Old French Melody: String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts
Mes belles amourettes (Based on a theme from The Children's Album, Op. 39, No. 16)
By Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky [Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky] / arr. Robert Sieving
Grade: 3
Item: 00-PK-0007382
$46.00
Pickup currently not available
Buy Extra Parts (Digital PDF Download)
| Product | Price | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Old French Melody: Score | $9.00 | |
| Old French Melody: 1st Violin | $5.99 | |
| Old French Melody: 2nd Violin | $5.99 | |
| Old French Melody: Viola | $5.99 | |
| Old French Melody: Cello | $5.99 | |
| Old French Melody: String Bass | $5.99 |
Parts Added to Cart!
Related Items
Old French Melody: String Orchestra Conductor Score |
$9.00
|
View |
Description
Based upon Tchaikovsky's setting with a middle section in parallel major added by arranger Robert Sieving, this arrangement of "Old French Melody" from Children's Album, Op. 39 is quickly accessible. It features half position for string bass, first positions in all other sections, and interesting parts for middle voices. A teaching opportunity to explore parallel minor and major is also presented. (3:00)
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Old French Melody: String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.
Open in the Player
Jump straight in and assign it today.
Start Your Free Trial
Open this title and explore the full library in minutes.
Sample Audio
1
Audio File
--:--
0:00
0:00
Sample Video
Additional Details
Series:
Highland/Etling String Orchestra
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
62
SKU:
00-PK-0007382
More about this title
About the Composer: Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840–1893) stands as one of the most performed composers in the Western canon, celebrated for his gift for melody and his ability to blend Russian musical traditions with European forms. His prolific output spans symphonies, concertos, ballets, and chamber works that remain central to orchestral and educational repertoire worldwide.
Why we love this
Robert Sieving's arrangement captures the gentle lyricism of Tchaikovsky's original while adding pedagogical depth through a parallel major section that invites discussion about harmonic relationships. The orchestration sits comfortably in beginning positions across all sections, making it genuinely playable for Grade 3 ensembles without sacrificing musical substance or the chance to explore meaningful theoretical concepts.
What to expect
The piece opens with a contemplative, nostalgic quality characteristic of Tchaikovsky's gift for simple yet profound melody. When the parallel major enters, the music brightens and opens without losing its essential character, offering a striking yet natural harmonic shift that feels both surprising and inevitable.
Who it's for
String orchestra conductors working with developing ensembles who want repertoire that sounds refined and teaches real musical concepts. This arrangement fits Grade 3 groups ready to move beyond unison or simple homophonic textures but still building confidence in first and half positions.
How to get the most out of it
- Shape the minor section with warmth and introspection before the character shift into the parallel major; the contrast will feel more striking when both sections receive distinct emotional coloring.
- Balance the middle voices carefully during the major section. These parts often carry thematic interest and deserve presence in the ensemble sound, not just harmonic support.
- Attend to the string bass part in half position; it may require extra rehearsal time, but the shift rewards careful intonation work and expands the bass section's technical range.
How to use it
Program this as a concert opener or as part of a set exploring harmonic color and transformation. It also works well in festival or contest settings where adjudicators value musicality and technical growth equally. The modest three-minute duration makes it ideal alongside longer works or as a palate-cleansing moment between contrasting pieces.
Skills your students will build
- Identifying and performing parallel major and minor relationships
- Half position technique on string bass
- Balancing inner voices in a four-part harmonic texture
- Sustaining tone quality and intonation through longer melodic phrases
- Responding to harmonic color shifts within a single piece