Seitz 2 Pieces Faciles Op 26 for Violin and String Orchestra

Seitz's 2 Pièces faciles, Op. 26 pair a lyrical Chanson in G major with a driven Tarantelle in D major: two contrasting movements at around ABRSM Grade 6 that together make a compact, varied programme item. This arrangement sets both pieces for solo violin and string orchestra, replacing the original piano accompaniment with an orchestral part that supports the soloist without crowding the melodic line.

The Chanson asks for long, singing phrases and careful bow management: speed control for even crescendos and diminuendos, sustained legato, and the kind of tonal warmth that only comes with a well-judged contact point. The string orchestra writing adds harmonic support while leaving the melodic line clearly out front.

The Tarantelle is a different ask entirely. The driving 6/8 rhythm demands crisp bowing and stamina, while frequent shifts between first and third position develop fingerboard fluency under real performance pressure. It's a useful pairing: the two pieces build different aspects of Grade 6 technique in a context that sounds genuinely musical rather than like a set of études.

At around four minutes in total, this is a well-proportioned double item for a school concert or recital. The contrasting characters give a student the chance to show two different sides of their playing in a short space of time.

See and hear the difference

Check the score and parts preview images above, then watch the complete score video below. They'll give you a clear picture of the engraving quality and overall difficulty before you buy.

Key features

• Instrumentation: Solo Violin and String Orchestra (Violin I, Violin II, Viola, Cello, Double Bass)
• Difficulty: approximately ABRSM Grade 6
• Duration: approximately 4 minutes (Chanson c.2 min, Tarantelle c.2 min)
• Style focus: sustained legato and bow control (Chanson); 6/8 rhythm, first to third position shifts (Tarantelle)
• Format: PDF download, full score and all parts

Who it's for

Suits a Grade 6 violinist preparing for an examination or recital who needs to demonstrate both lyrical playing and technical agility. Works well for school and youth orchestra concerts where a short, varied solo feature is needed, and as teaching repertoire for any student at this stage working on bow control and position shifting.