The composer writes:Pilgrim was inspired it will be no surprise to learn by reading Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress - Vaughan Williams's great opera on the subject had fascinated me from its first performance yet it was a long time before I caught up with this essential item in any well-stocked library of English classics. It made a great impression not least because of its theme of a journey of self-discovery and a rediscovery or renewal of faith. These are ideas which have a strong interest for me not in religious terms but in their application to every aspect of human life (including great journeys) and this piece reflects my response in musical terms to this concern. The tempo of the whole piece which lasts about 18 minutes is basically slow. There are two quick episodes but these act somewhat like the trio sections of a classical scherzo save that the tempo relationships are inverted (the classical trios would have been slower not quicker) and the canvas is much larger being that of a single substantial slow movement. The form of the whole is perhaps fantasia-like rather than having any relationship to classical forms such as sonata or rondo - some motifs and themes are varied as the work develops and the opening chords are of primary importance throughout the work. There has been no attempt to convey any pictorial elements deriving from Bunyan's great book. There is however one feature which upon completion of the score struck me with some force which is that almost all the thematic material is essentially striving upwards - there is a constant upward movement (sometimes over a lengthy period) throughout the work. Pilgrim was commissioned by the Luton Music Club for the Raphael Ensemble with funds provided by the Eastern Arts Board and Bedfordshire County Council and is dedicated to the Luton Music Club. The first performance was given in Luton on February 10th 1997 and followed as part of a joint scheme by performances in the same week at the Music Clubs of Bedford and Leighton Buzzard.

This upbeat party-time piece could open or close a concert perfectly. Every section gets a soli and there is an optional section for improvisation. Everyone will be singing the melody on the road trip home from the concert. (4:00) / Orchestre A Cordes

Absolutely a must-have for festival or contest, this symphonic transcription will showcase your group at their best! Accurately reflecting the original string parts while the other parts are seamlessly voiced in the strings, this will become a favorite. (2:40) / Orchestre A Cordes

This 5-minute medley for band and choir will be a cross-generational salute to the Beatles with songs that are more popular than ever! Perfectly crafted for younger ensembles songs include: Hello Goodbye; Ticket to Ride;Penny Lane; Can't Buy Me Love. Available separately: 3-Part Mixed 2-Part Concert Band (Grade 3) String Pak ShowTrax CD. Duration: ca. 5:10.

This gently wistful yet stirring piece was inspired by the demise of a once-grand willow grove as change overtook the region. Perfect to develop a rich, singing cantabile line with long, full bow strokes, and to practice dotted rhythms and 8th-note passages. (3:30) / Orchestre A Cordes

Par ADELE / MOORE LARRY (Arr.). After six years, Adele is back with this beautiful new ballad! Larry Moore\'s masterful arrangement is in an easy key and range for string players, and rich in syncopations, in keeping with Adele\'s inimitable style. This will be a big hit with both your students and your audience! / Date parution : 2022-09-27/ Répertoire / Ensemble de Cordes

Pop Specials for Strings - Grade 3-4. Par WILLIAMS JOHN. Larry Moore's excellent arrangement for string orchestra captures all the grandeur, urgency, and pathos of John Williams' theme from the latest installment of the Star Wars saga! This would be a truly magnificent concert opener for your students! / Date parution : 2023-01-24/ Répertoire / Orchestre à Cordes

The Oscar-nominated song from Disneys mega-hit film is carefully crafted here for younger players with minimal syncopation and solid tutti scoring for confident performances. Your students will be thrilled to play this worldwide pop hit.

Par ALBENIZ ISAAC. A spell-binding exploration of the music of Spain, Fantasía Española features four exciting yet contrasting sections and challenging parts for all players. Three of Spain's most famous composers are represented in this medley arranged by Bob Phillips. The piece begins with an exciting, driving excerpt from 'Asturias (Leyenda)', by Isaac Albéniz, which, though written for piano, is most often heard on guitar. The setting of this section allows the violins and violas a display of virtuosity with its unrelenting rhythmic drive. Beautiful, lyric, and emotional, 'Tango in D,' also by Albéniz, will showcase the musicianship of the entire orchestra. Originally written for piano, the strings will shine in this second section of the arrangement. The third section is the slow and lyric, 'Adelita.' Drawn from the deep treasure of Spanish guitar music and written by the father of classical guitar, Francisco Tárrega, this piece is simply beautiful. The medley concludes with 'Danza Ritual del Fuego' from the ballet El Amor Brujo. Written by Manuel de Falla for full orchestra, the string setting drives to a fabulous and dramatic finish.(5:45) / Date parution : 2022-10-12/ Répertoire / Orchestre à Cordes

This seamless medley of the most popular overture themes from the Classical and Romantic periods---a veritable music history listening lesson---will be a sure-fire hit on any concert program. Scored in D-major throughout, the grade 3 arrangement by Douglas E. Wagner presents many teachable moments with style, balance, dynamic control, articulation, and interpretation. In order of appearance, the themes included are: '1812 Festival Overture' (Largo) by Tchaikovsky - Overture to Zampa by Herold - Overture to The Barber of Seville by Rossini - Overture to The Magic Flute by Mozart - Overture to The Marriage of Figaro by Mozart - Overture to Poet and Peasant by von Suppé - Overture to The Merry Wives of Windsor by Nicolai - Overture to William Tell by Rossini - Overture to Die Meistersinger by Wagner - Overture to Light Cavalry by von Suppé - Overture to Orpheus in the Underworld by Offenbach - 'Academic Festival Overture,' by Brahms - and '1812 Festival Overture' (Allegro vivace) by Tchaikovsky. (3:30) / Orchestre A Cordes

This upbeat hit recorded by Carly Rae Jepsen has taken the charts by storm and quickly has become a pop anthem. This great sounding arrangement will go together quickly with great audience appeal for any concert.