A Grainger Suite: String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts
By Percy Aldridge Grainger / arr. Robert D. McCashin
Grade: 3.5
Item: 00-PK-0008794
$70.00
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Description
A Grainger Suite explores various styles, techniques, and simple chromaticism. The three movements include "Country Gardens," "Irish Tune From County Derry," and "Children's March." Robert D. McCashin has done an excellent job of making this accessible to intermediate groups while staying true to the character of Percy Aldridge Grainger's original music. A perfect way to work on phrasing and chromatic fingerings without requiring a great deal of technique. (4:45)
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Additional Details
Series:
MakeMusic Symphony Strings
Publisher:
MakeMusic Publications
SKU:
00-PK-0008794
More about this title
About the Composer: Percy Aldridge Grainger
Percy Aldridge Grainger (1882–1961) was an Australian-born composer and pianist whose music bridged classical tradition and popular idiom with remarkable ease. He possessed an insatiable curiosity about folk music and spent decades collecting and arranging traditional melodies from across the British Isles and Scandinavia, transforming them into concert works that preserved their character while showcasing sophisticated harmonic language.
Grainger's arrangements and original compositions became staples of music education because they combined accessibility with genuine artistic substance. His orchestrations reveal deep knowledge of instrumental color and balance, and his folk-inspired works introduced generations of young musicians to the beauty of traditional music through carefully crafted scores that reward both players and listeners.
Why we love this
McCashin's arrangement captures the melodic warmth and structural integrity of Grainger's originals while respecting what intermediate ensembles can realistically execute. The three movements give you stylistic variety without requiring advanced technique, making this ideal for groups ready to move beyond unison passages but still developing their ensemble sound and expressive control.
What to expect
These three movements transport you from an English country garden to the misty hills of Ireland and into the spirited energy of a children's parade. The harmonic language feels modern without sounding academic, and the melodies lodge in your ear immediately, leaving an impression of genuine style rather than pastiche.
Who it's for
Intermediate string orchestras (grades 3.5 and above) looking for substantial repertoire that develops musicianship without overwhelming technical demands. Directors seeking a single work that combines folk authenticity with concert polish will find this especially valuable.
How to get the most out of it
- Shape the opening of each melody phrase with a slight crescendo toward the peak note, then taper the conclusion. The folk-song origins of these tunes demand genuine singing from the strings, not mechanical note delivery.
- Balance the chromatic passages by ensuring inner voices remain audible; the harmonic movement is part of what gives these arrangements their character. Rehearse the harmony parts with the same attention you'd give a melody line.
- Allow time for genuine breath between movements. Grainger's suite works best when each section lands with its own identity rather than bleeding into the next.
- Lock the rhythmic pulse early and firmly. Even though the material feels lyrical, a drifting tempo will expose ensemble insecurity in the chromatic writing.
How to use it
Program this suite as a centerpiece for a concert celebrating folk sources, or pair it with contemporary arrangements of traditional music to show how composers have engaged with popular idioms across different eras. The moderate length and intermediate difficulty make it suitable for festivals and competitions where you want to present polished work without excessive rehearsal demands.
Skills your students will build
- Singing and shaping longer melodic lines with intentional phrasing
- Reading and performing chromatic passages with clarity and control
- Balancing individual voice lines within harmonic texture
- Responding to style cues and musical character in folk-inspired arrangements