Field, Migration to Bethlehem, The Rest of the Holy Family, The Wedding at Cana.

A royal gem from the pen of the russian composer, full of strongness and dance-like character. The more quiet middle section might be a contribution from César Cui, the first publisher of Moussorgsky's opera.

Level: medium - advanced.

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

Mendelssohn wrote his "March for Orchestra" op. 108, in 1841 for a festival celebrating the famous painter Cornelius' visit to Dresden. It is a large piece with a splendid main part and two trios. The original key is changed (warmer sound, better to play for the wind) and the instrumentation is increased. So it would be a perfect frame for your celebration.

Level: medium - advanced

This gently flowing Emin movement is a masterpiece of orchestral colouring. With its glowing colours and indolent motion, it could be a sound picture of a gondola crossing the Venice lagoon on a hazy summer's day. Always swelling string passages are counterpointed by delicate woodwind melodies. In the central section you hear five times chords from the brass fading away by falling string and flute melodies.

The Swiss composer Raff - often performed around 1900 - could brought to attention of the present audience by this piece.
By the way: the flute part is very demanding.

Level: medium-advanced

The finale of the wellknown Ouverture to "William Tell" in a facilitated version. The difficult sections of the original have been adjusted, also the key. The overall character of this great composition has been fully maintained. A very useful piece as opener or encore!

Level: medium - advanced.