arranged and edited for string orchestra by Kenneth Atkins
FROLIC for Young String Orchestra
Kenneth Atkins Catalogue number: 006CC100123A
Commissioned by Meet The Composer-Louisville Residency for the 1996 Jefferson County (KY) All-County Orchestra festival.
As the title implies, "Frolic for Young String Orchestra" is a playful and lively work, approximately three minutes in length, meant to convey a spirited sense of delight and merriment associated with happiness, laughter, and freedom. Each section is given melodic elements throughout the piece.
Gustave Bach arranged and edited by Katherine Ann Blake Catalogue number: 006CC072924A
A lyrical, serene, prayer-like work for string orchestra by German-American composer, Gustave Bach. Originally in the key of E major, this edition has been transposed to the key of D major to make it more accessible for younger ensembles.
Amy Marcy Cheney Beach arranged and edited by Kenneth Atkins Catalogue number: 006CC122522AB
The final movement from SUMMER DREAMS, a suite of six evocative pieces by American composer, Amy Beach. Originally for piano duet, arranged for string orchestra.
In addition to the complete suite, the following movement is published separately: • “Twilight” (Movement III)
Amy Marcy Cheney Beach arranged and edited by Kenneth Atkins Catalogue number: 006CC122522AA
The third movement from SUMMER DREAMS, a suite of six evocative pieces by American composer, Amy Beach. Originally for piano duet, arranged for string orchestra.
In addition to the complete suite, the following movement is published separately:
Mathilde Bilbro arranged and edited by Marc Linwood Catalogue number: 006CY012123A YOUNG MUSICIAN SERIES
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 music to accompany silent film scenes
Gaston Borch compiled, arranged, and edited by W.C. Rohl Catalogue number: 006CH060824A STRING ORCHESTRA
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.
Anton Bruckner arranged and edited by Kenneth Atkins Catalogue number: 006CC122322A
Originally written for organ, this somewhat solemn, brooding fugue by one of the giants of the Romantic era is set for string orchestra in a medium-easy arrangement.
George Whitefield Chadwick arranged and edited by Kenneth Atkins Catalogue number: 006CC010124A
Originally written for organ, “Canzonetta” is a charming and melodic piece composed by George Whitefield Chadwick, an American composer from the late 19th to early 20th century. As a leading figure in American music, Chadwick’s works often reflect a blend of European Romanticism with American musical elements.
Joseph Clokey arranged and edited by Kenneth Atkins Catalogue number: 006CC041723A
A three-movement work for originally composed for organ by American composer, Joseph Clokey in 1924. The piece is inspired by the natural beauty of the mountains, and each movement captures a different aspect of that beauty. Overall, Mountain Sketches is a vivid and evocative musical portrait of the majestic natural beauty of the mountains, capturing their awe-inspiring grandeur, peaceful serenity, and rugged intensity.
Sir Frederic Cowen arranged and edited by W.C. Rohl Catalogue number: 006CX101523A
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.
Gaston Dethier arranged and edited by Marc Linwood Catalogue number: 006CC042124
Originally written for organ by the Beglian-American composer, Gaston Detheir, “Prélude sur le Dies Irae” is a meditation on the “Dies iræ” motive from the Gregorian plainchant typically found in a Requiem mass. Marked “Andante tristamente” (moderately slow, sad), Dethier's setting is a hauntingly mournful yet serene and beautiful treatment of the traditional “Diea iræ” theme.
Gabriel Fauré arranged and edited by Kenneth Atkins Catalogue number: 006CC031523AA
“Le pas espagnol” from Gabriel Fauré’s DOLLY SUITE is a vivacious and spirited Spanish dance that serves as the suite’s grand finale. Infused with the fiery rhythms and distinctive melodies of Spanish music, this movement bursts forth with a lively and exuberant character. Fauré's mastery of color and atmosphere shines through in this movement.
Gabriel Fauré arranged and edited by Kenneth Atkins Catalogue number: 006CC031523A
Gabriel Fauré’s “Pelléas et Mélisande,” Op. 80, is a suite of incidental music composed in 1898 for Maurice Maeterlinck’s play of the same name. Fauré’s composition is renowned for its delicate and evocative portrayal of the mysterious and tragic atmosphere of Maeterlinck’s symbolist drama.
Gabriel Fauré arranged and edited by Kenneth Atkins Catalogue number: 006CC031523AA
Gabriel Fauré’s “Pelléas et Mélisande,” Op. 80, is a suite of incidental music composed in 1898 for Maurice Maeterlinck’s play of the same name. Fauré’s composition is renowned for its delicate and evocative portrayal of the mysterious and tragic atmosphere of Maeterlinck’s symbolist drama. The Prélude sets the mood for the entire piece, creating an otherworldly atmosphere and introducing listeners to the ethereal and melancholic world of Pelléas et Mélisande.
Arthur Foote arranged and edited by Kenneth Atkins Catalogue number: 006CX080523A
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.
Francesco Paolo Frontini Catalogue number: 007CC060724A
STRING ORCHESTRA AND HARMONIUM (or Organ)
Francesco Paolo Frontini’s Andante Religioso is a contemplative, serene work for string orchestra and harmonium, composed in the late 19th century. Reflecting Frontini’s sensitivity to spiritual themes and Italian romanticism, the piece combines lyrical expression with a solemn, meditative atmosphere. The andante tempo sets a moderate, flowing pace, perfectly aligned with the religioso character, which imbues the music with a reverent, sacred tone.
