The Gypsy Rover: Score
English Folk Song / arr. Elliot Del Borgo
Grade: 2
Item: 00-PR-0000151
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Description
From the pen of Elliot Del Borgo comes this outstanding arrangement of a well-known English folk song. Packed with vigorous rhythmic activity and easy double-stops, this piece will make your orchestra sound bigger than life. With interesting parts for all sections, your students will want to play this again and again. A gorgeous, slow middle section for muted strings in G minor leads back to a return of the opening G major Allegro and a brilliant finish. (Grade 2) This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, The Gypsy Rover: Score comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.
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Additional Details
Series:
Highland/Etling String Orchestra
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
136
SKU:
00-PR-0000151
More about this title
About the Arranger: Elliot Del Borgo
Elliot Del Borgo is a prolific composer and arranger whose work spans orchestral, band, and choral settings. His arrangements are prized in music education for their musicality and accessibility; he writes idiomatically for young players while maintaining artistic integrity and ear appeal.
Why we love this
Del Borgo's gift for orchestration shines here. He takes a familiar tune and builds something that feels expansive and polished at Grade 2, giving students genuine musical satisfaction without excessive technical demand. The contrast between the bright opening and the muted G minor middle section shows student musicians what emotional range they can achieve.
What to expect
Spirited and infectious, with a folk tune that sits naturally in the string sound. The journey from bright and propulsive to introspective and shadowed creates dramatic shape, then returns with satisfaction. Students finish exhilarated by a piece that sounds considerably more sophisticated than its technical demands suggest.
Who it's for
String orchestras at the early intermediate level seeking repertoire that balances accessibility with genuine musicality. The Grade 2 designation reflects the technical ease while the piece's structure and contrasts suit orchestras ready to explore phrasing, dynamic control, and sectional balance.
How to get the most out of it
- Shape the opening Allegro with articulation clarity in the rhythmic passages; the vigor comes from rhythmic precision and ensemble lock, not from pushing tempo.
- Balance the double-stops so they blend rather than stand out. Encourage players to listen across the section and adjust dynamics to blend the texture.
- Bring out the contrast in the muted middle section by asking for a genuinely soft dynamic and focused tone. This transformation prepares the return to the opening material.
- The brilliant finish rewards clean articulation and controlled energy. Work the fast figures at a tempo your violas and cellos can execute cleanly.
How to use it
This works beautifully as a concert opener where you want energy and accessibility, or as a centerpiece that pairs well with a more lyrical work. Its contest/festival suitability makes it ideal for competitions where you want solid execution paired with musical storytelling.
Skills your students will build
- Rhythmic precision in folk-style articulation
- Double-stop intonation and blend
- Dynamic contrast and phrase shaping
- Muted string technique (middle section)
- Sectional balance and listening within ensemble texture