The March was first performed on 24 August 1907 at Queen's Hall, London, under the composer's direction.
The splendid arrangement is very similar to the original in terms of the great instrumentation. However, some voices were combined or omitted, alternative additional voices were added, the key was retained.

Level: advanced

Fifth movement from the Suita op. 98.

Level: advanced.

This grandiose composition is processing the christmas choral "Vom Himmel hoch" in thematically several ways. First in a gloomy minor key, it lights up more and more. At the end the whole piece and the choral - supported by a  four-part choir and organ - shines in all it's glory.

The current version is facilitated and transposed to Cmin | cMaj.

Level: advanced.

Handels magnificent composition in a version for youth orchestra. The string setting is like the original, the high trumpets and horns - difficult to execute - are reinstrumentated. By using flutes and clarinets the sounding is a little bit softer, but the splendid effect and the solemn character will remain.

In the so called "dance movements" the repetitions were orchestrated in different manner to increase their colouring. 

Level: advanced

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Handels magnificent composition in a version for youth orchestra. The string setting is like the original, the high trumpets and horns - difficult to execute - are reinstrumentated. By using flutes and clarinets the sounding is a little bit softer, but the splendid effect and the solemn character will remain.

Level: advanced

After the long-lasting worldwide success of the operetta "Die lustige Witwe", premiered in 1905, Lehar published a series with the most famous waltzes of this work under the name "Sirens of the Ball" a few years later. The melody "Lippen schweigen" dominates with repeated repetitions, but also a title like "Heut geh' ich zu Maxim" is included.

Here a version for youth orchestra, which is based on the original. Additional instruments and a slightly changed instrumentation create a more facilitated version.

This piece is suitable not only for a New Year's concert, but for many occasions. Let yourself be enchanted by the wonderful sounds!

Level: advanced

Unfortunately the original composition is much to difficult to play for a youth orchestra. But this  facilitated version makes it possible! Well adapted keys and an appropriate instrumentation give the wonderful piece a chance to your concert!

Level: advanced.

Mendelssohn wrote "Six Preludes and Fugues for Piano" op. 35 in 1831 and 1837, although some of the fugues were written much earlier than the respective preludes. These works are permeated by the 'spirit' of Bach, by the creative engagement with the organ and piano works of the Thomaskantor. At the same time, they are highly original, original works by a Romantic composer.
This is a version of the sixth piece for youth orchestra, which emphasizes the tonal intensity and vocal variety in colorful setting.

Level: advanced.

The penultimate picture is originally titled "The hut on chicken feet". Hartmann's drawing shows a clock in the shape of Baba Yaga's hut on chicken feet. Mussorgsky's composition describes the terror and frantic pace of the witch as she kicks the air on a mortar. The middle section presents a glimpse into the spooky interior of the hut. Tritone sounds, tremolos and chromaticism dominate the soundscape. The transition into the brilliant final image (The Great Gate of Kiev, C major) is hinted at.

Level: 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

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

Russian vitality in accordance with instrumentatoric refinement. This mixture is responsible for the outstanding effect in your concert. The current version is modelled closely to the original of his opera. Particularly difficult passages are facilitated a little bit.

Level: advanced.

This overture to the short opera of Smetana is filled with sparking melodies in typical slavonic character and will enjoy your orchestra! The piece is subdivided into several well chosen sections by different themes.

Level: advanced

The moving "Intermezzo" with its echo effects opens the series followed by the calm and atmospheric "Nocturne". At the end you find the burlesk "Begomasque Dance", also called "Dance of the Clowns". It is a well combination to the outstanding "Wedding March".(a1 - a2 - b - c)

Level: advanced.

A delightful funny piece, very well suited for an encore. The frequent solo passages in the original - difficult to perform - are made playable for a youth orchestra by minor instrumental duplications.

Level: advanced.

Joyful variations about the well known old german folk tune in style of ancient composers. Many ironic quotations from original compositions (1. Bach, 2. Haydn, 3. Mozart, 4. Joh. Strauß, 5. Verdi, 6. Gounod, 7. Wagner, 8. Beethoven, 9. Mendelssohn-Bartholdy, 10. Schumann, 11. Brahms, 12. Meyerbeer, 13. Militär-Marsch). 

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.

Ouverture to "Orpheus in the Underworld" after Carl Binder (1860). Many well know themes are included, the finale is the fantastic Can-Can. Keys are facilitated.


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 Concert March was composed in the summer of 1869 in Pavlovsk near St. Petersburg, where the Strauss Chapel was frequently present for concerts. Originally known as the "Circassian March", today's name has become established, probably as a result of the simultaneous opening of the Suez Canal.
Here a version of the charming piece with foreign coloring (large percussion instrumentation!). The piece was facilitated by a new key and changes in the instrumentation.

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

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

Even the title betrays an impressive picture. A real firework - not only for the percussion players of your orchestra!

Level: advanced.

"February - Carnival" from "The seasons", op.37b

At the lively Mardi Gras
soon a large feast will overflow.
(Pyotr Vyazemsky)

Jolly moved rhythms, changing orchestal colours, varying sound intensity, many percussion instruments: That is the picture of a humorous carnival parade.

Level: medium - advanced

Here a new arrangement of all 8 parts of the suite. In comparison to the original you find facilities by new keys, lower pitch ranges, other kind of instrumentation and orchestral setting. The spectrum of the level is from easy to advanced, every movement is also available as single piece. There you will find more descriptions.
This version will surely provide great pleasure to your and your orchestra members.

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"June - Barcarolle" from "The seasons", op.37b

Let us go to the shore;
there the waves will kiss our feet.
With mysterious sadness
the stars will shine down on us.
(Aleksey Pleshcheyev)

The quietly flowing main theme in GMin is superseded by a second theme in GMaj , which sounds in thirds. Now a short vivid central section which rhythmical accents and a mighty increase. Then a reprise of the main theme in changed instrumentation. The end is formed by a little coda with a syncopal movement over a bordun bass.

Level: advanced

"August - Harvest" from "The seasons", op.37b

The harvest has grown,
people in families cutting the tall rye down to the root!
Put together the haystacks,
music screeching all night from the hauling carts.
(Aleksey Koltsov)

A stormy summer wind blows over the mowed fields. In a restless six-eighth time the orchestra rushes forwards.  Converse accents  increase the tension, which leads to a great cascade. In the central section a peaceful melodie in wide note values and EbMaj comes up before the piece ends in a mighty reprise.

Level: advanced

The Polka is a buoyant circular dance in a lively to quick 2/4 metre from Czechia (Bohemia). Typical are the alternating steps (short-short-long) and a little hop (at the beginning or end). It is the first of the three dancing interludes inside the opera.
This version of the original is facilitated, but not shortened.

Level: advanced

A brand new arrangement of all twelve original piano pieces for youth orchestra.

Based on piece for piano solo Tchaikovsky's "Seasons" were some of the best selling pieces for the composer. They came out with epigraphs as monthly supplement  of a music magazine.

In this set: A pictorial representation of the open fire, exuberant joy of life in the carnival, the first singing of the lark, a cheerful picture of the spring. 

Level: advanced.

Reduced bundle price!

Based on piece for piano solo Tchaikovsky's "Seasons" were some of the best selling pieces for the composer. They came out with epigraphs as monthly supplement  of a music magazine.

In this set: Cool and clear purity of a starlit night, impressions of a boat trip, the merry singing of the reapers, stormy summer wind and peace after the harvest.

Level: advanced

Reduced bundle price!