AULD LANG SYNE arranged for orchestra
by Peter Lawson
Goodmusic Concert Classics GMCL203
Level of Difficulty
Attributing a particular level of difficulty to an orchestral piece is awkward!
A piece may be easy for the strings but difficult for the brass; it may feature a tricky instrumental solo but the other parts may be relatively straight forward. A number of the arrangements listed are designed to simplify works to some extent but composers of many original works featured did not consider difficulty when writing them.
What our levels mean:
A = for players up to UK Grade 3
B = Grade 3 to 5
C = Grade 4 to 6
D = Grade 5 to 7
E = Grade 6 to 8
F = Grade 7 and over
Our gradings should be taken only as a rough guide.
To be sure if a piece is suitable for you, take a look at the score.
Orchestration: 2 Flutes (2nd db.piccolo), 2 Oboes, 2 Clarinets in Bb, 2 Bassoons, 4 Horns in F, 2 Trumpets in Bb, 3 Trombones, Tuba, Timpani, Percussion (2 or 3 players: Snare Drum, Glockenspiel, Cymbals (clashed), Tubular Bells), Harp (or Piano), Organ (optional)
Strings (Violin 1, Violin 2, Viola, Cello, Bass) and Unison Voices (optional).
Auld Lang Syne is a poem written by Robert Burns in 1788 and set to the tune of a traditional folk song. It is well known in many countries, especially in the English-speaking world, its traditional use being to bid farewell to the old year at the stroke of midnight. It is also sung at funerals, graduations and as a farewell or ending to other occasions.
This new orchestration by Peter Lawson can be used as an accompaniment for "community" singing or for orchestra alone. It uses just two of the original five verses of Burns' poem.
Two options for ending are given: end at Bar 56 for a big finish, or for a more reflective ending, continue for the remaining 12 bars.
A PACK comprises an A4 sized full score plus a complete set of parts including strings 4/4/3/4/2.
Duration 3 minutes
Audio Sample
Click the play button below to hear a performance which has been computer-generated from the score.