The string orchestra provides warmth and depth through rich harmonies and smooth, flowing melodies that unfold with grace and dignity. The strings often play in close harmonies, creating a soft, enveloping texture that enhances the sacred atmosphere. Complementing this is the harmonium, a reed organ whose airy, reedy sound lends an ethereal, almost hymn-like quality, reminiscent of a church setting. Its sustained chords blend subtly with the strings, heightening the introspective and devotional spirit of the piece.
Frontini’s skillful use of long, sweeping phrases, subtle dynamics, and expressive melodies allows the composition to evoke both spiritual contemplation and emotional warmth. The music unfolds with a balanced and peaceful dialogue between melody and harmony, emphasizing emotional depth over technical virtuosity. The interplay between the strings and harmonium enhances the sense of prayerful introspection, making Andante Religioso well-suited for both concert performances and religious or ceremonial settings.
Engelbert Humperdinck transcribed and edited by Marc Linwood Catalogue number: 006CX100823A
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.
E. Markham Lee arranged and edited by Marc Linwood Catalogue number: 006CY122422A YOUNG MUSICIAN SERIES
Six easy pieces by English composer E. Markham Lee inspired by the classic novel, “Alice's Advertures in Wonderland” by Lewis Carroll, arranged for string orchestra.
Andante for String Orchestra by Alexandre Levy is a serene and lyrical piece that exemplifies the Brazilian composer's talent for creating expressive and emotive music. Written in a slow, graceful tempo, the “Andante” unfolds with a gentle and flowing melody that passes seamlessly between the different sections of the string orchestra. The work is characterized by its smooth lines, rich harmonies, and a delicate balance between tension and relaxation. Levy’s use of dynamics and phrasing gives the piece a sense of calm introspection, evoking an atmosphere of tranquility and contemplation.
The music is built around simple yet effective thematic material, with subtle variations that maintain the listener’s interest throughout. Levy’s ability to blend European classical traditions with hints of Brazilian musical elements is evident in this piece, showcasing his deep understanding of orchestration and his sensitivity to the expressive capabilities of the string ensemble.
A brief, lyrical and serene work for string orchestra by Alberto Nepomuceno (1864–1920), a Brazilian composer, conductor, and pianist, often hailed as one of the pioneers of Brazilian classical music and is credited with laying the foundation for the development of a nationalistic style in Brazilian art music.
Nepomuceno’s music blends European Romanticism with Brazilian folk elements. He incorporated rhythms, melodies, and harmonies typical of Brazilian popular and folk music into his works, making him a forerunner of the nationalist movement in Brazilian music. His compositions range from piano pieces and songs to orchestral works, chamber music, and operas.
A charming, five-movement work for string orchestra by the Norwegian composer Ole Olsen, written in 1898 and first performed in Oslo in 1899. The movements are well-crafted and full of Norwegian folk influences, with moods ranging from serene to playful to dark and brooding to humorous and lively.
Ole Olsen (1850–1927) was a prominent figure in Norwegian music during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His “Serenade for Clarinet and String Orchestra” showcases his melodic craftsmanship and skillful orchestration. The composition follows the traditional structure of a light and often romantic piece, evoking a pleasant, serene atmosphere. The inclusion of the clarinet as a solo instrument adds a distinctive character to the piece, allowing for expressive and lyrical passages. A version for Clarinet and Piano (piano reduction by the composer) is also available from the publisher (catalog number 007CC121123B).
NATALE! NATALE! (Christmas! Christmas!) from Six Little Pieces
Ottorino Respighi arranged and edited by Kenneth Atkins Catalogue number: 006CC031223AA
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.
Vision!, Op. 11, No. 2 is a composition for string orchestra by Italian composer Oreste Ravanello, a notable figure in late 19th and early 20th-century Italian music. Known primarily for his contributions to organ music and sacred works, Ravanello’s Vision! stands out as a piece that captures a sense of atmospheric lyricism and expressive emotional depth. The work reflects Ravanello’s rich harmonic language, with lush string textures and a romantic, meditative character, emblematic of his style. Although not as widely known as his organ works, this piece demonstrates his ability to write evocative, orchestral music.
Ottorino Respighi arranged and edited by Kenneth Atkins Catalogue number: 006CC031223A
Originally written for piano duet by one of the leading Italian composers of the early 20th century — most famous for his three lavishly-orchestrated tone poems, Fountains of Rome, Pines of Rome, and Roman Festivals — these six little pieces are arranged here for string orchestra.
Antonio Salieri arranged and edited by W.C. Rohl Catalogue number: 006CC122322B
Originally written for string quartet, this lively fugue by Mozart’s rival (if the stories are to be believed) has been arranged and edited for string orchestra.
from SUITE FANTASTIQUE IN E MINOR “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” Fidelis Zitterbart Catalogue number: 006CH051124A arranged and edited by Marc Linwood
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.
Vasiliy Zolotarev arranged and edited by Kenneth Atkins Catalogue number: 006CF122122A
A collection of short folk songs from Ukraine in two volumes, beautifully set with lush, Romantic harmonies by composer, Vasily Zolotarev. Arranged for string orchestra.
Vasiliy Zolotarev arranged and edited by Kenneth Atkins Catalogue number: 006CF122122B
A collection of short folk songs from Ukraine in two volumes, beautifully set with lush, Romantic harmonies by composer, Vasily Zolotarev. Arranged for string orchestra.
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