Originally for SATB chorus and organ, Amy Beach’s PEACE ON THE EARTH: Christmas Anthem, Op. 38 is a Brahmsian setting of familiar Christmas texts by E.H. Sears. The accompaniment has been orchestrated for a small orchestra of woodwinds, horns, timpani, organ (optional), and strings. The orchestration may also be performed with strings only.
Available versions:
SATB and Organ (or Piano) | Choral Octavo (Pepper #11529773) |
SATB Chorus & Orchestra | Score and full set of parts (Pepper #11529774) |
Score and set of string parts only (Pepper #11529775) |
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Parts for winds and percussion (Pepper #11529776) |
Eight short, easy pieces with poems, suitable for performance at Halloween, arranged for string orchestra. The poems that accompany each movement may be recited (by a student, teacher, guest speaker, etc.) prior to each movement or during each movement, with the music serving as underscore to the poem. Alternatively, the poems my simply be included in a printed program to describe each movement.
A collection of five pieces for orchestra by French composer, Gaston Borch (1871-1926) written to accompany creepy, suspenseful, mysterious, and supernatural scenes for silent films. A prolific composer, cellist, conductor, and arranger, Borch moved to the United States in the early 1900s where he significantly contributed to the American musical landscape. He became particularly known for his work in the burgeoning field of silent film music, composing scores that enhanced the emotional impact of films. Borch’s music was characterized by its melodic richness and dramatic expressiveness, which made it ideal for the cinema. His ability to craft music that perfectly matched the narrative and emotional arcs of films made him a sought-after composer in the industry. The entire collection — or any number of the individual selections — would make an ideal addition to any Halloween-themed program. Score and parts.
A collection of five pieces for orchestra by French composer, Gaston Borch (1871-1926) written to accompany creepy, suspenseful, mysterious, and supernatural scenes for silent films. A prolific composer, cellist, conductor, and arranger, Borch moved to the United States in the early 1900s where he significantly contributed to the American musical landscape. He became particularly known for his work in the burgeoning field of silent film music, composing scores that enhanced the emotional impact of films. Borch’s music was characterized by its melodic richness and dramatic expressiveness, which made it ideal for the cinema. His ability to craft music that perfectly matched the narrative and emotional arcs of films made him a sought-after composer in the industry. The entire collection — or any number of the individual selections — would make an ideal addition to any Halloween-themed program. Score and parts.
Originally for solo piano, Frederic Cowen’s THE MONTHS is a collection of 12 pieces, each dedicated to a specific month of the year and is intended to evoke the unique characteristics and atmosphere associated with that time of the year. The final movement, “DECEMBER. Christmas Morn.” captures the frosty and tranquil atmosphere of a Christmas morning, evoking a delicate, serene snowfall.
Originally for organ, Arthur Foote’s “Christmas” utilizes rich harmonies, majestic melodies, and intricate textures to convey a sense of warmth and grandeur. Foote's composition skillfully blends traditional Christmas themes “Listen, Lordlings Unto Me,” “What Child Is This?,” and “The First Nowell” with his own creative interpretation, resulting in a piece that is both evocative and uplifting.
Best known for his opera Hansel and Gretel, composer Engelbert Humperdinck compiled this set of 10 classic German carols to accompany the publication of “Deutsche Weihnacht” by Adelheid Wette, a poem about a man ringing a church’s bells for Christmas. Each carol is arranged by Humperdinck in simple hymn-like settings and have been transcribed for string orchestra.
A set of three easy pieces, originally for piano duet for the Christmas season, arranged for string orchestra.
Italian composer, Ottorino Respighi was known for his skill in capturing the atmosphere and mood of various scenes and landscapes. “Natale! Natale!” (“Christmas! Christmas!”) evokes a sense of festive cheer and celebration, capturing a sense of nostalgia, joy, and festivity. Included are musical elements that bring to mind scenes of Italian Christmas festivities, the ringing of bells, and the excitement of gift-giving. Originally written for piano duet. Arranged for string orchestra.
*Digital download only |
A collection of 16 popular German Christmas carols in easy arrangements for string quartet, suitable for public performance, holiday gatherings, and worship services. Titles include: “Silent Night,” “Lo, How a Rose e’er Blooming,” “Shepherds, Awake,” “Come, Little Children,” “Oh, Christmas Tree,” and more.
American composer, Fidelis Zitterbart’s Suite Fantastique in E Minor: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, inspired by Washington Irving’s short story, was originally composed for a chamber ensemble of two violins, viola, flute, and piano. The final movement of the work, “The Headless Rider,” depicts the spectral figure who roams the night on horseback, searching for something lost and seeking revenge. The music conveys a sense of urgency and intensity, as if the Headless Rider is on a relentless quest through the darkness. This arrangement for string orchestra features a driving ostinato figure by the violas, making it an ideal selection for an orchestra with a strong viola section for a Halloween-themed concert.