Luigi Boccherini (1743–1805) was a virtuoso cellist and composer who lived during the Classical era. He was born in Italy but got his first major job in 1770 composing music for the King of Spain. It was during this time in 1771 that he wrote his most famous and exciting symphony, the Symphony in D Minor, in the Sturm und Drang (“storm and stress”) style, which was all the rage during this period. In fact, Mozart wrote his fiery Symphony No. 25 in G Minor in this same style just two years later.

Students love to play exciting music that has endured the test of time and still feels relevant to the drama in their own lives. This Grade V arrangement for string orchestra works as a dramatic and memorable opener or closer for any concert. The added bowings and fingerings make the music more approachable for students, and the Classical style makes this arrangement perfect for evaluated or competitive performances.

This arrangement also has optional Grade III parts for violin, viola, and combined cello/bass for younger players, giving less experienced players a chance to perform this exciting piece with their older, more advanced peers.

Dr. Christopher Selby is a thirty-year veteran public school orchestra teacher, and he is the lead author of the Habits of a Successful String Musician method book series published by GIA. He is an active clinician and conductor and has presented sessions at numerous Midwest Clinics, American String Teachers Association (ASTA) national conferences, and state conferences across America. Dr. Selby currently directs the award-winning high school orchestras at the School of the Arts in Charleston, South Carolina.