"Songs for Strings" is a captivating chamber music album, released on September 7, 2018, under AVIE Records. Composed and arranged by the talented Donald Fraser, this collection of pieces offers a unique and engaging listening experience that spans a mere 58 minutes. Fraser's arrangements for string orchestra breathe new life into classical compositions, creating a cohesive and enchanting journey through various musical styles and eras.
The album features a diverse range of works, from the hauntingly beautiful "The Queen's Hall" to the intricate "6 Fugues: V. Fugue in G Minor," showcasing Fraser's versatility and mastery of the string orchestra. Notable pieces include the evocative "Time Stands Still," the dramatic "Concerto for 2 Cellos in G Minor, RV 531: II. Largo," and the ethereal "Nuage Gris, S. 199." Each track is meticulously arranged to highlight the rich, resonant tones of the strings, offering a feast for the ears.
Fraser's innovative approach extends to the final track, "Sonnerie (The Bells of St. Genevieve)," which incorporates electronics, adding a modern twist to the traditional string orchestra sound. This album is a testament to Fraser's skill as both a composer and an arranger, offering a fresh perspective on classical music that is sure to delight and inspire.
(C) 2018 FraserMusic Interactive / Donald Fraser
Tracks
The Queen’s Hall (Arr. for String Orchestra by Donald Fraser)Donald Fraser, Edward Elgar, English Chamber Orchestra
Time Stands Still (Arr. for String Orchestra by Donald Fraser)Donald Fraser, John Dowland, English Symphony Orchestra
Ground in C Minor, ZD. 221 (Arr. for String Orchestra by Donald Fraser)Donald Fraser, Henry Purcell, English Symphony Orchestra
Crucifixus (Arr. for String Orchestra by Donald Fraser)Donald Fraser, Antonio Lotti, English Symphony Orchestra
6 Fugues: V. Fugue in G Minor (Arr. for String Orchestra by Donald Fraser)Donald Fraser, Nicola Porpora, Engish Symphony Orchestra
Concerto for 2 Cellos in G Minor, RV 531: II. Largo (Arr. for String Orchestra by Donald Fraser)Donald Fraser, Antonio Vivaldi, English Symphony Orchestra
Lord Lovat’s Lament (Arr. for String Orchestra by Donald Fraser)Donald Fraser, David Fraser, English Symphony Orchestra
Nuage Gris, S. 199 (Arr. for String Orchestra by Donald Fraser)Donald Fraser, Franz Liszt, English Symphony Orchestra
Canon (Arr. for String Orchestra by Donald Fraser)Donald Fraser, Alexander Scriabin, English Symphony Orchestra
À la manière de Borodine, M. 63/1 (Arr. for String Orchestra by Donald Fraser)Donald Fraser, Maurice Ravel, English Symphony Orchestra
Pleading, Op. 48 (Arr. for String Orchestra by Donald Fraser)Donald Fraser, Edward Elgar, English Chamber Orchestra
A Child Asleep (Arr. for String Orchestra by Donald Fraser)Donald Fraser, Edward Elgar, English Chamber Orchestra
Queen Mary’s Lute Song (Arr. for String Orchestra by Donald Fraser)Donald Fraser, Edward Elgar, English Chamber Orchestra
Epilogue for StringsDonald Fraser, English Symphony Orchestra
Sonnerie (The Bells of St. Genevieve) (Arr. for String Orchestra and Electronics by Donald Fraser)Donald Fraser, Marin Marais, English Symphony Orchestra, English Chamber Orchestra